Tungsten Carbide Button Processing Optimization (1/2)

Tungsten carbide button is mainly composed of tungsten carbide (WC) + cobalt (Co), WC is hard phase, and Co is soft phase (binder). They complement each other so that tungsten carbide buttons have better hardness, wear resistance and toughness than other materials, which accelerates the drilling, improves the efficiency and extends the service life of tools. In order to improve overall properties of tungsten carbide buttons, we can optimize from two sides, one is to optimize the raw materials of tungsten carbide itself (grain refinement, structure optimization and trace elements adding), another is to optimize the processing, which includes LP-HIP (Low Pressure – Hot Isostatic Pressing), quenching-aging treatment and shape of button optimization, etc.

After sintering, tungsten carbide button will leave some porosity and internal defects, which decreases the toughness and strength of tungsten carbide buttons. Through many experiments, HIP successfully applied in tungsten carbide buttons production. HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) refers to place the products in a closed container, the pressure is applied equally to each of the products, while applying heat, under the action of high temperature and pressure, and make the products densified. In addition, HIP can also be directly involved in the powder molding, powder put into the sheath (mold), wrap can be used metal or ceramic production (low-carbon steel, Ni, Mo, glass, etc.), and then use the nitrogen N₂, or Ar gas atmosphere, the powder is directly heated and pressurized sintering the powder metallurgy process.