Replacing Worn Steel Parts With Carbide
Switching a part from steel or a hardfaced coating to solid carbide is a change worth making only when the failure mode justifies it. This route sets out how to decide, and how to run the change without gambling a production line on it.
What Happens At Each Stage
Each stage lists the thing that usually goes wrong and what we do about it.
Evidence
Problem. Replacement intervals get shortened without anyone establishing why the part fails.
The worn part itself shows the mechanism: uniform loss points at abrasion, edge chipping at impact, pitting at chemical attack.
Decide Whether Carbide Fits
Problem. Carbide is not the answer to every wear problem and is brittle under point loading.
Where the load is abrasive or corrosive and the part is fully supported, carbide extends the interval. Where it is unsupported or shock loaded on an edge, we say so.
Match the Geometry
Problem. A carbide part dropped into a housing designed for steel can crack at the first assembly.
Seating faces and fits are reviewed on the drawing so the carbide part is supported across the full face.
Trial
Problem. Nobody wants to convert a whole fleet on an untested change.
A sample is produced for pre-testing so one machine or one pump can run the change first.
Roll Out
Problem. A successful trial part is worthless if the next batch differs.
The trial geometry and grade are held on the same mould for the repeat orders.
The Production Route Behind It
Weighing In of Ingredients
Tungsten carbide powder and cobalt binder weighed to the grade formula.
Milling
Powders wet milled so the binder is evenly distributed through the mix.
Spray Drying
The slurry is spray dried into free-flowing granules that press consistently.
Testing
Granulate checked before it is committed to a press run.
Forming
Blanks pressed on imported presses from the mould for that part.
Sintering
Sintered at around 1450 degrees C in an over-pressure furnace to close porosity.
Machining
Ground and finished to the dimensions on the drawing.
Quality Control
Physical properties, shape and tolerance checked, then inspection photographs sent before delivery.
Product Families This Applies To
Solid Carbide End Mills
Solid carbide end mills produced from raw carbide rods, designed for high-speed milling with…
Tungsten Carbide Bushes and Sleeves
Pressed and sintered carbide bushes, shaft sleeves, valve cores and valve seats made to your…
Tungsten Carbide Rods
Pressed and sintered tungsten carbide rods made to your drawing or standard size for use in…
Tungsten Carbide Nozzles
Pressed and sintered tungsten carbide nozzles made to drawing for high-wear, high-temperature,…
Ball Mill Grinding Media and Jars
Pressed and sintered tungsten carbide grinding media and jars for ball mills, made to YG8…
Tungsten Carbide Rings
Pressed and sintered tungsten carbide rings for mechanical seals, available in flat (PH) and…
Replacing Worn Steel Parts With Carbide FAQ
When is carbide the wrong choice?
Where the part is point loaded, unsupported at an edge, or subject to heavy impact. Carbide is hard but brittle, and those are the conditions that chip it.
How much longer will a carbide part last?
Not published on the source material. it depends entirely on the duty. The honest way to find out is a sample run in your own service conditions.
Can you copy our existing steel part?
Yes. Send the drawing or the part itself, together with the service conditions, and a grade will be recommended with the quotation.
Do I need to change the housing?
Often not, but the seating face is checked on the drawing first so the carbide part is fully supported.
How do I start?
Email or message a photograph of the worn part with the drawing and the operating conditions.
Other Ways To Work With Us
Custom Carbide Parts to Drawing
Most enquiries here start with a drawing and a part that is wearing out too fast. This route covers…
Carbide Grade Selection
Grade is the decision that sets how long the part lasts, and it is usually made with less information…
OEM and ODM Carbide Supply
Equipment builders and distributors who resell carbide parts need the part to arrive the same way…
Replacing Steel Wear Parts With Carbide
Send the drawing, the quantity and the service conditions. You will get a grade recommendation alongside the quotation.