Tungsten Carbide: An Emerging Alloy in Additive Manufacturing

1. What is tungsten carbide?

Tungsten carbide is an inorganic material compounded from tungsten (W) and carbon (C) atoms in a 1:1 ratio, with the chemical formula WC. Its hardness is second only to diamond, reaching a Mohs hardness of over 9, and it has the following notable characteristics:

• Extremely high hardness and wear resistance

• Excellent compressive strength

• Good thermal stability

• Stable chemical properties

Because pure WC is too brittle, it is typically mixed and sintered with metals such as cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni) as binders in the industry to form cemented carbide, which is more suitable for processing and use.

2. Composition of tungsten carbide products

1. Tungsten carbide (WC) powder
   Provides the material with high hardness and wear resistance, serving as the main structural component.

2. Metal binder (such as cobalt, Co)
   Provides the material with a certain degree of toughness and ductility to prevent fracture.

3. Additives (optional)
   Such as titanium, tantalum, niobium, etc., used to enhance specific properties of the material (e.g., corrosion resistance, impact resistance).

Through a high-temperature sintering process, these components are processed into various shapes and specific industrial products.

3. Application fields

Due to its high performance, tungsten carbide products are widely used in the following industries:

1. Machining industry

• Used in cutting tools for CNC lathes, milling machines, drills, etc.

• Keeps tools sharp, enhancing processing efficiency and accuracy.

2. Mining and tunneling engineering

• Used to make rock drilling bits, coal cutter teeth, oil and gas drilling bits, etc.

• Can withstand high impact and high wear environments.

3. Mould manufacturing

• Components such as cold forging dies and wire drawing dies that require high hardness.

• Improves the lifespan and forming accuracy of the molds.

4. Aerospace and military industry

• Used to make high-strength, wear-resistant precision parts.

• Such as nozzles, guide vanes, and high-speed bearings.

5. Chemical and energy industry

• Corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant seals and valve body materials.

• Improves the stability and service life of equipment.

6. Electronics and precision manufacturing

• For high-precision stamping dies, PCB drilling tools, etc.

5. Conclusion

Tungsten carbide products are indispensable key materials in modern advanced manufacturing. They feature tungsten carbide as the core, and through scientific alloy formulations and advanced sintering processes, they produce industrial parts with high hardness and high strength, serving the machinery, energy, aerospace, and many other industries. With ongoing technological developments, cemented carbide products will continue to progress towards higher precision, greater durability, and broader applications.