Q:What is cemented carbide ?
A: Cemented carbide is a hard material used in machining tough materials such as carbon steel or
stainless, as well as in situations where other tools would wear away, such as high-quantity
production runs. Most of the time, carbide will leave a better finish on the part, and allow faster
machining. Carbide tools can also withstand higher temperatures than standard high speed steel tools.
Q:What are the key properties of cemented carbides I should be concerned with when selecting a grade for my application?
A: The key properties of cemented carbides that define their performance level for different
applications include abrasion resistance (directly related to the hardness of the grade), fracture
strength, and fracture toughness. In general, the abrasion resistance or hardness of any grade is
inversely proportional to its fracture toughness. Very often grade selection involves finding the best
compromise between abrasion resistance and toughness. In some instances strength and
corrosion resistance can be important factors in the grade selection process.
Q: Which properties are important in metal cutting applications?
A: Depending upon the type of metalcutting operation (turning, milling, drilling, etc.), different
combinations of properties is needed in order to obtain optimum results. For example, in turning
and drilling applications the cutting tool is in continuous contact with the workpiece. Hence, for
these applications, abrasion resistance and strength are the most important properties to consider.
However, in operations such as milling, which invariably involve interrupted cutting, and hence high
impact forces, toughness can be an important factor. Grades employed for metalcutting applications
are usually based on fine to medium hard phase grain sizes (0.5 to 1.5 mm) and low to medium
Co contents (6 to 15 wt.%).
Q: Which grades are useful in metal forming applications?
A: In contrast to metalcutting (where abrasion resistance and strength are of paramount importance),
cemented carbides used in metalforming applications will invariably be subject to high impact and
shock forces. Hence, grades used for metalforming applications must possess high toughness
levels with adequate abrasion resistance and strength. Grades employed for metalforming
applications are typically based on coarse grain sizes (3 to 8 mm) and high binder contents (15 to 30 wt. %).
Q: Which grades are useful in earth drilling or boring applications?
A: In many respects the characteristics of the grades employed for earth drilling and boring represent a
compromise between the characteristics that are important for metalcutting and those that are important
for metalforming applications. Grades for earth drilling and boring must possess the highest toughness
levels for any given abrasion resistance level, while simultaneously possessing adequate strength levels.
The best compromise is usually arrived at by using grades that are based on coarse grain sizes
(3 to 8 mm) and relatively low Co levels (6 to 16 wt. %).
Q: How can I choose the most suitable products for my applications?
A: 1.Correct installation site depends on specific size and drawings. Especially for dies processing,
drawings can ensure the finished products are qualified.
2. Processing objects and working environment is determined by cemented carbide grades.
Products' lifetime can be greatly extend if grades are right.