What cutting tool material is known for its high toughness and is less hard than carbide?

High-speed steel is recognized for its high toughness, making it a preferred choice in various machining applications. This toughness allows high-speed steel tools to withstand the impacts and stresses typically encountered in metal cutting operations. Although it is not as hard as carbide, which is extremely hard and wear-resistant but can be brittle, high-speed steel offers superior ductility and the ability to absorb shock.

This characteristic makes high-speed steel particularly effective for cutting operations that involve interrupted cuts or variable load conditions. It is also capable of maintaining its cutting edges at temperatures that may be generated during machining processes, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Other materials such as cobalt and tool steel can be utilized in cutting tools, but they do not offer the same combination of toughness and versatility that high-speed steel provides. Cobalt can enhance the properties of high-speed steel, but it’s often used in smaller amounts. Tool steel, while tough, typically lacks the high-speed performance capabilities inherent to high-speed steel compositions. Thus, the choice of high-speed steel as the answer correctly highlights a crucial aspect of selecting cutting tool materials based on their properties and application requirements.