Summary for tungsten carbide coating Discussion
Tungsten carbide coating is discussed as a possible alternative to hard chrome plating, with the focus_keyphrase appearing here as a practical search term for the thread. Mandy asks for basic information on process details, material preparation, pros and cons, comparison with hard chrome, and any finish problems. Guillermo Marrufo explains that there are three common ways to deposit tungsten carbide on ferrous substrates: welding with WC-loaded rods, thermospray/fuse with WC-alloy powder, and HVOF, which uses supersonic spraying of a high-content WC+cobalt mix and is considered low-temperature with a very good bond when the surface is properly prepared. He notes that HVOF can be a substitute for chrome in some applications after grinding. Another answer adds that WC can also be deposited by PVD and electro-spark deposition; however, PVD WC is not a good hard-chrome substitute and is more of a solid lubricant, while electro-spark deposition can produce very good coatings but is not well suited to large parts.
Q. As a design engineer I am looking for basic information regarding Tungsten Carbide Coating as follows : Details of process, Material preparation, Advantages & Disadvantages, Comparison against Hard Chrome Plating.
Any inherent problems with the finish, etc., suggested reading lists or other useful sites.
I will be grateful for any information supplied.
Thanks, Mandy
Mandy B [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
a pump mfgr. – Manchester, Lancashire, England. UK.
2003
A. There are three commonly methods to deposit tungsten carbide (WC) over ferrous substrates. Two involving extreme heat are: a) Welding with steel or alloy rods loaded with WC powder (low percentage of WC, heat distortion and surface irregularities as any weldment). b) Thermospray and fuse with WC+Alloy powder (medium content of WC, heat distortion and a slight better surface). c) HVOF. This involves the use of high tech equipment that sprays at supersonic velocities a mixture of high content of WC+Cobalt (88%+12%). This high impact produces a very good bond when the surface is properly prepared and is considered to be low-temperature. Surface like a fine emery paper. After grinding is considered a substitute for chrome in certain applications.
Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2003
A. Tungsten carbide is also deposited by PVD and electro-spark deposition. The PVD-deposited WC is not a good substitute for hard chrome — it’s used more as a solid lubricant, having a high C content. Electro-spark deposition is a welding process carried out at room temperature. While the coatings are quite good — better than hard chrome — and the coating equipment quite affordable, the process is not well-suited for coating large objects.
Jim Treglio – scwineryreview.com
PVD Consultant & Wine Lover
San Diego, California
2003
Q. Thanks for your information. Can anybody suggest any good web sites to look at ?
Mandy B [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
– Manchester, England, United Kingdom
2003
Q. Can somebody comment on the use of Tungsten Carbide to keep cutting knives for packaging machines sharp? The knives are toothed and the points of the teeth need to stay sharp. They have a 52-56 Rockwell Hardness. Would the Tungsten Carbide treatment have a tendency to slightly round or dull the points? Seems like the depositing method would have to be by electro-spark so that there is no heat generated during the process.
Any help here would be appreciated.
John V [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
– Belleville, Illinois
2006
A. John,
In answer to your question regarding tungsten carbide coating hss slitting blades for your packaging equipment.
Depending on the type of equipment being used to deposit the carbide, via spark generation, heat is a factor.
The use of a unit which uses 3 phase power and has a series of internal transformers and rectifier is your best choice. The Carbumatic machine is one of the best available to do the job for you. I have been using this equipment for the past 40 years with excellent results,
You can keep the edges sharp without sharpening afterward and you will not anneal the tool.
John Vacval
– Elgin, Illinois
2006
RFQ: Can anybody provide me with a way to reach the company that makes the Carbumatic machine that is used to apply the tungsten carbide?
John V [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
– Belleville, Illinois
2006
Ed. note: This RFQ is outdated, but technical replies are welcome, and readers are encouraged to post their own RFQs. But no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?).
Q. Want to know mfgr. of tungsten carbide coating equipment
suresh parsramani
– Mumbai Maharashtra India
July 18, 2008
Ed. note: This RFQ is outdated, but technical replies are welcome, and readers are encouraged to post their own RFQs. But no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?).
Welding of Tungsten carbide coating
Q. What is the process for welding TCC in pipe ID. Machine type, method, etc.
guna sekaran
MICRONE INDUSTRIES – Chennai India
July 23, 2018