The hardmetal tungsten carbide (WC) was developed in 1923 by K. Schröter. The original patent was held by Osram Studiengesellschaft, Germany and was licensed to German industrial giant Krupp AG.
Tungsten carbide has a high melting point and is extremely hard. It displays low resistance to electricity compared to metals and has a high density.
Tungsten carbide’s outstanding wear-resistance characteristics led to its deployment in a wide range of high wear applications, from mining to manufacturing. Early uses included the cutting and shaping of cast iron. By the early 1930′s its uses were extended to milling steel and shortly thereafter it was employed in mining tools in the form of cemented carbide tips. The resulting ten-fold increase in the usable life of rock drill bits revolutionized productivity.
Further developments in tungsten carbide technology improved their performance at high temperatures and further expanded their use in steel milling and manufacturing applications, again yielding greater efficiencies and economies, lowering input costs.
With the development of hot pressing of powders in graphite molds in 1928, it became possible to manufacture large hardmetal components.
Today tungsten carbide applications are found in virtually every industry.
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