Which type of blades are known to be the hardest, most durable, and most expensive?

Carbide tipped blades are recognized for their exceptional hardness, durability, and cost. The tip of these blades is made from tungsten carbide, a material that is much harder than steel and is known for its wear resistance. This hardness allows carbide tipped blades to maintain sharpness over a longer period, making them ideal for cutting tough materials in aerospace applications.

The durability of carbide tipped blades means they can withstand higher temperatures and stress during operation compared to other blade types. Although they are more expensive to manufacture due to the use of high-quality materials and the complexities involved in the production process, this investment pays off in terms of fewer replacements and extended use.

In contrast, other types of blades, like high-speed steel blades, while durable, do not match the hardness and longevity of carbide tipped blades. Bi-metal blades are a combination of materials designed for flexibility and resistance to breakage, but they may not deliver the same cutting performance on hard materials as carbide tipped blades. Diamond blades, while extremely hard and effective for cutting specific materials like concrete and masonry, are generally less used in standard metalworking tasks commonly found in aerospace assembly.