What is tungsten carbide?

Tungsten carbide (WC) - is a chemical compound composed of equal parts of tungsten and carbon atoms. Due to its exceptional hardness and wear resistance, tungsten carbide has become a key material in many industries such as manufacturing, mining and metalworking. Its properties allow it to outperform materials such as steel and titanium in certain applications, making it indispensable for high-performance tools and components. This blog provides a detailed guide to tungsten carbide, its properties, fabrication methods and applications.

Composition of tungsten carbide

Tungsten carbide is a compound of tungsten (W) and carbon (C). Tungsten, one of the densest elements, gives the material its strength and high melting point, while carbon increases its hardness and wear resistance. The most common form of tungsten carbide is powder, which is then used to create solid components through various manufacturing techniques.

The chemical formula of tungsten carbide is. WCTungsten carbide is a crystalline solid. In its basic form, tungsten carbide is gray, brittle, and has a metallic luster, although it is often combined with other metals to increase strength.

Key properties of tungsten carbide

Tungsten carbide is known for its unique properties that make it suitable for demanding applications:

• Hardness: Tungsten carbide is incredibly hard, its hardness ranging from 8.5 to 9 on the Mohs scale, which is almost equal to the hardness of diamond. This property makes it ideal for cutting tools and wear-resistant parts.
• Wear resistance: Due to its hardness, tungsten carbide is extremely resistant to wear and abrasion, so it is often used in drilling rigs and mining equipment.
• High melting point: The melting point of tungsten carbide is approx. 2 870°CThis makes it suitable for use in high temperature environments.
• Density: Tungsten carbide has a high density, approx. 15.7 g/cm³which is much greater than the density of steel.
• Fragility: Despite its hardness, tungsten carbide is brittle and can break under significant impact if not properly supported.
• Corrosion resistance: Tungsten carbide is corrosion resistant, especially when combined with cobalt or nickel in the form of cemented carbide.

How is tungsten carbide produced?

Tungsten carbide is usually produced using the method of powder metallurgywhich includes the following steps:

1. Production of tungsten powder

Tungsten ore (usually wolframite or scheelite) is mined and processed to produce pure tungsten. The tungsten is then reduced to powder form by a chemical process using hydrogen.

2. Mixing with carbon

Once tungsten powder is obtained, it is mixed with carbon (usually in the form of carbon black) in the correct proportion to form a compound of tungsten and carbon. This mixture is heated in a furnace at high temperatures (approx. 1 400-1 600°C) to obtain tungsten carbide powder.

3. Forming a connection

The tungsten carbide powder is then combined with a binder material such as cobalt or nickelThe mixture is compressed into molds under high pressure to give the desired shape. This mixture is compressed into molds under high pressure to give the desired shape.

4. Sintering process

The sintered mold is then heated to just below the melting point to fuse the particles together. This step helps to increase the density and mechanical properties of the material.

5. Final processing

After sintering, the tungsten carbide components are ground, polished or coated, depending on their final application. The final processing ensures the required dimensions and surface quality.

Types of tungsten carbide products

There are two main types of tungsten carbide products:

1. Cemented carbide

Cemented carbide is a composite material consisting of tungsten carbide particles embedded in a metal binder, usually cobalt or nickel. The binder imparts strength to the material, making it suitable for applications requiring both hardness and strength, such as cutting tools and wear parts. Cemented carbide is used in:

• Cutting tools: Tungsten carbide tools are used for cutting hard metals in machining, drilling and mining processes.
• Wear parts: Components such as nozzles, dies and seals made of cemented carbide are used in high wear applications.

2. Tungsten carbide coated materials

Tungsten carbide can be applied as a coating to other materials to improve their wear resistance and durability. This is common in tools and components that are subjected to high loads. Methods of coating include thermal spraying и Chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

Applications of tungsten carbide

Tungsten carbide is used in many industries due to its unique properties. Some of the most common applications include:

1. Cutting tools and machining

One of the main applications of tungsten carbide is in the production of cutting toolsTungsten carbide can be used for cutting hard metals such as steel, stainless steel and cast iron. Due to its hardness, tungsten carbide can cut hard metals such as steel, stainless steel and cast iron.

2. Mining and drilling

Tungsten carbide is widely used in the mining industry и drilling equipment. Drill bits, crushing tools and drill heads made of tungsten carbide can easily penetrate hard rock and other materials.

3. Aerospace industry

В aerospace industry Tungsten carbide is used to manufacture components that must have high strength and wear resistance. It is often used to produce engine parts, nozzles and bearings that operate under extreme conditions.

4. Wear parts

Tungsten carbide is ideal for creating wear partsIn the oil and gas, chemical processing and manufacturing industries, we have a wide range of applications, such as seals, valve seats, bearings and nozzles, especially in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing and manufacturing.

5. Medical instruments

Due to its biocompatibility, tungsten carbide is used for the fabrication of medical instrumentssuch as surgical and dental instruments.

6. Jewelry

Tungsten carbide is increasingly being used in the jewelry industry for the manufacture of wedding ringsIt can be used on bracelets, bracelets and other accessories due to its scratch resistance and ability to retain its polish.

Advantages of using tungsten carbide

Tungsten carbide offers many advantages over traditional materials such as steel:

**Universality

Durability: Due to their hardness and wear resistance, tungsten carbide components last longer.

High performance: Tungsten carbide retains its hardness at high temperatures, making it effective in high-speed machining and drilling applications.

Accuracy: Tungsten carbide is ideal for applications where high precision and minimal wear are required, such as in cutting tools or medical devices.

Versatility: Tungsten carbide can be used in a wide variety of industries, from aerospace to mining to fashion.

Problems when working with tungsten carbide

Despite its advantages, tungsten carbide also has some challenges:

Fragility: Despite its hardness, tungsten carbide is brittle and can crack on impact if not properly supported.

Cost: Tungsten carbide is more expensive to produce than steel or titanium, making it more suitable for applications where its exceptional properties are required.

Processing Complexity: Because of its hardness, tungsten carbide is difficult to machine and requires special tools such as diamond grinding wheels for finishing.

Tungsten carbide is an extremely valuable material in modern manufacturing and engineering due to its unmatched hardness, wear resistance and ability to withstand extreme conditions. From cutting tools to aerospace components, tungsten carbide plays an important role in many industries. Its versatility, durability and performance characteristics make it an indispensable material for applications requiring high precision and durability.

В Yize Mould we specialize in manufacturing high quality tungsten carbide products that meet the requirements of the most demanding industrial applications. Contact us to find out how our tungsten carbide solutions can improve your manufacturing processes.