What exactly is cemented carbide?

Cemented carbide, also known as hard metal, was first developed in Germany in the 1920s. Over the past century, it has evolved into a critical tool and structural material, revolutionizing industries worldwide. Here’s a concise overview of its history and technological milestones:

Origins and Early Development

Late 19th Century:
Scientists sought alternatives to traditional high-speed steel to improve metal-cutting speeds and reduce costs.

In 1893, German researchers produced tungsten carbide (WC) by heating tungsten trioxide with sugar in electric furnaces. However, early WC was too brittle for industrial use.

1920s Breakthrough:
German scientist Karl Schröter discovered that adding a low-melting-point metal (e.g., cobalt) to WC could enhance toughness without sacrificing hardness. This led to the birth of WC-Co cemented carbide, marking the foundation of modern hard metals.

Challenges and Innovations

1929
Early WC-Co alloys struggled with diffusion wear when machining steel. German scientists proposed using multi-carbide solid solutions (e.g., WC-TiC) to address this, leading to patents for improved alloys.

1930s

Krupp AG (Germany) began producing WC-TiC-Co alloys.

The U.S. developed similar alloys based on Schröter’s patents.

Later, WC-TiC-TaC-Co alloys emerged, solving steel-machining challenges and broadening applications.

Modern Advancements

1960s
Krupp introduced chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-coated cemented carbide, boosting tool life by several times and increasing cutting speeds by 25–30%.

1980s

Coated carbide tools saw rapid growth, dominating heavy-duty machining.

Low-pressure hot isostatic pressing (HIP) enabled near-theoretical-density alloys at lower costs.

Miniaturization trends led to precision tools like micro-drills and printing needles.

Global Expansion and China’s Role

1950s

China established its first cemented carbide factories, integrating the material into industrial and technological sectors.

21st Century
With advancements in automation and smart manufacturing, China’s cemented carbide industry continues to expand, supporting high-tech applications and economic growth.

Key Takeaways

Cemented carbide combines refractory carbides (e.g., WC, TiC) with a metallic binder (e.g., Co, Ni) to achieve unparalleled hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability. Its evolution—from brittle early forms to coated, ultra-precise modern variants—has made it indispensable in:

v Cutting tools

v Mining and construction

v Aerospace and defense

v Electronics and automotive industries

Today, cemented carbide stands as a cornerstone of industrial progress, continually adapting to meet the demands of advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.