Hardmetals

Hardmetals, also known as cemented carbides or cermets, are composite materials made from a mixture of refractory metal carbides and a metallic binder. These materials are known for their exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and high strength at elevated temperatures, making them suitable for demanding applications.

The primary components of hardmetals are hard carbide particles, typically tungsten carbide (WC) or titanium carbide (TiC), which provide the material's characteristic hardness. These carbide particles are bound together by a softer, more ductile metallic binder, commonly cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni). The properties of the hardmetal can be tailored by varying the type and size of the carbide particles, as well as the composition and amount of the binder. For instance, increasing the binder content generally improves toughness but reduces hardness.

The manufacturing process for hardmetals involves mixing fine powders of the carbide and binder metals, pressing the mixture into a desired shape, and then sintering it in a controlled atmosphere furnace. During sintering, the binder metal melts and infiltrates the carbide particles, forming a dense, solid material. This process results in a microstructure where hard carbide grains are embedded in a continuous binder matrix.

Hardmetals find widespread use in cutting tools for machining metals and other materials, as well as in wear-resistant components such as drawing dies, punches, and bearings. Their high melting point and resistance to deformation make them ideal for high-speed machining operations. Due to their brittle nature, they are often used in conjunction with tougher materials or designed to withstand specific stress conditions.