TCT Annular Cutter VS HSS Annular Cutter

An annular cutter (also called as core drill, core cutter, broach cutter, trepanning drill, hole saw, or cup-type cutter) is form of core drill used to create holes in metal. An annular cutter, named after the annulus shape, cuts only a groove at the periphery of the hole and leaves a solid core or slug at the center.

An annular cutter is a more expensive and more efficient alternative to spiral drill bits and standard hole saws. An annular cutter is similar to a hole saw but differs in geometry and material. The two most common types are high-speed steel (HSS) and tungsten carbide tipped (TCT).

Annular cutters are best used with a drill press or magnetic drilling machine, both for their stability against high torque forces created by such a drill bit and lower RPMs compared to other types of drills.

TCT Annular Cutter

As an annular cutter cuts only on the periphery of the hole to be made, it has to remove much less material as compared to conventional drill bits which cut and remove the complete material of the hole. Annular cutters are considered to be 3 to 4 times faster than conventional drill bits.

One of the many questions discussed in the metalworking industry - which is the ultimate broach? The traditional HSS? or the contemporary TCT?Preferences and opinions on which is best vary widely, but as leaders in cutting tool innovation, we're here to state the facts.

So let's break down the broach dilemma from definition to conclusion and address any dilemmas one might encounter when choosing the perfect tool for the job.

High Speed Steel

Refers to high speed steel. As the name suggests, these tools are made of steel and are capable of cutting or broaching most materials other than alloy metals such as stainless steel.

TCT

Refers to tungsten carbide tips. Tungsten carbide is one of the hardest materials used in cutting tools, which gives TCT tools many advantages over HSS.

HSS Annular Cutter

Comparison

One of the main advantages of using TCT broaching tools is speed and productivity. TCT broaching tools run at a much higher RPM than HSS tools, so more holes can be produced in the same amount of time. Broaching speeds will vary depending on the tool used.

In terms of physical properties, tungsten carbide is approximately twice as hard and dense as steel. This allows TCT tools to easily broach alloys such as stainless steel, cast iron and specific grades of structural steel - something that HSS tools cannot do.

The robustness of tungsten carbide also means a longer life expectancy. As a leader in cutting tool innovation, we have designed and developed TCT broaching tools that have four times the life expectancy of HSS tools.

The final difference between the two, and perhaps the most important one when making a purchasing decision, is price. Because TCT tools are a premium option, they are more expensive, making HSS tools a cheaper and more popular alternative.

Let us help you find the best annular cutter for your magnetic drilling machine. When you contact us, please provide your detailed requirements. That will help us give you a valid quotation.