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A pure WC cutting tool material was fabricated by hot pressed sintering and treated by hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The cutting performance, failure modes and mechanisms of the pure WC cutting tools were investigated via dry cutting Cr12Mn5Ni4Mo3Al stainless steels and HT200 grey cast iron in comparison with those of YW2 cemented carbide tools. General view of the worn tool face was observed by light optical microscopy. Worn and fractured surfaces of the cutting tools were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results of cutting process revealed that the wear mechanisms and failure modes of the pure WC cutting tool in cutting various workpiece materials were totally different due to the discrepant adhesion tendency of the workpiece materials to the pure WC material. The different wear behaviors of the pure WC cutting tools in cutting Cr12Mn5Ni4Mo3Al stainless steels and HT200 grey cast iron result in the completely opposite cutting performance and tool life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]