Why should cemented carbide products be sintered？

Sintering is a crucial step in the production of cemented carbide products, such as tungsten carbide. The sintering process is essential for several reasons:

1. Particle Bonding:

Cemented carbide is a composite material consisting of tungsten carbide (WC) particles and a metallic binder, usually cobalt (Co). During sintering, the powder mixture undergoes heating at elevated temperatures. The heat causes the particles to bond, forming a solid, dense structure. This bonding is essential for achieving the desired mechanical properties.

2. Densification:

Sintering contributes to the densification of the powder compact. As the temperature increases during sintering, the particles begin to agglomerate and bond together, leading to increased density. Denser materials exhibit improved hardness, strength, and wear resistance.

3. Property Enhancement:

The sintering process enhances the properties of cemented carbide. It results in the formation of a hard and wear-resistant material with a fine-grained microstructure. The specific conditions of sintering, such as temperature and time, are carefully controlled to achieve the desired combination of properties.

4. Control of Binder Phase:

The metallic binder phase, often cobalt, plays a crucial role in cemented carbide. Sintering allows for the proper distribution and control of the binder phase, ensuring that it binds the tungsten carbide particles effectively. This balance influences properties like toughness and resistance to fracture.

5. Elimination of Porosity:

Sintering helps eliminate or minimize porosity within the material. Porosity can weaken the structure and compromise mechanical properties. Achieving a dense and pore-free structure is essential for optimal performance in applications where hardness and strength are critical.

6. Achieving Target Properties:

Different applications require cemented carbide products with specific properties. The sintering process allows manufacturers to tailor the properties of the final product by adjusting parameters such as sintering temperature, time, and atmosphere. This customization ensures that the cemented carbide meets the performance requirements of its intended application.

7. Consistency and Reproducibility:

Sintering provides a controlled and reproducible manufacturing process. Consistency in the sintering conditions helps ensure that each batch of cemented carbide products meets the desired quality standards. This is crucial for maintaining uniformity and reliability in the performance of the final products.

In summary, sintering is a critical step in the production of cemented carbide products, allowing for the bonding of tungsten carbide particles, densification of the material, control of the binder phase, elimination of porosity, and customization of properties. The careful management of sintering parameters is key to achieving the desired combination of hardness, toughness, and wear resistance in cemented carbide products.