Is Cemented Carbide the Same as Tungsten Carbide?
When it comes to the world of industrial metals and alloys, there are various terms and names that often get used interchangeably. One such example is cemented carbide and tungsten carbide. Although these terms might sound similar, they are not exactly the same thing. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for professionals working in industries like mining, metalworking, construction, and manufacturing. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricate details of both cemented carbide and tungsten carbide to shed light on their dissimilarities.
To begin with, let's explore tungsten carbide. This remarkable material is renowned for its exceptional strength, durability, and heat resistance. Tungsten carbide is formed by combining equal parts of tungsten, a hard and brittle metal, and carbon. The resulting compound, commonly referred to as tungsten carbide, contains carbide particles held together by a metal binder, most commonly cobalt or nickel. Due to its remarkable hardness, tungsten carbide is used in a wide range of applications, such as cutting tools, drill bits, saw blades, dies, and wear-resistant parts.
On the other hand, cemented carbide is the end result of a process known as cemented carbide sintering. This technique involves mixing tungsten carbide powder with a powdered metal binder, such as cobalt or nickel. The mixture is then compacted and sintered at high temperatures to create a solid and robust material. Due to its composition, cemented carbide shares many of the properties of tungsten carbide, including exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and heat resistance. This versatile material finds utility in various applications, such as tooling inserts, cutting tools, mining tools, and wear parts.
While cemented carbide contains tungsten carbide, it is important to note that not all tungsten carbide products are cemented carbide. The term "tungsten carbide" is often used as a broad concept to refer to any material composed primarily of tungsten and carbon. This can include tungsten carbide powder, which is used as a raw material for cemented carbide production. Cemented carbide, on the other hand, specifically refers to the composite material resulting from sintering tungsten carbide powder with a powdered metal binder.
Another notable distinction lies in the properties of cemented carbide and tungsten carbide. While both materials possess exceptional hardness, cemented carbide is relatively tougher than tungsten carbide. The metal binder in cemented carbide provides greater toughness, allowing the material to withstand higher impact forces without fracturing. This toughness makes cemented carbide a preferred choice in applications where shock resistance is of utmost importance, such as mining tools or machining operations that involve high cutting forces.
Moreover, the presence of the metal binder in cemented carbide also adds a level of elasticity to the material. This elasticity enables cemented carbide tools to resist chipping and breaking when subjected to stress and lateral forces. In contrast, tungsten carbide, without the metal binder, is more rigid and prone to breakage under similar conditions. Therefore, cemented carbide tools are often considered more reliable and durable, especially in heavy-duty applications where high impact forces and vibrations are commonplace.
In conclusion, while cemented carbide contains tungsten carbide, the two terms are not completely interchangeable. Tungsten carbide refers to a compound composed of tungsten and carbon, while cemented carbide specifically refers to the result of sintering tungsten carbide powder with a metal binder. Moreover, cemented carbide exhibits greater toughness and elasticity compared to pure tungsten carbide, making it more suitable for rugged applications that demand reliability and durability. By understanding these differences, industry professionals can make informed decisions when selecting the appropriate materials for their specific needs.
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