How Tungsten Carbides are Made

Carbides are made by blending micron-sized tungsten carbide and cobalt powders, then compacting the mixture in a mold and sintering the molded part at a temperature high enough to cause the cobalt to flow. During this process the cobalt fills the voids between the tungsten grains and thoroughly coats each grain. When the cobalt solidifies, it cements; the grains together, forming a dense composit. Cemented carbides get their hardness from the tungsten grains and their toughness from the tight bonds produced by the cementing action of the cobalt metal. By varying the amount of cobalt we can change the hardness, wear resistance and toughness (shock resistance) of the carbide to suit your particular Tungsten Carbide needs.