Considerations In Tungsten Carbide Selection

When selecting tungsten carbide for a specific application, there are several key considerations to take into account:

1.  Grade: Tungsten carbide comes in different grades, each with its own unique composition and properties. The grade chosen should align with the specific requirements of the application in terms of hardness, toughness, wear resistance, and other relevant factors.

2.  Hardness: Tungsten carbide is known for its exceptional hardness. The desired hardness level will depend on the material being cut or machined. Harder grades are suitable for cutting hard materials, while slightly softer grades may be preferred for applications where a balance of hardness and toughness is necessary.

3.  Coating: Tungsten carbide can be coated with other materials, such as titanium nitride (TiN) or titanium carbonitride (TiCN), to enhance its performance and extend tool life.  Coatings can improve lubricity, reduce friction and wear, and provide additional resistance to oxidation or corrosion.

4.  Grain Size: The grain size of the tungsten carbide material influences its properties, including hardness and toughness.  Finer grain sizes generally result in higher toughness but slightly lower hardness, while coarser grain sizes offer increased hardness but reduced toughness.

5.  Binder Phase: Tungsten carbide is typically blended with a binder metal, such as cobalt or nickel, which holds the carbide particles together.  The binder phase affects the overall toughness and strength of the tungsten carbide.  The binder percentage should be selected based on the desired balance between hardness and toughness for the specific application.

6.  Application Specifics: Consider the specific requirements of the application, such as the material being cut, the cutting conditions (speed, feed rate, depth of cut), and any unique challenges or constraints.  These factors will help determine the appropriate tungsten carbide grade, coating, and other considerations needed for optimal performance.

It is essential to consult with tungsten carbide manufacturers or experts to ensure the correct selection of tungsten carbide for a particular application. They can provide guidance based on their knowledge and experience to ensure the best results.

When choosing the grade and grade of tungsten carbide, we must first determine its hardness and toughness. How does the amount of cobalt content affect toughness and hardness?The amount of cobalt content in tungsten carbide significantly impacts its toughness and hardness. Cobalt is the most common binder metal used in tungsten carbide, and its percentage in the material's composition can be adjusted to achieve desired properties.

Rule of thumb: More cobalt means it will be harder to break but it will also wear out faster.

1. Hardness: The hardness of tungsten carbide increases with higher cobalt content. Cobalt acts as a matrix material that holds the tungsten carbide particles together. A higher percentage of cobalt allows for a more effective binding, resulting in a denser and harder tungsten carbide structure.

2. Toughness: The toughness of tungsten carbide decreases with higher cobalt content.    Cobalt is a relatively softer metal compared to tungsten carbide particles, and an excess amount of cobalt can make the structure more ductile but less rigid. This increased ductility can lead to a reduction in toughness, making the material more susceptible to chipping or fracturing under certain conditions.

In applications where hardness is the primary requirement, such as cutting hard materials, a higher cobalt content is typically preferred to maximize the hardness and wear resistance of the tungsten carbide. However, in applications where toughness and impact resistance are crucial, such as when dealing with interrupted cuts or sudden load variations, a lower cobalt content may be chosen to enhance the material's toughness and resistance to chipping.

It is important to note that there is a trade-off between hardness and toughness when adjusting the cobalt content. Finding the right balance depends on the specific application requirements and the desired material performance. Manufacturers and experts in tungsten carbide can provide guidance on selecting the appropriate cobalt content to achieve the desired balance of hardness and toughness for a given application.

A good tungsten carbide manufacturer can change the characteristics of their tungsten carbide in a great number of ways.  

This is an example of good information from a tungsten carbide manufacture

Rockwell Density Transverse Rupture

Grain size alone does not determine strength

Transverse Rupture

ZhuZhou Better Tungsten Carbide Co,. Ltd. is an good tungsten carbide manufacturer, If you are interestd in TUNGSTEN CARBIDE and want more information and details, you can CONTACT US by phone or mail at the left, or SEND US MAIL at the bottom of the page.