Tungsten carbide, despite its many advantageous properties, faces several drawbacks primarily related to its fabrication and mechanical properties.
4 Key Challenges of Tungsten Carbide
1. Difficulties in Machining
Tungsten carbide, particularly in its pure form, is notoriously difficult to machine.
Traditional diamond tools used for machining tungsten carbide are ineffective for pure tungsten because the metal tends to compact into the spaces between the diamonds, a condition known as loading.
This renders the cutting tool ineffective and can lead to significant tool wear and high costs.
Additionally, pure tungsten cannot be drawn over a mandrel or extruded into a tube, further limiting its fabrication options.
2. High Ductile-to-Brittle Transition Temperature (DBTT)
Tungsten has a high DBTT, which means it exhibits poor ductility and becomes very brittle at temperatures below its transition point.
This characteristic makes it challenging to work with at standard room temperatures, as it does not easily deform without cracking or breaking.
The exception to this is tungsten wire, where the application of heat can enhance its formability.
3. Sensitivity to Impurities
Tungsten carbide can become brittle and challenging to work with if it contains impurities or is contaminated with other materials.
This sensitivity requires careful control of the material’s purity during production and processing to maintain its desired properties.
4. Oxidation at High Temperatures
Tungsten carbide oxidizes in air at elevated temperatures, which can lead to material degradation.
This necessitates the use of protective gas atmospheres or reducing atmospheres during welding and high-temperature applications to prevent oxidation and maintain the integrity of the material.
These drawbacks highlight the challenges in effectively utilizing tungsten carbide across various industrial applications, despite its high hardness and wear resistance.
Addressing these issues typically involves specialized fabrication techniques, careful material handling, and sometimes the use of protective environments to prevent degradation.
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