I. Classification by Composition System
Category | Base Components | Binder Phase | Grade Naming Rule | Core Characteristics | Typical Application Scenarios |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tungsten Cobalt (WC-Co) | WC (90%-98%), Co (2%-10%) | Cobalt (Co) | YG + Cobalt Content (e.g., YG10) | High toughness and impact resistance, hardness HRA 89-91 | Cutting cast iron/non-ferrous metals (turning tools, drill bits) Geological exploration (mining drill bits) Wire drawing dies |
Tungsten Titanium Cobalt (WC-TiC-Co) | WC (70%-85%), TiC (5%-30%), Co (3%-10%) | Cobalt (Co) | YT + TiC Content (e.g., YT5) | High wear resistance (enhanced by TiC), hardness HRA 91-93 | Cutting steel (carbon steel, alloy steel) Precision machining (milling and boring tools) |
Tungsten Titanium Tantalum (Niobium) (WC-TiC-TaC/NbC-Co) | WC (60%-80%), TiC (5%-20%), TaC/NbC (5%-15%), Co (5%-15%) | Cobalt (Co) | YW + Serial Number (e.g., YW2) | Balanced wear resistance and anti-deformation, hardness HRA 92-93 | Machining stainless steel/heat-resistant alloys Complex working conditions (intermittent cutting) Universal tools (end mills, reamers) |
II. Classification by Shape
1. Spherical Body (Cemented Carbide Balls)
- Core Process:Isostatic pressing (spherical tolerance ≤±0.01mm) → High-temperature sintering (1400℃, density ≥14.5g/cm³) → Precision grinding (surface roughness Ra≤0.05μm)
- Specifications and Applications:TypeDiameter RangeTypical GradesCore AdvantagesApplication ScenariosHigh-precision balls0.5-50mmYG6X, YN6Spherical tolerance ±0.001mmAviation engine bearing balls
Precision instrument gyroscopesWear-resistant balls5-100mmYG8, YG1110x wear resistance compared to steel ballsMine ball mill liners
Petrochemical valve seals - Image Placeholder: [Physical diagram of cemented carbide balls, labeled: High-precision wear-resistant cemented carbide balls for high-end equipment]
Type | Diameter Range | Typical Grades | Core Advantages | Application Scenarios |
---|---|---|---|---|
High-precision balls | 0.5-50mm | YG6X, YN6 | Spherical tolerance ±0.001mm | Aviation engine bearing balls Precision instrument gyroscopes |
Wear-resistant balls | 5-100mm | YG8, YG11 | 10x wear resistance compared to steel balls | Mine ball mill liners Petrochemical valve seals |

2. Plate-shaped Body (Cemented Carbide Plates/Blocks)
- Key Performance Parameters:IndexValue RangePrecision Grade StandardTesting MethodHardness (HRA)90-94≥92.5 (YT14 grade)Rockwell hardness tester (150kg load)Flexural Strength (MPa)≥1500≥1800 (YG8 grade)Three-point bending testFlatness (mm)≤0.02≤0.005 (precision grade)Laser flatness tester
Index | Value Range | Precision Grade Standard | Testing Method |
---|---|---|---|
Hardness (HRA) | 90-94 | ≥92.5 (YT14 grade) | Rockwell hardness tester (150kg load) |
Flexural Strength (MPa) | ≥1500 | ≥1800 (YG8 grade) | Three-point bending test |
Flatness (mm) | ≤0.02 | ≤0.005 (precision grade) | Laser flatness tester |
- Application Scenarios:
- Electronic molds: Chip lead frame stamping plates (service life ≥1 million times), LED bracket forming plates (precision ±0.002mm)
- Hardware molds: Screw cold heading dies (YG20 grade, impact resistance), stainless steel tableware drawing dies (YW1 grade, anti-sticking)
- Wear-resistant components: Construction machinery track plates (YG15 grade, 2x service life), crusher tooth plates (YT15 grade, impact-resistant wear)
- Image Placeholder: [Schematic diagram of cemented carbide plates, labeled: Precision cemented carbide plates for electronic mold manufacturing]

3. Rod-shaped Body (Cemented Carbide Rods)
- Structural Classification and Processes:
Type | Geometric Features | Forming Process | Density Control | Typical Size Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
Solid rods | Diameter 2-50mm, length 100-300mm | Extrusion molding + vacuum sintering | Density uniformity ±0.1g/cm³ | Diameter tolerance ±0.005mm (precision grade) |
Hollow rods | Inner diameter 1-30mm, wall thickness ≥1mm | Metal injection molding (MIM) | Inner hole concentricity ≤0.01mm | Length 50-200mm, inner wall roughness Ra≤1.6μm |
- Performance and Applications Matrix:
Application Field | Typical Grades | Core Performance Indicators | Advantage Comparison |
---|---|---|---|
Precision machining tools | YG6, YT10 | Straightness ≤0.01mm/m, surface roughness Ra≤0.2μm | Machining precision up to IT5 grade, for semiconductor wafer cutting |
Mining drill rods | YG8, YW2 | Impact toughness ≥20J/cm², hardness HRA 91-93 | 4x service life compared to steel rods, resistant to rock impact wear |
Aerospace machining | YT15 (with TaC) | High-temperature hardness HRA≥88 at 1000℃, flexural strength ≥1600MPa | 30% higher efficiency in machining nickel-based alloys, strong anti-adhesion |
Medical equipment | YG6X | Biocompatibility certification, surface polishing Ra≤0.05μm | Orthopedic implants (joint stems), resistant to body fluid corrosion |
- Quality Standards:
- Roundness: ≤0.005mm (precision grade), ≤0.02mm (common grade)
- Surface treatment: Polished rods Ra≤0.2μm, coated rods (TiN/TiAlN) film thickness 3-5μm
- Image Placeholder: [Physical diagram of cemented carbide rods, labeled: High-precision wear-resistant cemented carbide rods for precision machining and mining tools]

III. Technological Development Trends
- Composition Innovation:
- Nanoscale WC particles (grain size ≤0.5μm), hardness exceeding HRA 95+, suitable for ultra-precision machining (optical glass molds)
- Multicomponent binder phases (Ni-Co-Cr alloys), enhancing corrosion resistance (marine engineering tools)
- Forming Technologies:
- 3D printing (SLM technology): Complex curved surface rods (e.g., hollow turbine blade machining tools for aero-engines)
- Cold isostatic pressing + hot isostatic pressing (CIP+HIP): Density ≥14.9g/cm³, for extra-large diameter rods (φ≥100mm)
- Application Upgrades:
- New energy sector: Lithium battery electrode punching knives (YW3 grade, 50% longer service life), photovoltaic silicon wafer cutting rods (YN9 grade, 20% higher cutting speed)
- High-end equipment: Semiconductor wafer dicing blades (YT10X grade, cutting precision ±0.001mm, chipping rate <0.1%)
Optimization Advantages
- Data Structuring: Comparative tables for composition, performance, and applications ensure clear, quick-reference information.
- Full Morphological Coverage: Added rod-shaped classification with hollow/solid structures and precision standards, completing the cemented carbide morphology system.
- Granular Application Scenarios: Industry-specific cases (semiconductor, aviation, medical) match diverse field requirements.
- Forward-looking Trends: Technical trends listed to highlight frontiers like nanomaterials and 3D printing, enhancing industry guidance.