An array of shapes and sizes, carbide burs are a necessity to any machinist or dentist’s toolkit. Whether it be cylindrical, conical, or spherical — the variety of carbide burs available are all fashioned with distinct tasks in mind.

Expertly crafted from a combination of tungsten carbide and cobalt, carbide burs are renowned for their hardness. This superior strength grants them the power to slice through dense materials – such as metal and ceramic – which other tools cannot access. The tungsten carbs is responsible for the bur’s cutting capacity, and its enhancended power is granted via the cobalt, which binds the particles together, making it even sturdier.

For cutting tasks, carbide burs come in a variety of shapes to suit different requirements. The cylindrical type is the most adaptable and can handle drilling, reaming, and counterboring with ease. Those looking to make holes will find that the conical shape is their best bet, while those doing grinding and shaping will benefit from the spherical design.

For most projects, carbide burs must be employed with either a drill press or a lathe; but some miniatures of these tools are suitable to be attached to handheld drills. With a compact size, they are created to provide a shorter lifespan than regular and larger burs.

The diameter of the shank – the part of a carbide bur that is inserted into the drill chuck – ultimately dictates its size. Burs range from small to large, with the largest burs corresponding to the broadest shanks.

The endurance of carbide burs is determined by myriad factors; from the material it is constructed of and the hardness of that substance, all the way down to the speed of operation. For example, aluminum’s pliability causes bur wear much faster than a tougher element such as steel. What’s more, burs created from tungsten carbide will hold up longer than those composed of any other material.

Excessive use of a bur on higher speeds causes it to wear down much faster than when used at petite rates.

When picking a carbide bur, make sure it meets the size and shape requirements for your job. Plus, check the material is high-grade such as tungsten carbide and that it’s suitable for the material you will be working with.

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