Cemented carbide strip, also known as tungsten carbide strip, is a versatile and high-performance material widely used in various industries. It is known for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and strength. In this article, we will delve into the properties and composition of cemented carbide strip, shedding light on its unique characteristics and applications.

1. Composition of Cemented Carbide Strip

https://www.diatooling.com/cemented-carbide-strip.html is primarily composed of tungsten carbide (WC) particles embedded in a metallic binder matrix. The most commonly used binder materials are cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni). The composition of the strip can vary depending on the specific application requirements, with different ratios of tungsten carbide and binder metals.

2. Properties of Cemented Carbide Strip

2.1 Hardness: Cemented carbide strip is renowned for its exceptional hardness, ranking just below diamond on the Mohs scale. This hardness ensures superior resistance to wear, making it suitable for cutting, drilling, and machining applications.

2.2 Wear Resistance: The combination of tungsten carbide particles and the metallic binder matrix gives cemented carbide strip excellent wear resistance. It can withstand high temperatures, abrasive forces, and harsh environments, making it ideal for wear parts and tooling applications.

2.3 Strength and Toughness: Despite its high hardness, cemented carbide strip also possesses good strength and toughness. This allows it to withstand heavy loads and impacts without fracturing, ensuring long-lasting performance.

2.4 Thermal Stability: Cemented carbide strip exhibits excellent thermal stability, enabling it to maintain its hardness and strength even at elevated temperatures. This property makes it suitable for high-speed machining and other applications involving extreme heat.

3. Applications of Cemented Carbide Strip

3.1 Cutting Tools: Cemented carbide strip is extensively used in the production of cutting tools such as inserts, drills, end mills, and saw blades. Its hardness and wear resistance make it ideal for machining various materials, including steel, cast iron, and non-ferrous alloys.

3.2 Wear Parts: Due to its exceptional wear resistance, cemented carbide strip finds applications in wear parts such as nozzles, seals, bearings, and valve components. These parts endure high levels of abrasion and require materials that can withstand such harsh conditions.

3.3 Mining and Construction: Cemented carbide strip is widely used in mining and construction industries for applications like rock drilling, tunneling, and excavation. Its hardness and strength make it suitable for drilling bits, cutting tools, and wear-resistant components in heavy-duty machinery.

3.4 Woodworking: In the woodworking industry, cemented carbide strip is utilized for manufacturing cutting tools, such as saw blades and router bits. Its wear resistance and sharp cutting edges ensure precise and efficient woodworking operations.

4. Factors Affecting Performance

4.1 Grain Size: The grain size of tungsten carbide particles in the cemented carbide strip plays a crucial role in its performance. Finer grain sizes offer higher hardness and wear resistance, while coarser grains provide better toughness and impact resistance.

4.2 Binder Content: The amount of binder metal in the strip affects its properties. Higher binder content enhances toughness but reduces hardness, while lower binder content increases hardness but decreases toughness.

4.3 Coating: To further enhance the performance of cemented carbide strip, it is often coated with thin layers of materials like titanium nitride (TiN) or titanium carbonitride (TiCN). These coatings improve wear resistance, reduce friction, and extend tool life.

Conclusion

Cemented carbide strip is a remarkable material with exceptional properties that make it indispensable in various industries. Its hardness, wear resistance, strength, and thermal stability make it a preferred choice for cutting tools, wear parts, and other demanding applications. Understanding the composition and properties of cemented carbide strip helps in selecting the right grade for specific applications, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

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