Hot hardness refers to a tool material’s ability to maintain its hardness and cutting performance at high temperatures.
During machining, cutting heat rises. If a tool has poor hot hardness, it will soften, lose cutting strength, and wear out faster.
In one sentence:
➡ Good hot hardness means the tool stays hard and sharp even when it gets hot.
Typical materials:
M35, M42, carbide, and high-performance coatings (TiAlN, AlTiN, etc.)
Wear resistance describes a tool’s ability to resist abrasion and surface wear during cutting.
Even without extreme temperatures, friction, impact, and workpiece hardness can cause tool wear.
In one sentence:
➡ Good wear resistance means the tool lasts longer and resists abrasion.
Typical materials:
Carbide, and coatings such as TiSiN, AlCrN, etc.
| Property | Focus | Conditions | What It Affects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Hardness | Hardness retention at high temperature | High-speed or high-heat cutting | Prevents softening, edge deformation, tool failure |
| Wear Resistance | Ability to resist abrasion | Friction and long cutting cycles | Tool life, durability, resistance to wear |
Hot hardness = stays hard when hot
Wear resistance = hard to wear out
Both properties are essential for achieving stable machining and long tool life.
