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3D-printed cemented carbide: freedom of design has never been harder

In most industries, especially those battling harsh environments, wear resistance is crucial for productivity. We've been perfecting cemented carbide since 1932, leveraging 160 years of materials expertise to develop a patented process that allows us to 3D print cemented carbide components tailored to your every need – breaking free from design restrictions.

Imagine reduced lead times, optimized performance, and components lasting up to 20 times longer compared to any other steel or metal alloy. When profound metallurgical knowledge meets cutting-edge technology, major innovations happen. And when durable designs are key to productivity… the right partner is everything.

Applications

We have been perfecting cemented carbide for decades, and offer 3D-printed, high-performance cemented carbide grades for the most demanding applications. Cemented carbide is characterized by high durability and excellent wear resistance. Therefore, components made from cemented carbide have typically 3-20 times longer service life compared to steels and other alloys, making them suitable for a range of applications such as nozzles, wire-drawing nibs and general wear parts.

Case

Optimized, 3D-printed nozzles in cemented carbide

Optimized, 3D-printed nozzles in cemented carbide

Interview

A look at cemented carbide in additive manufacturing

A look at cemented carbide in additive manufacturing

Product data

Using additive manufacturing for making cemented carbide components means far greater design flexibility compared to producing components by, for example, press and sintering methods. With additive manufacturing, virtually any component geometry is possible.

Geometric capabilities (typical)
Size/Envelope Max 200x200x300mm, Typical <40x40x50mm
Wall thickness 0.5 to 30mm
Accuracy ± 0.5 to ±1.0% of nominal dimension, min ±0.04
Geometry Almost any
Channels L20mm*d0.8mm; L100mm*d1.2mm
Roughness Ra 3.2
Chemical composition
Grade Co WC Other
H12N 12 Bal. -
H13F 13 Bal. <1
H10F 10 Bal. <1
Typical properties
Grade Hardness Compressive strength1 Transverse rupture strength1 Young's modulus1 Thermal expansion coefficient1 ISO ANSI
HV MPa MPa GPa 106/K
H12N 1350 4900 2800 550 5.8 K40 C1
H13F 1450 5500 3800 560 6.1 K30 C1
H10F 1600 5300 3700 580 5.7 K20 C2

1 Not tested. Typical/target values for reference.

Corrosion resistance

3D-printed cemented carbide is corrosion resistant at pH >7.

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