High-Speed Steel (HSS): Traditionally used for a wide range of machining applications, HSS tools are versatile and can be used for non-ferrous metals, alloys, and some steels. However, they tend to wear more quickly than harder materials at higher machining speeds.

Cobalt-Containing HSS

: Natural and synthetic diamonds are used for their extreme hardness and are ideal for machining non-ferrous metals, non-metallic materials, and for ultra-precision applications. They are particularly useful for machining materials that are hard or have a high abrasiveness.

: Tools coated with materials like titanium nitride (TiN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN), or diamond-like carbon (DLC) can improve tool life and performance by providing a harder surface, better wear resistance, and reduced friction.

It's important to note that the selection of tool material is not only about the material's properties but also its application in the machining process. For instance, ultra-precision machining (UPM) technology, which has been crucial in high-tech fields like aerospace and biotechnology, benefits from the use of materials like single-crystal diamonds for their exceptional hardness and thermal conductivity, enabling the production of ultra-precision reflectors or bearings with nanometer-level accuracy . Additionally, the use of ultra-fast femtosecond (fs) lasers for micromachining materials like diamond allows for precise and efficient processing with minimal thermal damage, which is particularly beneficial for materials that are hard to machine using conventional methods