A TCT Annular Cutter (Tungsten Carbide Tipped Annular Cutter) is a high-efficiency hole-cutting tool, commonly used on magnetic drills, CNC machines, and milling machines to drill large diameter holes in steel, stainless steel, and other metals.
TCT = Tungsten Carbide Tipped
It means the cutting edges are made of tungsten carbide teeth, while the body is made of tough alloy steel.
This design combines:
Unlike traditional twist drills, annular cutters are hollow. They cut only the outer edge of the hole — not the full material — which makes them:
Faster
Cooler in operation
More efficient in chip removal
Main components:
Used for drilling:
| Feature | TCT Annular Cutter | HSS Annular Cutter |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting speed | 2–4× faster | Slower |
| Tool life | 2–3× longer | Standard |
| Suitable materials | Hard & tough metals | Mild to medium steels |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
