Tungsten carbide (carbide)

Tungsten carbide (WC), often referred to as hard metal, is an extremely hard and wear-resistant composite material consisting of sintered WC grains and a metallic binder matrix - usually cobalt. Due to its exceptional hardness, compressive strength and heat resistance, tungsten carbide is one of the most efficient materials for demanding industrial applications.

Fine-grain carbide (WC-Co)
- Very high hardness
- Ideal for precision tools, high cutting speeds
- Data sheet: on request

Medium-grain carbide (WC-Co)
- Balanced ratio between hardness and toughness
- For universal cutting and wear applications
- Data sheet: on request

Tough grades (higher Co content)
- Increased fracture toughness
- For punching, forming and impact applications
- Data sheet: on request

Alloyed carbides (e.g. WC-TiC-TaC)
- Increased heat resistance and oxidation resistance
- For difficult-to-machine materials
- Data sheet: on request

Tungsten carbide / carbide is a composite material consisting of tungsten carbide particles (WC) and a metallic binder - typically cobalt (Co). The combination of hard ceramic phase and ductile metal matrix gives this material a unique ratio of hardness, toughness and wear resistance.

Depending on the grain fineness, binder content and added carbide phases (e.g. TiC, TaC, NbC), carbide grades can be precisely adapted to the respective requirements - from extremely hard fine-grain alloys for precision cutting to tough grades for impact stresses.

Tungsten carbide is particularly suitable for operating conditions that lead to rapid wear, thermal overload or material failure in conventional steels or ceramics. For this reason, WC is one of the most important materials in tool technology, mold making, mechanical engineering and the abrasive industry.