Fine grained submicron cemented carbides with a market share of 10-15% of total carbide consumption are characterized by an almost optimal combination of hardness and toughness. They are mainly used in machining wood and wood based materials, plastics, composites, ferrous and non-ferrous metals as well as in chipless operations such as in can tooling, high pressure punches and for wear parts. Tailored submicron cemented carbide has widened the application range of carbide and has led to a multifold improvement in abrasive wear life.