Notable amid the vast array of information and knowledge shared at the 13th Electronic Circuits World Convention in Nuremberg, Germany, was the highly-informative session on advances in drilling and routing, with a focus on the technology of tungsten carbide cutting tools. The session was introduced and moderated by EIPC Technical Director Michael Weinhold.

Growth in applications of high-power LEDs had created an increasing demand for substrates with high thermal conductivity, and resulted in the development of a wide range of insulated metal substrates heavily loaded with ceramic fillers in the dielectric. Consequently, the dielectric layer of these composite laminates tended to be very abrasive, causing rapid wear of conventional tungsten carbide routing cutters. Johann Schmidt of CGT GmbH discussed how diamond coated tools could significantly increase dimensional accuracy and reduce production cost.

Schmidt described a proprietary process for diamond coating of tungsten carbide drills and routers, based on hot-filament chemical vapour deposition. A particular feature of this proprietary coating was that it was built up as a multilayered combination of different crystalline and nano-crystalline layers. Typical coating thickness was 12 microns, although this could be varied depending on tool geometry and diameter. The multilayered structure gave the benefit of resistance to crack propagation, a major limitation of single-layer coatings, and a very smooth surface with low friction and excellent chip-removal characteristics. Hardness of the coating was approximately 9000VPN, compared with about 2100VPN for standard tungsten carbide grades, and coated tools could be used at higher feeds and speeds.

Schmidt showed many comparative examples: On a typical IMS substrate, routing feed could be increased from 4 mm per second to 15mm per second with tool life extended from 7.5 metres to 60 metres. And a coated drill could complete 1,000 hits with no clogging, whereas a conventional drill was clogged with aluminium swarf after only 150 hits.

Diamond-coated tools offered greater dimensional accuracy and cost and productivity benefits from increased production speeds and significantly improved tool life resulting in less machine down-time for tool changing. Clearly, even with the most advanced cutter technology, good tool management, machine maintenance and operating discipline were essential, with minimal spindle run-out, rigid fixturing of the work and powerful vacuum extraction if the best results were to be realised. Some applications, such as using a 2-flute end-mill on IMS, benefited from wet lubrication.


Tungsten Carbide Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-carbide.com.cn
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Tungsten market: tungsten market continued oversupply and weak demand, exert downward pressure on prices, then mine is now reluctant to sell, not cheap shipping, led to the current stalemate market transactions, prices temporarily smooth operation, scrap tungsten steel prices continue to run smoothly, the market weakening turnover from the previous month, the merchant price adjustment underpowered. Scheelite continued strong market sentiment, because tungsten ore and more money in the hands of traders were caught, sell it at a loss, could not move, watching the majority. Expected short-term market or stable tungsten slightly weak.

The Global and Chinese Tungsten Carbide Powder Industry Report 2014 is a professional and in-depth research report on the global tungsten carbide industry with a focus on the Chinese situation. The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. Tungsten carbide market analysis is provided for both the international and Chinese domestic situations including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, key regions development status and a comparison analysis between the international and Chinese markets. Development policies and plans are also discussed and manufacturing processes and cost structures analyzed.

Tungsten carbide industry import/export consumption, supply and demand figures and cost price and production value gross margins are also provided. The report focuses on 15 industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity production, price, cost, production value and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. Tungsten carbide industry development proposals and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered. With 165 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.


Tungsten Carbide Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-carbide.com.cn
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn

It is reported that the world's growing demand for tools market. Where Europe, North America and stable growth, especially in Eastern Europe; Asian markets rebounded slightly, the market has great potential, significant growth markets in Latin America, particularly Mexico. Currently the world's cutting tool sales of over 10 billion U.S. dollars, industry developed in Europe, North America, Japan, Australia and the three major market share of 75% to 80%.

In Asia, China is an important market. It is predicted that our tool needs between 70 to 80 billion yuan, of which high-precision, high efficiency, high reliability and modern tools, such as carbide and ceramic superhard tool materials indexable cutting tool consumption is about 12 billion yuan, of which 80% to 85% dependent on imports, the tool used in mold manufacturing imports accounted for more than 90%. In the past year, the tool market has been slow demand growth, mainly due to increased tool life, then there is a user request for the entire manufacturing process to replace a lot of machines and tools. And versatile tool applications increase, a much simpler alternative to the conventional single-function tool. Users will be more emphasis on the future production plant for research and development tool, not only in the field of materials and surface coating technology, but also in the product and its production process tool focusing on aspects of production practices that help to increase the tool manufacturer in the field they are familiar the market competitiveness.


Tungsten Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.chinatungsten.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email:  sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn