Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) announced a new additive manufacturing tungsten carbide grade, KAF82, designed for the production of custom carbide hole-finishing tools with features such as optimized cooling channels and complex geometries, according to a company press release.

The Pittsburgh-based company claims KAF82 is the first fully dense tungsten carbide grade of its kind to be commercialized at scale for metal-cutting applications. Kennametal says the technology reduces production timelines from months to weeks. The powder is not sold externally, making the grade exclusive to Kennametal customers.

Two automotive original equipment manufacturers have integrated custom tooling made with KAF82 into their production lines, the company said.

"Bringing KAF82 to market reflects our strength in materials science and our ability to translate that into real-world manufacturing impact," said Dr. Carlonda Reilly, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Kennametal. "Because we engineer our own powders and control the entire process, we can push the boundaries of additive manufacturing and help customers bring highly engineered custom hole-finishing tools to production faster."

Kennametal states that KAF82 offers shorter lead times, increased design flexibility, rapid replacement of critical components, and more efficient material usage requiring less tungsten. The grade is intended for applications across aerospace and defense, energy, general engineering, and transportation sectors.

The product is part of what the company describes as a fully vertically integrated additive manufacturing capability, covering proprietary powder production through sintering and finishing. Kennametal reported $2.4 billion in revenues for fiscal 2026.

KAF82 is scheduled to be showcased at IMTS 2026 in Chicago at Booth #431800.