In chemistry, carbides refer to any group of compounds made up of carbon and one other element that can be a metal, boron, or silicon.

There are actually many compounds belonging to this group, among the more popular of which includes:
– Calcium Carbide– Aluminum Carbide- Silicon Carbide- Tungsten Carbide- Iron Carbide
In the 20th century, carbides have been used for a lot of industrial applications. Carbides used in industrial applications are often called cemented carbide products and are classified in three major grades:
– Wear gradesUsed primarily in dies, machine and tool guides
– Impact gradesHigher shock resistance carbide products used for dies, particularly for stamping and forming
– Cutting tool gradesCarbide tools used for cutting