Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide is a hard compound composed of equal parts of tungsten and carbon atoms. It is sometimes referred to as a “cermet” because of its metallic and ceramic-like properties. Its high hardness is also due to its high melting point at around 2,870°C. This makes it extremely resistant to wear and lasting, making it ideal for use in a variety of industrial and consumer products.
Tungsten carbide is a type of high-performance alloy, one of the most commonly used alloys in the heavy machinery industry, where its hard surface resists abrasion, wear and corrosion. It is also used in other applications such as cutting tools, armor, drills, weapons and medical implants.The most common form of tungsten carbide is tungsten carbide powder, which is produced by combining tungsten powder and a binder, such as cobalt. The cobalt helps hold the tungsten particles together so that they can be used in the desired shape and form.
Other forms of tungsten carbide include castings, sintered parts and composite parts. These are produced by mixing tungsten carbide with metal, plastic or ceramic binders. These are then heated, cooled and machined into their desired shapes.
Tungsten carbide has a wide range of applications due to its high hardness and wear resistance. It is used in cutting tools such as saw blades, lathe tools and drill bits. It is also used in aircraft and automotive parts, valves and pump components and medical tools such as surgical implants and prosthetics. Medical tools containing tungsten carbide are also common because of its biocompatibility with the body.
Due to its resistance to corrosion and its high temperature capability, tungsten carbide is quickly gaining recognition in the green technology industry. It is being used for making high efficiency lighting systems or for ‘green’ vehicles.
In summary, tungsten carbide is a versatile and hard alloy that is very resistant to wear, making it ideal for many industrial and consumer applications. It is also very resistant to corrosion and is gaining a foothold in green technology.
