Tried ceramic end mills vs carbide on some hardened steel parts last month, the difference was night and day
I was running some D2 tool steel parts for a mold shop in Cleveland, about a 40 piece run. Usually I use carbide but my supplier was out of the size I needed so I grabbed some ceramic ones on a whim. First thing I noticed was the heat - ceramic handles it way better, no coolant needed actually. Got through all 40 parts with barely any wear on the tool. Carbide would have needed swapping at least 3 times. Anyone else run ceramic for hard stuff or is it just me?
Glad to hear it worked out for you on that D2 run, that's no joke to push through 40 pieces without a swap. I've been hearing more guys talk about ceramic for hard stuff lately but haven't had the guts to try it myself yet. Your experience makes me want to give it a shot next time I'm in a bind.