What are the disadvantages of cemented carbide?
Cemented carbide, also known as tungsten carbide, is a popular material widely used in various industries for its exceptional hardness and wear-resistant properties. It is commonly used in cutting tools, mining tools, and wear parts. Despite its many advantages, cemented carbide also has certain disadvantages that users should be aware of. In this article, we will explore these disadvantages and their impact on the performance and application of cemented carbide.
1. Brittle Nature:
Cemented carbide is inherently a brittle material, which means it is susceptible to breakage or chipping under excessive impact or stress. This limitation makes it less suitable for applications that involve high shock or impact forces. For example, in some mining or drilling operations where drilling bits may hit hard rocks, cemented carbide tools can fracture or lose their sharp edges, reducing their overall effectiveness and service life.
2. Limited Toughness:
In addition to being brittle, cemented carbide also has limited toughness. Toughness refers to a material's ability to absorb energy and deform plastically before fracturing. Cemented carbide's low toughness can lead to the formation of cracks and fractures when subjected to heavy loads or sudden impacts. This property restricts the use of cemented carbide in applications where materials are subjected to severe bending or structural deformations.
3. Poor Thermal Conductivity:
Another disadvantage of cemented carbide is its poor thermal conductivity. This means that it has a limited ability to dissipate or transfer heat efficiently. When cemented carbide tools are used for machining operations, the heat generated during cutting can accumulate, leading to increased tool wear and reduced tool life. Additionally, poor thermal conductivity can also cause thermal stresses within the material, further contributing to its brittleness and potential failure.
4. High Cost:
Cemented carbide is relatively expensive compared to other materials. The production process involves sintering tungsten carbide powder with a binder metal, usually cobalt or nickel. The cost of raw materials, as well as the complex manufacturing techniques, contribute to the higher price of cemented carbide tools. This cost factor may deter some users from selecting cemented carbide for certain applications, especially if they do not require the extreme hardness and wear resistance offered by this material.
5. Environmental Concerns:
While cemented carbide is highly advantageous in many aspects, it does have environmental implications. One of the major concerns is the presence of cobalt in the binder phase. Cobalt is deemed a carcinogen, and its extraction and processing can have negative impacts on the environment. Furthermore, the recycling of cemented carbide tools can be challenging due to the difficulty in separating the tungsten carbide and cobalt, resulting in potential waste management issues.
In conclusion, cemented carbide offers remarkable hardness and wear resistance, making it a sought-after material in various industries. However, it also comes with specific disadvantages, including its brittleness, limited toughness, poor thermal conductivity, high cost, and environmental concerns related to the presence of cobalt. Understanding these drawbacks is crucial for users to make informed decisions regarding the selection and application of cemented carbide tools.
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