How is tungsten carbide manufactured？

Tungsten carbide is typically manufactured through a powder metallurgy process. 

Here's a general overview of the steps involved:

Raw Material Preparation: The primary ingredients for tungsten carbide production are tungsten powder and carbon black or graphite. These materials are carefully selected for purity and particle size distribution.

Mixing: Tungsten powder and carbon black/graphite are mixed together in precise proportions. Sometimes, small amounts of other elements such as cobalt or nickel are added to improve the properties of the final product.

Compaction: The mixed powder is compacted into the desired shape using high-pressure presses. This process forms a "green" compact, which is a preform of the final shape.

Sintering: The green compacts are then sintered in a furnace at extremely high temperatures, typically between 1,400°C to 1,600°C (2,552°F to 2,912°F) in a controlled atmosphere (often with the presence of hydrogen). During sintering, the powder particles bond together, creating a dense and solid structure. The sintering process also allows the carbon atoms to diffuse into the tungsten matrix, forming tungsten carbide.

Shaping and Finishing: After sintering, the tungsten carbide parts may undergo additional machining, grinding, or polishing to achieve the desired final dimensions and surface finish.

Quality Control: Throughout the manufacturing process, various quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the final tungsten carbide products meet the required specifications for hardness, density, strength, and other properties.

This powder metallurgy process allows for the production of tungsten carbide parts with precise shapes and sizes, as well as excellent mechanical properties such as high hardness, wear resistance, and toughness.