While there are many different grades of Tungsten Carbide available containing various additives for a variety of applications, on the most basic level the primary properties of any given grade (Hardness and Toughness) are determined by the ratio of Tungsten Carbide to Cobalt. In general, a lower percentage of Cobalt will produce a harder, more brittle material while a higher percentage will produce a tougher, less wear resistant material.
There are over a dozen different grades of Tungsten Carbide. When evaluating equivalents of Tungsten Carbide grades the important criteria is to specify two of three factors; binder content, hardness or grain size. Balance must be made between wear resistance and impact resistance.
What is Tungsten Carbide?
Tungsten carbide is a homogenous mixture of tungsten carbide grains in a tough cobalt binder matrix. The carbide grains are fused into a solid matrix of cobalt metals. The metal carbide’s grains are “cemented” in the binder metal’s matrix. The fusion process is called liquid phase sintering, or sinter for short.