Which mechanical property is essential for materials used in cutting tools?

The essential mechanical property for materials used in cutting tools is hardness. Hardness is the ability of a material to resist deformation, particularly permanent deformation or penetration. In the context of cutting tools, hardness is critical because it allows the tool to maintain a sharp edge and withstand the wear caused by cutting through various materials. A harder tool can effectively cut through softer materials without significant deterioration in performance.

While other properties like machinability, toughness, and ductility also play important roles in material selection, they do not define the primary requirement for cutting tools to maintain effectiveness over time. For instance, machinability pertains to how easily a material can be machined, toughness relates to the ability to absorb energy and withstand impact without fracturing, and ductility refers to a material’s ability to deform under tensile stress. However, when it comes to the primary function of cutting tools—maintaining sharpness and enduring wear—hardness stands out as the most crucial property.