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Debate at work: Carbide vs HSS for punch dies

So last week, I was fixing a worn-out die and got into it with a coworker. He says carbide is the only way to go for long runs. I mean, yeah it's tough, but high-speed steel is simpler to grind and way cheaper. Maybe it's just me, but I think HSS works fine for smaller batches. What do you guys think?
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3 Comments
ruby_thomas43
Go with HSS for smaller runs, way easier to fix when it wears down. @xenamason has a point about testing hardness, but honestly, for most jobs HSS does fine. Only switch to carbide for huge production lines.
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caleb_kelly
Hardness tests are for dies, not coworkers.
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xenamason
xenamason3mo ago
Did the hardness test extend to your coworker's head?
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