Classification and Applications of Cemented Carbide

2025-11-17 10:25:11 Views:50 News

Cemented carbide is widely recognized for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and performance under demanding operating conditions. At FNS Pipeline Technology Co., Ltd., we work with various types of cemented carbide materials to support cutting tools, mining tools, and precision wear-resistant components. Understanding the cemented carbide classification system helps customers select materials that match their application requirements.

Chromium carbide weld overlay on mining slurry pipe

1. Classification of Cemented Carbide

Cemented carbide is commonly divided according to its composition, microstructure, and application field. The most widely accepted framework includes chemical-based categories and ISO carbide grades.

1.1 Classification by Composition and Structure

● WC–Co Cemented Carbide (YG Grades)

This type consists of tungsten carbide (WC) combined with a cobalt binder.

Excellent toughness
Suitable for machining cast iron, non-ferrous metals, composites, and general wear-resistant parts

WC-Co remains one of the most widely used types of cemented carbide due to its balance of strength and durability.

● WC–TiC–Co Cemented Carbide (YT Grades)

Adding titanium carbide (TiC) increases hardness and hot strength while reducing toughness.

Designed mainly for cutting steel
Offers better resistance against crater wear

This grade is often selected for high-temperature metal cutting applications.

● WC–TiC–TaC(NbC)–Co Cemented Carbide (YW Grades)

This group contains tantalum carbide (TaC) or niobium carbide (NbC) in addition to WC and TiC.

Balanced hardness, toughness, and stability
Suitable for machining steel, cast iron, and non-ferrous metals
Known as “universal carbide” due to its broad applicability

These grades are frequently used where versatility is required.

1.2 Classification by ISO Application Category

The ISO standard categorizes carbide materials based on machining characteristics and chip formation.

● ISO P Class (Blue)

Used for machining long-chip materials such as steel
Corresponds roughly to YT and YW grades

● ISO M Class (Yellow)

Designed for general-purpose machining
Can cut steel, cast iron, and stainless steel
Equivalent to YW universal carbide

● ISO K Class (Red)

Optimized for short-chip materials such as cast iron, non-ferrous metals, and non-metallic materials
Comparable to YG grades

These ISO carbide grades allow manufacturers to choose the ideal material for different cutting conditions.

2. Applications of Cemented Carbide

Thanks to its exceptional hardness and resistance to abrasion, cemented carbide is widely used across industrial sectors. Below are the primary cemented carbide applications supported by FNS Pipeline Technology.