kovametallia

Kovametallia is a Finnish term that translates to "hard metal" or "carbide metal". It refers to a class of composite materials made by pressing and sintering metal powders. The most common type of kovametallia is tungsten carbide, which is mixed with a binder metal, typically cobalt, to form the final product. This combination results in a material that is exceptionally hard and wear-resistant, while still retaining a degree of toughness.

The production process for kovametallia involves several steps. First, tungsten carbide powder is produced by heating tungsten metal in a methane atmosphere. This powder is then mixed with cobalt powder and other additives in precise proportions. The mixture is then granulated and pressed into the desired shape under high pressure. Finally, the pressed parts are sintered in a furnace at high temperatures. During sintering, the cobalt melts and binds the tungsten carbide particles together, creating a dense and solid material.

Kovametallia possesses a unique combination of properties, including extreme hardness, high compressive strength, excellent wear resistance, and good thermal conductivity. These characteristics make it ideal for a wide range of industrial applications. It is commonly used in cutting tools, drill bits, mining equipment, wear parts, and even in jewelry due to its durability and lustrous appearance. The specific properties of kovametallia can be tailored by adjusting the grain size of the tungsten carbide and the amount of binder metal used.