Kennametal introduces KAF82 carbide for custom printed cutting tools
The new grade targets hole-finishing tools with integrated cooling and complex geometry.
What happened
Kennametal introduced KAF82 in September as an additive tungsten-carbide grade for custom metal-cutting tools. The company combines its powder expertise, printing, sintering and finishing within one manufacturing offering.
The proposed benefit is greater freedom to place coolant channels and tailor tool geometry. Kennametal says two major automotive manufacturers have already incorporated tools made with the grade into production.
KAF82 is not presented as powder available for customers to buy and print themselves. Kennametal says the material remains exclusive to its tooling service. Reported lead-time and performance advantages are company claims and will depend on the tool and machining task.
Read the sources
Primary-source reporting; this is not a hands-on review. Sources checked Oct 24, 2026.