Sanxin Commonly Used Tungsten Carbide Grades

In the metallurgical processing industry, the choice of cemented carbide (tungsten carbide) grade directly affects the tool life, processing efficiency and cost.

1. Composition and grade classification of cemented carbide:

Cemented carbide is made of tungsten carbide (WC) particles and metal binders (such as cobalt and nickel) through powder metallurgy. The differences in grades are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Binder content: Cobalt (Co) is a commonly used binder. The higher the content, the better the toughness of the alloy, but the hardness and wear resistance are reduced.

Tungsten carbide grain size:

• Coarse grains (3~5μm): strong impact resistance, suitable for heavy-duty rough machining.
• Fine grains (0.5~1μm): high hardness and wear resistance, suitable for fine machining.

Additives: Adding carbides such as titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), and niobium (Nb) can improve high temperature resistance and resistance to crater wear.

2. Metallurgical processing scenarios and grade selection

Metal cutting tools:Turning tools, milling cutters, drills:

• Rough machining (high impact load): Select coarse-grained grades (such as ISO K20-K30) with high cobalt content (such as YG8, Co content 8%) to improve fracture resistance.
• Fine machining (high precision requirements): Select low cobalt (such as YG3, Co content 3%) and fine-grained grades (such as ISO K01-K10) to ensure sharp edges and wear resistance.
• Processing steel: Prefer P-type grades containing TiC (such as P10-P30) to reduce chemical affinity with steel and avoid built-up edge.

Stamping and forming dies:Punches, dies:

• Select high-toughness grades (such as YG15, Co content 15%) to withstand repeated impacts.
• For high-hardness plates (such as stainless steel), grades with TaC added (such as YW1) can be selected to improve thermal fatigue resistance.

Rollers and wear-resistant parts

• Hot rolling rolls: need to be resistant to high temperature oxidation, select grades containing TaC/NbC (such as YS30), and the binder content is 6%~10%.
• Cold rolling rolls: require high wear resistance, and use ultra-fine grain alloys (such as YG6X, grain size 0.8μm).