What material is recognized for its hardness, often used in cutting tools?

Carbide is recognized for its exceptional hardness and durability, making it a popular choice for cutting tools. This material is typically a composite of carbon and a metal, such as tungsten or titanium, which enhances its strength and resistance to wear. The remarkable hardness of carbide allows it to maintain a sharp cutting edge longer than many other materials, thus improving efficiency and reducing the frequency of tool replacement in various applications, particularly in machining and industrial cutting tasks.

Steel, while strong and versatile, generally does not have the same level of hardness as carbide and is more susceptible to wear, making it less ideal for high-precision cutting applications. Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant but lacks the hardness needed for cutting tools. Cobalt is used in certain high-speed steels and alloys to enhance toughness and heat resistance but does not reach the hardness levels found in carbide.