Carbide

Tungsten carbide, here meaning sintered tungsten carbide bonded with cobalt, is a material used across almost every industry. Its most notable application, however, is as cutting tools, such as inserts, drills, and end mills. Why is carbide so widely preferred for cutting applications compared with other materials? We’ll explain the reasons in detail. (Image Source: Photo by gefrorene_wand on pixabay.com) 1. Superior wear resistance & durability Tungsten carbide is far harder and more abrasion-resistant than conventional high-speed steel. That hardness lets the cutting edge keep its geometry and sharpness through far more cuts, so carbide tools retain cutting performance for a much longer time under the same working conditions. ...

In the tooling industry, most manufacturers rely on either tungsten carbide or steel, especially high-speed steel, to make cutting tools like inserts. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses. But when it comes to durability, tungsten carbide stands out as the clear winner. So, what makes it so long-lasting? Let’s find out. What Is Tungsten Carbide? Tungsten carbide, or strictly speaking, cemented carbide, is a compound made through a process called powder metallurgy. It mainly consists of hard compounds known as carbides, primarily tungsten carbide (WC), and sometimes titanium carbide (TiC) or tantalum carbide (TaC), combined with a binder such as cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), or molybdenum (Mo). ...

When I first joined a tungsten carbide trading company, I remember staring at the catalog and feeling completely lost. There were all these mysterious codes, C2, C10, K20, K30…, and every supplier claimed their grade was “the best.” I wondered: What exactly is a carbide grade? Why are there so many of them? And how am I supposed to pick the right one for my customer’s application? ...

In the tungsten carbide industry, finding the right suppliers can make or break your business. Whether you’re a manufacturer looking for reliable raw material sources or a trader trying to build a global supply network, understanding what type of supplier you’re dealing with is the first step toward smarter purchasing decisions. (Image Source: amanatool.com) I’ve worked for about five years in a trading company that specializes in tungsten carbide tools and wear parts. Our company had its own factory, but since our product range was quite broad, it wasn’t possible to produce everything in-house. For many products, we had to work with external suppliers. Although my position wasn’t in purchasing, I learned a lot from our procurement colleagues, such as how they selected, evaluated, and handled different types of suppliers. Those experiences gave me valuable insight into the real challenges behind sourcing in this industry. ...

Road milling teeth, or cold planer bits, may look small, but they determine the cost, speed, and quality of every milling job . As the replaceable cutters mounted on a milling drum, their condition directly affects cutting efficiency, fuel consumption, surface finish, and machine downtime. Extending their service life is a straightforward way to cut operating costs and keep projects on schedule. Let’s start with the reasons why road milling bits are damaged. ...

Road milling teeth, also known as road milling picks, road milling bits, or cold planer teeth, are the real workhorses behind every milling machine. They’re the parts that actually make contact with the road, cutting and breaking the surface, so the milling drum can do its job. In other words, the performance of your cold milling machine largely depends on the quality and condition of its milling teeth. ...

Winter landscapes can be stunning, with trees dusted in white, quiet streets, and that fresh, crisp air. But once the snowfall piles up, beauty quickly turns into a challenge. Roads get slippery, driveways disappear under inches of snow, and everyday routines can come to a halt. That’s where snow plows come in. They keep our roads safe and our communities moving. And at the heart of every snow plow is its blade. Choosing the right type of snow plow blade isn’t just about equipment; it’s about efficiency, durability, and safety. ...

Both titanium carbide (TiC) and tungsten carbide (WC) are essential raw materials in manufacturing cemented carbides , and you’ll often hear about their unique features. Titanium carbide is made from titanium and carbon, while tungsten carbide is a compound of tungsten and carbon. Although they share some similarities, such as excellent hardness, their distinct properties make them suitable for different industrial applications. Now, we’ll walk you through the key differences between these two ceramic-metallic composites, TiC and WC. Let’s dive right in. ...

From machining hardened steel to resisting abrasion in mining and construction tools, cemented carbide has become a go-to solution when both durability and reliability matter. It’s not just hard; it’s engineered to endure. At its core, cemented carbide is a tough, high-performance composite made by combining hard carbide particles, typically tungsten carbide (WC) , with a metallic binder like cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni). This material strikes a remarkable balance between two often opposing features: extreme hardness and structural toughness. ...

Whether you’re exploring options for industrial tools or browsing for a durable wedding ring, chances are you’ve come across tungsten and tungsten carbide, and maybe even assumed they were the same thing. Although these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, especially in the jewelry world, they are chemically very different materials. In fact, understanding tungsten vs. tungsten carbide can help you make smarter decisions, especially in high-performance or high-wear situations. ...