Does Tungsten Carbide Rust? The Science Explained

Tungsten carbide (WC) is a composite material produced through powder metallurgy by blending carbide tungsten particles with a binder, commonly cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni). This material's unique properties make it resistant to rust, setting it apart from iron-based metals. Let's delve into why tungsten carbide doesn't rust and the key factors behind its rust resistance.

Why Tungsten Carbide Resists Rust

1. Non-Ferrous Composition

Tungsten carbide inherently resists rust due to its iron-free composition. Iron is crucial for the oxidation process that leads to rust formation when exposed to moisture and oxygen. KOIHO’s tungsten carbide mining drill bits capitalize on this characteristic, maintaining their integrity in muddy, waterlogged mining operations when used with Sandvik rigs.

2. Binder Selection

While cobalt binders in cemented carbide products may exhibit minor corrosion in acidic or saline environments (pH < 5), KOIHO offers alternatives. For instance, nickel-bound hard alloy 3D printing nozzles enhance rust resistance, ideal for humid workshop environments using Creality Ender-3 printers.

3. Protective Manufacturing Processes

Advanced sintering techniques and surface treatments play a pivotal role in minimizing binder exposure. KOIHO’s carbide tungsten buttons and tungsten carbide bars feature polished surfaces, significantly reducing corrosion risks when used in road milling with Wirtgen machines.

4. Application-Specific Design

KOIHO tailors its hard alloy milling teeth and tungsten carbide drill bits to suit specific environments, such as acidic mine water or salty coastal construction sites. This ensures long-term rust resistance in applications like XCMG drilling or Dynapac milling tasks.

The Importance of Rust Resistance in Tungsten Carbide Applications:

.Mining and Drilling

Tungsten carbide mining drill bits encounter wet, acidic conditions. KOIHO’s rust-resistant carbide tungsten bits ensure reliable performance in Atlas Copco drills, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

.Road Milling

Cemented carbide milling teeth are exposed to moisture and debris in road milling operations. KOIHO’s hard alloy milling teeth resist rust, maintaining precision and efficiency in asphalt milling with Caterpillar planers.

.3D Printing

3D printing carbide nozzles are designed to operate in humid environments. KOIHO’s nickel-bound tungsten carbide nozzles prevent corrosion, ensuring the smooth extrusion of abrasive filaments, such as carbon fiber PLA, on Bambu Lab X1 printers.

.Machining

Tungsten carbide bars used in CNC lathes come into contact with cutting fluids. KOIHO’s carbide tungsten rods resist rust, delivering consistent cuts and ensuring high-quality outputs, especially in the aerospace industry.

By understanding the science behind tungsten carbide's rust resistance and the strategies employed by manufacturers like KOIHO, you can appreciate the material's versatility and reliability across diverse applications.

Benefits of KOIHO BETTER CARBIDE’s Rust-Resistant Products

• Superior Durability: With a Mohs hardness of 8.5-9, KOIHO’s carbide tungsten buttons and hard alloy milling teeth resist wear and rust, lasting 7x longer than steel in mining or roadwork.

• Corrosion Resistance: Nickel-bound cemented carbide rods and 3D printing carbide nozzles thrive in acidic or humid conditions, ideal for coastal construction or humid 3D printing labs.

• High Heat Tolerance: With a 2,870°C melting point, tungsten carbide drill bits and tungsten carbide bars maintain performance in high-temperature applications like drilling or machining.

• Cost Savings: KOIHO’s rust-resistant hard alloy products reduce maintenance and replacements by 25%, lowering costs in road milling or 3D printing projects.

Why Choose KOIHO Carbide?‌

KOIHO makes tough tungsten carbide that won't rust:

✔ ‌Strong Materials‌ - Nickel/low-cobalt mix keeps buttons and rods rust-free, even in wet mines or humid 3D printing shops.

✔ ‌Precision Made‌ - Our milling teeth and 3D printer nozzles last longer, working perfectly with Prusa printers and Wirtgen machines.

✔ ‌Fits Your Tools‌ - Works with Sandvik drills, CNC machines, and other major brands.

✔ ‌Expert Advice‌ - We help you pick the right carbide products for tough jobs in mining, construction, and 3D printing.

Tips for Using Tungsten Carbide in Corrosive Environments

Maximize KOIHO’s tungsten carbide products with these best practices:

• Choose Nickel Binders: Opt for nickel-bound carbide tungsten rods or 3D printing carbide nozzles for acidic or saline conditions, such as Wirtgen road milling or humid 3D printing.

• Clean Regularly: Rinse hard alloy milling teeth and tungsten carbide drill bits after use in wet environments to remove corrosive residues, ensuring longevity in mining or construction.

• Verify Application: Select cemented carbide buttons or tungsten carbide bars designed for your environment (e.g., pH-neutral for machining, acidic for mining) to optimize rust resistance.

• Store Properly: Keep carbide products in dry conditions to prevent binder corrosion, especially for hard alloy 3D printing nozzles used intermittently.

Can tungsten carbide rust? While carbide tungsten itself is rust-proof due to its non-ferrous nature, cobalt binders may show minor corrosion in extreme conditions. KOIHO BETTER CARBIDE`s tungsten carbide buttons, cemented carbide rods, hard alloy milling teeth, tungsten carbide mining drill bits, and 3D printing carbide nozzles offer superior rust resistance, ensuring durability in mining, road milling, and 3D printing. Ready to enhance your operations with corrosion-resistant carbide solutions?

Visit www.koihocarbide.com to explore KOIHO BETTER CARBIDE`s tungsten carbide products and power your projects today.