The application of tungsten carbide inserts:
Tungsten carbide inserts is more expensive per unit than other typical tool materials, and it is more brittle, making it susceptible to chipping and breaking. To offset these problems, the cemented carbide cutting tip itself is often in the form of a small insert for a larger tipped tool whose shank is made of another material, usually carbon tool steel. This gives the benefit of using tungsten carbide at the cutting interface without the high cost and brittleness of making the entire tool out of carbide. Most modern face mills use.

Tungsten carbide inserts, as well as many lathe tools and end mills. In recent decades, though, solid-carbide end mills have also become more commonly used, wherever the application's characteristics make the pros (such as shorter cycle times) outweigh the cons (mentioned above).