Cemented Carbide Rods

Cemented carbide rods, also known as tungsten carbide rods or hard metal rods, are solid cylindrical bars made from a composite material primarily composed of tungsten carbide particles (WC) embedded in a metallic binder matrix, typically cobalt (Co). This combination of materials results in a very hard and wear-resistant material, making cemented carbide rods useful in various industrial applications. Here are some key characteristics and applications of cemented carbide rods:

Hardness: Cemented carbide rods are extremely hard and can have a hardness of up to HRA 90 or higher on the Rockwell A scale. This exceptional hardness makes them ideal for cutting, drilling, and machining applications.

Wear Resistance: They exhibit excellent wear resistance, making them suitable for tools and components that come into contact with abrasive materials or experience high levels of wear and tear.

High Strength: Despite their small size, cemented carbide rods have high tensile strength, which allows them to withstand heavy loads and high-stress conditions without deformation.

Heat Resistance: Cemented carbide can withstand elevated temperatures without losing its hardness and strength. This property is crucial for cutting tools used in high-speed machining processes.

Chemical Inertness: They are generally chemically inert and resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for use in aggressive environments.

Versatility: Cemented carbide rods can be precision ground and machined to produce various cutting tools, wear parts, and tool inserts for metalworking, woodworking, mining, construction, and other industries.

Common applications of cemented carbide rods include:

Cutting Tools: Cemented carbide rods are used to make cutting tools such as drills, end mills, inserts, and reamers for metal cutting, woodworking, and milling.

Mining and Construction: They are used for drill bits, mining tools, and other wear-resistant components in the mining and construction industries.

Metal Forming: Cemented carbide rods are used to make dies and punches for metal forming processes like stamping and forging.

Oil and Gas Industry: They find use in drill bits and wear-resistant components for downhole drilling equipment.

Woodworking: Carbide-tipped saw blades and router bits are popular in woodworking due to their durability and longevity.

The specific properties of cemented carbide rods can vary depending on the tungsten carbide grain size, cobalt content, and other additives used in the manufacturing process. Therefore, the choice of cemented carbide grade depends on the intended application and the material being machined.