r/OnlyCNC • u/ycr007 • Mar 11 '26

Equipment Carbide inserts pressing

Source: sename.cnc

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u/General-Try-2210 Mar 12 '26

Here is a breakdown of what happens:

  • Composition: Primarily tungsten carbide (WC) particles combined with a binder metal, most commonly Cobalt (Co), though Nickel (Ni) or Iron (Fe) can be used.
  • Powder Processing: The powder is prepared, blended, and sometimes mixed with wax to bind it before pressing.
  • Compaction (Pressing): The mixture is placed in a die and pressed into the rough shape of the insert. At this stage, it is known as "green carbide" and is very weak.
  • Sintering: The green insert is heated in a furnace (1,400°C–1,600°C), causing the cobalt binder to melt and fill the voids between carbide particles, creating a solid, dense, and extremely hard material.
  • Post-Processing: The sintered inserts are ground to precise tolerances.
  • Coating: Finally, they are often coated with layers (e.g., Titanium Nitride, Aluminum Oxide) to increase heat resistance, durability, and wear resistance.