Why should you choose tungsten carbide over other metals?

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What is Tungsten Carbide? 

Tungsten carbide

Image source: Alphatek

Tungsten Carbide is a chemical compound containing equal parts of tungsten and carbon atoms. It is extremely hard and is often used in industrial machinery and tools, abrasives, and jewelry.

Because of its hardness and durability, tungsten carbide is also used in the production of cutting tools, such as drill bits and saw blades, as well as in the manufacturing of parts for engines and other heavy machinery. 

Power Of Tungsten 

The material known as tungsten carbide is extremely hard. According to projections, it would rank just behind diamonds on the Moh's hardness scale, between 8.5 and 9.

Because of this, it is a valuable metal with a wide range of uses. When used on tasks that would wear out and break other metal drill bits, tungsten carbide drills can be extraordinarily durable. 

Tungsten is three times more rigid than steel, for comparison.

Tungsten is more robust than titanium and steel because of its rigidity. In any task, tungsten is incredibly resilient and strong enough to withstand a great deal of abuse.

This compound works well with both tungsten powder and tungsten carbide inserts. 

Reuse And Recycling 

Tungsten is not only strong but also easily recyclable, allowing for years and years of reuse. Compared to other metals, which may be harmed or lost in the process, tungsten carbide scrap is gathered, melted down, and then reformed more successfully.

Additional waste results from other metals' propensity to lose their integrity or become too damaged to be salvaged.

There will be less waste and a smaller carbon footprint because many businesses are more than happy to buy tungsten scrap at a very competitive price. 

The strength of tungsten is a major factor in its recycling value. Because of its resilience, it already has a long lifespan, but the carbide recycling materials maintain their durability after recycling.

In contrast to metal, it can be recycled repeatedly because it holds up well through all of its applications. Nearly all other metals will eventually degrade.

Tungsten does not have this flaw since it is a compound and not a naturally occurring metal. 

Time and again, tungsten has shown why it is a superior metal in the industrial field. One of the most valuable substances available is carbide recycling material because of its durability and adaptability.

Remind someone that they could do better the next time they brag about a titanium drill bit or steel cutter. 

The Five Benefits of Tungsten Carbide 

 

  1. It is one of the toughest metals. 

Hard metals like tungsten carbide are frequently utilized in high-wear situations. Tungsten carbide's hardness makes it perfect for use in wear-resistant coatings and cutting and machining tools. 

  1. It has a very high melting point. 

The melting point of tungsten carbide is roughly 5,700 degrees Celsius, which is much higher than the melting point of the majority of other metals.

Tungsten carbide is perfect for use in high-temperature applications because of its high melting point. 

  1. It doesn't react chemically. 

Due to its chemical inertness, tungsten carbide is an ideal material for use in chemical processing equipment and other areas where high resistance to chemical attack is required.

Additionally, tungsten carbide does not corrode in most environments.

  1. Its thermal expansion coefficient is low. 

The amount that a material expands when heated is measured by its coefficient of thermal expansion.

When heated, tungsten carbide expands very little because of its extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Because of this characteristic, tungsten carbide is perfect for use in applications requiring dimensional stability and precision instruments. 

  1. It has an electrical conductivity. 

Because of the carbon in its crystal structure, tungsten carbide is electrically conductive even though it is a refractory metal.

Tungsten carbide is perfect for electrical applications like electrodes and contacts because of its electrical conductivity. 

Conclusion 

 Thus, in summary, tungsten carbide is an astonishing material of broad application. Because it is a chemical compound containing tungsten and carbon in equal quantities, this substance has an amazing hardness.

It sits second to diamonds on the Moh's hardness scale. With this property, it is indispensable for a wide variety of industrial uses, such as cutting tools, wear-resistant coatings, and machining applications. 

Another of the advantages of tungsten carbide is its strength, which is three times that of steel. With a high melting point of about 5700 degrees Celsius, it is very wear-resistant and able to withstand extreme temperatures.

In addition, tungsten carbide is also chemically inert. It doesn't rust or attack chemicals used in chemical processing equipment. 

Its low coefficient of thermal expansion and high hardness make it ideal for precision instruments.

Further, although it is a refractory metal, its high electrical conductivity can be used in applications such as electrodes and contacts.  

Waste disposal may also be a major factor, although unusually Tungsten is one of the most recyclable metals. Compared with other metals, this compound is more stable and suitable for a wider range of applications. 

In terms of coatings, especially WC-12Co coatings. Tungsten carbide helps achieve excellent resistance to wear by impact and abrasion at high temperatures.

Chromium carbide and tungsten-enriched coatings provide additional protection against a host of deleterious effects, making them ideal for use in dry non-corrosive conditions. 

The Endurance Wear Solutions HVAF spraying process is a radical new way to lay down tungsten carbide coatings and overcomes problems with the traditional techniques such as by-products of nozzles used in plasma processing.

This process not only increases hardness and density, but by using lower combustion temperatures it also avoids coating embrittlement.

By saving costs in production this is a potential breakthrough for industry. 

The true power of tungsten carbide isn't just the material itself but its ability to time and again showcase its superiority in different applications while proving it is a lasting, foolproof option. 

Also, Read the Blog - What is HVAF and HVOF Tungsten Carbide Coating? Why do you need it?