Tungsten carbide (WC)

Tungsten Carbide (WC) is an exceptionally hard ceramic material formed by combining tungsten with carbon. This results in a compound with outstanding wear resistance and compressive strength, often processed into a composite by binding with a metallic matrix such as cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni). This combination is known as a hardmetal alloy or cemented carbide. The material is produced through powder metallurgy: the fine WC powder is mixed with the binder metal, pressed into the desired shape, and then sintered into a very hard and dense structure.

Thanks to this composition, tungsten carbide offers an excellent balance between hardness, toughness, and thermal stability, making it ideal for applications with extreme mechanical stress.

Properties of Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide is renowned for its exceptional hardness—comparable to diamond—and its excellent wear resistance, even at high temperatures. It has an extremely high compressive strength, low deformability, and maintains its hardness at temperatures above 500°C. The addition of a binder metal, such as cobalt, imparts a certain toughness, preventing the material from fracturing under impact loads.

WC is resistant to erosion, abrasive wear, and chemical corrosion, making it highly suitable for applications in harsh industrial environments. Additionally, the material has low thermal expansion, ensuring dimensional stability during temperature fluctuations.

Applications of Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide is extensively used in sectors where extreme wear and mechanical stress occur. In metalworking, WC is utilized for cutting tools, milling cutters, drills, threading tools, and dies, where precision and tool life are essential. In the mining and oil and gas industries, it is employed for drill bits, wear plates, pump parts, and valve components due to its high resistance to abrasive materials.

Moreover, tungsten carbide is applied in the aerospace, defense, and energy industries, in components such as valves, nozzles, punches, and bearings—everywhere that wear resistance, structural integrity, and long lifespan are required under harsh conditions.

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