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Precision Starts Here – Carbide Rod Blanks for Aerospace Manufacturing

The Role of Tungsten Carbide Rod Blanks in High-Performance Tooling

A metal rod is being cut by a machine

Kennametal brings together material science and technical expertise to help the world drive, power, build, and even fly. Established as a leading supplier of advanced materials, Kennametal produces premium tungsten carbide grades that are the basis for manufacturing high-performance metal cutting tools.  Technical expertise and tight controls are critical for subsequent powder metallurgy manufacturing steps such as compaction and sintering to ensure our customers’ highest expectations for performance and consistency are met.

In aerospace manufacturing, precision isn’t just a goal – it is a necessity. Even the smallest deviations can compromise the integrity, performance, and safety of aerospace components. These parts, made of materials such as titanium and high-strength alloys, must meet extremely tight tolerances. 

Kennametal understands the critical demands of aerospace operations and ensures that manufacturers can rely on our materials to produce tools with exacting specifications.  With a strong reputation for consistency, quality, and dimensional accuracy, Kennametal’s blanks are used by top aerospace companies worldwide in their most demanding machining applications.

With the anticipated continued growth trend of the aerospace industry the value Kennametal rod blanks bring to finished tool producers becomes even more important. Our rod blanks provide property and dimensional consistency and uniformity across all production runs at higher volumes.   

Explore Kennametal’s Global Carbide Rod Reach

Map of Global Manufacturing Sites of Kennametal Carbide Rod Blanks. Pointing out Rogers, USA; Essen, Germany; Mistelgau, Germany; and Tianjin, China.

Kennametal is committed to serving customers worldwide across various industries, and this extends to our premium tungsten carbide rod blank offering. With four manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and China, we are equipped to be your global partner for round tool manufacturing.

Our global presence enables a diverse range of grade offerings, including popular options like 2210, KMS, K313, THM-F, THR-D, and more. Kennametal’s portfolio features eight different grades to provide the best materials for different workpiece materials and cutting conditions.

Check out the Rod Blanks Grade Chart below or our Carbide Rods Catalog for more information on our standard series grade offerings, product details, and manufacturing locations.

Kennametal Standard Series Rod Blanks Grade Chart

Discover Kennametal’s First-Class Grades

KMS: The KMS grade offers exceptional wear and impact resistance, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. Primarily used in end mills, reamers, drills, countersinks, and other rotary tools, it excels in cutting steels, cast iron, non-ferrous metals, plastics, and more. Known for its versatility, the KMS grade is considered the best general-purpose option for rotary tools.

Manufactured in Germany and China, the KMS grade combines consistent quality and precision, making it a reliable choice for aerospace and other industries. Its 10% cobalt content enhances performance across various demanding applications, ensuring durability and efficiency.

2210: A top choice for cutting tool manufacturers due to its exceptional wear resistance, toughness, and ability to handle the stresses of machining hard materials like titanium, Inconel, and composites. The 2210 grade’s high performance across various applications makes it particularly valued in the aerospace and defense industries.

A key reason aerospace and defense customers in the United States choose Kennametal is our U.S.-based manufacturing in Rogers, Arkansas, ensuring compliance with regulations that require domestic production. By controlling the entire process—from raw materials to final tungsten carbide rods—Kennametal guarantees stringent quality control, reliability, and consistent performance, crucial in aerospace applications where precision and tool performance directly impact efficiency and cost.

Implementing Precision Tooling in Aerospace Applications

Eight Kennametal Rod Blanks of Various Sizes

Eight Kennametal Rod Blanks of Various Sizes

Kennametal’s tungsten carbide rods are available in a range of standard sizes to custom cut to-length options. Additionally, Kennametal offers a variety of finishes, including h6 ground, unground, and micro-finish, which enables manufacturers to select the right solution for their specific tool needs.

The company’s commitment to quality is highlighted by its status as an approved supplier of tungsten carbide to the aerospace and defense markets. This recognition means that aerospace customers can trust Kennametal to provide materials that meet and exceed their exacting standards. Kennametal has proven its worth in a wide range of industries and applications throughout the past 85 years with its high-level expertise and strong reputation in metal cutting and the aerospace industry is no different. 

From the Mine to the Sky: Kennametal’s Tungsten Carbide Rods Drive Aerospace Precision

White passenger airplane flying in the sky with clouds

Kennametal’s products are designed to enhance tool performance by optimizing metallurgical properties for cutting efficiency and improved performance in high-precision applications, enabling faster machining, longer tool life, and reduced downtime. Our high-quality tungsten carbide rod blanks are essential for custom metal cutting tools requiring precision, durability, and superior performance in applications like drilling, milling and reaming complex aerospace components. 

With a history of excellence, a commitment to quality, and unmatched technical support, Kennametal continues to be a trusted partner for aerospace manufacturers around the world, helping them achieve superior performance and productivity in every project. 

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