Carbide properties
The technological performance of industrial applications is directly determined by the metallurgical properties of the materials used. In modern manufacturing technology, the targeted selection of the carbide grade is the decisive instrument for maximizing tool life and guaranteeing the process reliability of your special tools under extreme thermal and mechanical loads.
| Grade | Grain size | Binder | Hardness HV30 | TRS MPa | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K10 | fine | 5.5% Co | 1700 | 2400 | Wear parts, nozzles |
| K20 | fine | 6.0% Co | 1630 | 2600 | Punching tools |
| K30 | fine | 9.0% Co | 1470 | 2800 | Universal tools |
| K40F | Submicron | 10.0% Co | 1630 | 3700 | Precision tools |
| K30 Nickel | fine | 10.0% Ni | 1350 | 2200 | Corrosive media |
| GT20 | medium | 12.0% Co | 1320 | 3100 | Forming technology |
| GT30 | medium | 15.0% Co | 1180 | 3200 | Applications with impact loads |
Modifying the microstructure of specific carbide grades by controlling grain size
The physical properties of tungsten carbide grades result from the balance between hardness and toughness. Through controlled powder preparation, we achieve specific microstructures for our carbide grades:
Submicron ultrafine grain (K40F):
Maximum edge stability and compressive strength with a transverse rupture strength of 3,700 MPa. Optimized for delicate geometries and high-precision tools.
Fine and medium grain (K10 – K30):
Homogeneous property profile for universal wear applications in series production.
Coarse-grain microstructure (GT grades):
Increased fracture toughness thanks to binder contents of up to 15 %. Specified for impact loads and heavy forming technology.
Corrosion-resistant carbide grades and chemical stability
For special tools in chemically aggressive environments or the food industry, the K30 Nickel grade offers protection against binder leaching thanks to a nickel-chromium binder system (10 % Ni, 0.5 % Cr₃C₂). This chemical stability prevents premature grain pull-out and ensures surface integrity under corrosive conditions.
Microstructural homogeneity of our carbide grades with the sinter-HIP process
All carbide grades are supplied in HIP quality as standard. Post-densification under high isostatic gas pressure during the sintering phase almost completely eliminates residual porosity. The result is a pore-free microstructure with increased transverse rupture strength that guarantees the process reliability of your special tools even at critical load peaks.
Material selection of carbide grades for special applications
Identifying the optimal grade requires a detailed analysis of the mechanical and chemical environmental parameters. Our technicians support you with the material design in order to match the physical specifications of our carbide grades precisely to the requirements of your special tools.
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