Hardness can simply be determined by the precise load applied to a hard probe on a given test material left indentation size. The harder the material, the stronger ability to resist deformation.
     Carbide matrix cobalt content directly affect the transverse rupture strength of the material (trs) and hardness. Cobalt is the major binder in the cemented carbide element. Increasing the cobalt content can improve the toughness of the base material (trs), but due to decrease in hardness and decrease the wear resistance of the material. Conversely, such as reducing cobalt content, material hardness and wear resistance will increase, and the toughness will fall.
     After a high level of cutting tool manufacturers to explore and master a variety of performance differences between the base material, you can use different base materials for different processing purposes (from easy to warp speed milling of hardened aluminum processing die steel) design and manufacture of a unique tool.