CNC Machining Tungsten Carbide: Everything You Should Know

Tungsten carbide is one of the most popular materials used in various industries due to its versatility. Its hardness, corrosion resistance, and durability are some attributes that make it suitable for different applications. CNC machining tungsten carbide has various benefits, applications, and versatile grades to use. If you want to learn more about it, you can read the guide below.

What is CNC Machining Tungsten Carbide?

The process of CNC machining tungsten carbide comprises a process that helps cut and shape it with precision. The process of CNC machining involves using high-speed tools that rotate and create components that have tight tolerance and complex shape.

Tungsten carbide consists of hardness which makes it challenging for machining. However, CNC machining allows for the production of components that are durable and comprise high quality for different applications. Some of the areas where the tungsten carbide components are used comprise mining equipment, cutting tools, and aerospace equipment.

Advantages of Tungsten Carbide for CNC Machining

The advantages of machining tungsten carbide are given below:

Hohe Festigkeit

Tungsten carbide is known for its high strength which is due to its hardness and therefore it is commonly used in various industrial applications and cutting tools. It ensures that these tools manufactured through machining tungsten carbide are effective in the longer run and also maintain their stability and sharpness. These tools need less frequent replacement and offer high productivity.

Abnutzungswiderstand

Tungsten carbide components are known for their exceptional resistance against abrasion and hence can maintain performance even in harsh conditions. Due to the wear resistance possessed by these components, the lifespan of these parts is high and the maintenance cost is low.

Hitzebeständigkeit

The components manufactured through CNC machining tungsten carbide can stay hard even when subjected to high temperatures. Hence, these components are suitable for high-temperature and high-speed machining. Such thermal stability makes these components suitable for use in challenging conditions.

Hohe Präzision

The CNC machining of tungsten carbide helps create components that are precise and complex consisting of tight tolerance. Such precision is very important for applications that need high-quality finish and exact dimensions.

Dauerhaftigkeit

Due to its hardness, tungsten carbide is known to be highly durable and it can withstand stress without deforming. Hence, such robustness ensures that the components manufactured through machining tungsten carbide are long-lasting and do not need frequent replacements.

Key Grades of Tungsten Carbide are Used in CNC Machining

The key grades in manufacturing tungsten carbide parts through CNC machining comprise the following:

DN6

DN6 has excellent corrosion resistance and also offers high resistance against wear and tear. It is suitable for manufacturing components that are subjected to highly abrasive environments and when opted for making tools it works well in harsh conditions.

DN10

DN10 has higher impact resistance and improved wear resistance when compared to DN6. It is suitable for applications where impact and wear resistance are critical and also offers high corrosion resistance. Hence, it is used in versatile machining applications.

DS1

The grade DS1 is designed as a specialist for steel machining, it is also used in milling and turning operations. It offers optical performance, toughness, and durability for processing different types of steel.

DF3

DF3 is chosen for components that pass through severe abrasions, it offers excellent wear and tear resistance. Hence, it is widely used in sandblasting nozzles and fine wire dies ensuring the components last longer.

DF100

DF100 is suitable for components like liners, centrifuge tiles, and bushings. It performs very well in environments in which the components pass through consistent wear and tear. Hence, it offers excellent resistance against wear and tear.

Surface Finishes for Tungsten Carbide Parts

There are different options for surface finishing for the tungsten carbide parts manufactured through CNC machining. Some of these options are as follows:

Polieren

The process of polishing offers the surface of the component with smoothness and reflective finish which helps in reducing friction. Applications that need high precision and an appealing look may opt for polishing of tungsten carbide components.

Schleifen

The process of grinding gives the tungsten carbide components a uniform finish on the surface. Such a finishing process is commonly used in applications that need surface roughness and dimensional accuracy.

Sand Blasting

Sandblasting is a surface finishing process that uses abrasive material to blast it on the surface of the components with pressure. It helps to give a rough texture to the component and improves its adhesion and grip. It is mostly used in components that have functional parts and appearance is not a priority.

Beschichtung

The process of coating is applied on the tungsten carbide components to add a layer of protection which helps to improve the wear resistance of the component and reduce friction. Such a layer could be a ceramic layer and it extends the life of the component when used in high-wear applications.

Applications of Tungsten Carbide Machined Parts

The custom tungsten carbide parts are used in various applications and some of these comprise the following:

Schneidewerkzeuge

Tungsten carbide cutting tools are quite popular, these comprise mills, lathes, and drills. These tools offer excellent wear resistance and hardness maintaining the sharpness despite heat and friction. Hence, these tools can be of great help in different machining processes offering high precision and durability.

Drilling and Mining Equipment

Tungsten carbide is used on the equipment used for drilling and mining as the components made using this material offer high-impact resistance and toughness. Some of these components are rock crushers, drill bits, and mining pickets. They have the ability to withstand the extreme conditions of these operations.

Luft- und Raumfahrt

Tungsten carbide machined parts like nozzle guides and turbine blades are known for their excellent strength and resistance against high temperatures. Hence, the durability of these components makes them suitable for aerospace applications and they ensure precision which is crucial for efficient flight operations.

Öl und Gas

The oil and gas industry is dependent on tungsten carbide components manufactured through CNC machining. These components consist of pumps, valve seats, and wellhead. These components offer resistance against corrosive fluids and high pressure which makes them suitable for the challenging conditions of this industry.

Industrielle Maschinen

Industrial machinery passes through challenging operations which make them require components that are capable of enduring high wear and tear. Hence, tungsten carbide components which comprise dies, punches, and rollers are manufactured through CNC machining.

Schlussfolgerung

Tungsten carbide components have widespread applications due to the seamless properties it is equipped with. Hence, when it comes to seeking tungsten machining services, DEK is one of the leading manufacturers offering custom tungsten carbide components. You can always be assured of economical prices and high quality which will suit your application very well.

FAQs

Is tungsten carbide hard to machine?

Yes, tungsten carbide is very hard and highly difficult to machine.

Does tungsten carbide crack easily?

Tungsten carbide has a very high hardness but still can be brittle and when subjected to sudden high stress it may crack.