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Cemented carbides, or hard alloys, are a type of hard material that possess unique combinations of strength and hardness. These alloys are composed of an extremely hard particulate material, such as tungsten carbide, nickel, cobalt, and various combinations of other minerals. The general theory of metals and alloys is that the stronger the material, the harder the surface. But cemented carbides, because of their mixtures of properties and components, exceed even the strongest metals in hardness and strength, making them incredibly useful in many commercial fields.
The ideal shape of a cemented carbide would be approximately one tenth of a millimeter in diameter, with the diameter of a single submicron particle usually ranging between 0.1 and 2 micrometers. The higher the purity, the more uniform its characteristics will be. Particles up to 0.2 micrometers in size can provide strength, hardness and abrasion resistance, while particles larger than 0.9 micrometers are better for machinability. Another variety of cemented carbide consists of a substrate, such as steel or aluminum, covered with a coating of particles less than 0.2 micrometers.
Cemented carbides are used in a wide range of commercial applications requiring toughness, hardness and wear resistance. These include cutting tools for various types of materials, drawing dies and forming tools for machining and forming, blast nozzles for abrasive blasting and grinding, automobile parts, and cemented carbide tools for construction and mining. Cemented carbides are also used in medical implants such as hip replacements, dental implants and bone screws.
Recognized as one of the most important metallic materials, cemented carbides are made by combining a hard particulate material and a binding material. During the process of producing these alloys, the elements are mixed in the proper proportions and then placed into the desired shape or form.
The production of cemented carbides involves a hot or cold pressing process, depending on the type and size of the component, as well as a heat treatment process. Whether cold pressed or hot pressed, the technique used is known as sintering. In both hot and cold pressing, the component is heated to a certain temperature in order to promote the bonding between the individual particles and enable them to form a coherent matrix. The heat treatment that follows is then intended to strengthen the matrix and allow for improved strength and hardness.
Cemented carbides have many advantages, which include low porosity, excellent strength, unparalleled hardness, high resistance to wear and abrasion, high resilience and resistance to corrosion. They are also less prone to chipping and cracking than other metals and alloys. As such, they are widely used in the industrial and commercial sectors.
In conclusion, cemented carbides are essential materials used in a variety of applications due to their unique combination of strength and hardness. They constitute a superior alternative to more traditional metals and alloys, as they are able to provide superior strength and wear resistance, higher resilience to corrosion and chipping, and enhanced machinability. Finally, the production of cemented carbides involves a pressing process and a heat treatment regimen, to ensure the desired properties.
