NEWS

I. Simple Type Hard Alloy Grades
Simple cemented carbide grades primarily contain tungsten carbide (WC) and cobalt (Co) as binders. These grades exhibit high hardness and excellent wear resistance, making them suitable for machining materials such as iron, steel, and cast iron. According to the ISO designation system, simple cemented carbide grades are classified into K, N, and S series. Simple cemented carbide grades with higher cobalt content exhibit better toughness and are suitable for machining cast iron and non-ferrous metals; while simple cemented carbide grades with lower cobalt content exhibit higher hardness and are suitable for machining steel materials.

II. Microcrystalline cemented carbide grades
Microcrystalline carbide grades contain 6%-15% cobalt. By adding vanadium carbide and/or chromium carbide, a fine-grained structure with a particle size of less than 1 μm can be obtained. Microcrystalline grades exhibit very high hardness and transverse fracture strength exceeding 500 ksi, achieving a balance between high strength and sufficient toughness in these cutting tools. Microcrystalline grades can be classified according to the M-series of the ISO designation system; other classification methods are the same as for simpler grades. Microcrystalline grades can be used to manufacture tools for cutting softer workpiece materials and exhibit good performance when machining high-temperature alloys such as nickel-based superalloys and special materials.

III. Alloy-type cemented carbide grades

Alloy-type cemented carbide grades are mainly used for machining steel parts, with a cobalt content typically ranging from 5% to 10% and a grain size ranging from 0.8 to 2 μm. By adding cubic carbides such as titanium carbide (TiC), tantalum carbide (TaC), and niobium carbide (NbC), the strength, resistance to crater wear, and thermal shock resistance of the cutting tools can be improved. Cubic carbides also enhance the red hardness of the tools, preventing thermal deformation during high-temperature cutting.

Alloy carbide grades have a hardness range of HRA91-94 and a transverse tensile strength of 150-300 ksi. Although their resistance to abrasive wear and strength are relatively poor, they perform well in resisting adhesive wear. These grades are classified as C5-C8 in the C grade system and as P and M grade series in the ISO grade system. Alloy grades with intermediate properties (such as C6 or P30) can be used for turning, tapping, planing, and milling; the hardest grades (such as C8 and P01) are suitable for finish turning and boring; and the toughest grades (such as C5 or P50) are suitable for roughing.

Alloy-type cemented carbide grades can also be used for machining stainless steel and malleable cast iron, as well as non-ferrous metals (such as nickel-based superalloys). These grades typically have a grain size of less than 1 μm and a cobalt content of 8%-12%. Grades with higher hardness (such as M10) can be used for turning malleable cast iron, while grades with better toughness (such as M40) can be used for milling and planing steel parts, or for turning stainless steel or superalloys.

In addition, alloy-type cemented carbide grades can also be used for non-metallic cutting applications, primarily for manufacturing wear-resistant parts. These grades typically have a grain size of 1.2-2 μm and a cobalt content of 7%-10%. A large proportion of recycled materials is usually added during the production of these grades to improve cost-effectiveness. Wear-resistant parts require excellent corrosion resistance and high hardness; these properties can be achieved by adding nickel and chromium carbide during the production of these grades.

Summarize

Understanding the different grades of cemented carbide and their applications is crucial for selecting the right cutting tools. The three main grades (simple, microcrystalline, and alloy) differ in hardness, wear resistance, and toughness, thus offering advantages in various machining scenarios. To meet the dual technical and economic requirements of cutting tool manufacturers, cemented carbide powder has become a key element. Powders designed specifically for the machining equipment and process parameters of cutting tool manufacturers ensure the performance of the finished workpiece, resulting in hundreds of cemented carbide grades. The recyclable nature of cemented carbide materials and the ability to work directly with powder suppliers enable cutting tool manufacturers to effectively control their product quality and material costs.

In practical applications, selecting the appropriate cemented carbide grade based on the characteristics of the workpiece and processing requirements can improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure workpiece quality. Furthermore, strict control over raw materials, production processes, and sintering conditions can ensure the stable performance of cemented carbide materials, thereby meeting various cutting requirements.

In future development, with the continuous emergence of new materials and processes, cemented carbide grades will be constantly optimized and developed. Through research and development, new cemented carbide grades will better meet the machining needs of different industries and fields. Therefore, understanding cemented carbide grades and their applications is of great significance for improving production efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring product quality.