Understanding Tool Materials: Hot Hardness

What is the correct order of tool materials arranged according to the decreasing order of their hot hardness?

The correct order of tool materials arranged according to the decreasing order of their hot hardness is: Ceramics, Cermets, Tungsten Carbide, HSS. This means option A is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Hot Hardness: Hot hardness refers to a material's ability to maintain its hardness at high temperatures. In the context of tool materials, hot hardness is crucial for applications where tools are exposed to elevated temperatures during cutting processes.

Order of Tool Materials:

The order of decreasing hot hardness among the mentioned tool materials is as follows:
  • Ceramics: Ceramics, such as alumina or silicon nitride, exhibit excellent hot hardness properties. They are ideal for high-temperature cutting applications due to their ability to maintain hardness at elevated temperatures.
  • Cermets: Cermets are composite materials that combine ceramic and metal components. The ceramic content in cermets contributes to their good hot hardness properties, making them suitable for applications requiring high-temperature resistance.
  • Tungsten Carbide: Tungsten carbide, often in the form of cemented carbide, is renowned for its high hardness and excellent wear resistance. It maintains its hardness effectively at elevated temperatures, making it a valuable tool material.
  • HSS (High-Speed Steel): High-Speed Steel tools offer excellent cutting performance and durability. However, they have relatively lower hot hardness compared to ceramics, cermets, and tungsten carbide. HSS tools may experience hardness degradation at high temperatures.
Based on the hot hardness properties of these tool materials, the correct order is Ceramics, Cermets, Tungsten Carbide, HSS, as indicated in option A. This sequence reflects the decreasing hot hardness characteristics of these materials when subjected to high-temperature conditions during machining operations.
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