超硬合金とセラミックの違いは何ですか？

セラミックスの硬度は地球上で最も硬い鉱物であるダイヤモンドに迫る硬さを持ちます。
ダイヤモンドの硬度を10とすると、セラミックスは硬度9以上を示し、タングステンなどの超硬金属よりも高い硬度を持ちます。
また、成分の違いによって超硬合金の場合は重量が重くなるという特徴もあります。
ただし超硬合金はタングステンカーバイド（WC）の粒子や、結合材の配合量、微量添加物によって、さまざまな特徴をもつ超硬合金をつくりだすことができますので、多くの材種からベストマッチの材種選定が可能です。

超硬とサーメットの違いは何ですか？

超硬とハイスの違いは何ですか？

超硬合金の弱点は何ですか？

一般的な鉄合金と比較すると、靱性（ねばり強さ）が低く、刃先が欠けてしまう・剥離するといったような現象が起こることがあります。
また、比重が鉄の約2倍ありますので、重量が重くなることがデメリットとなる場合もあります。

超硬が割れる原因は何ですか？

超硬材料は、金属材料に比べて熱膨張率が違います。 このため、焼きばめ／冷しばめされた製品は、
使用温度が設計値と事なり著しく高い（低い）場合、割れが発生する事があります。
また、硬度が高い超硬合金を使用する際には、大きい衝撃がかかると割れなどの問題が発生する場合もあるので破壊靭性値にも注意して選定していく必要があります。

刃物に使われている超硬とは何ですか？

被加工材やその厚みなどによって選択すべき超硬合金の材質は変わりますが、一般的に刃物として使用する場合は、
切れ味重視や、チッピング対策を考えて、タングステンカーバイド（WC）の粒子を細かくした超微粒子超硬合金を
選定することが多くあります。

Can A10W be considered for use in electrical machining?

We believe A10W can be used safely even in electrical machining.
Fine particle grain cemented carbide inhibit crack propagation through mixing coarse-sized grain, and the heat affected layer's thickness is reduced through lowering the amount of Co. This is why we recommend A10W for wire EDM.

Which carbide material is the most resistant to abrasion?

The SS Grade carbide, made for abrasion resistance.
SS13 and SS15 have the hardness of HV2450 and HV2100, respectively.
These materials are not very tough, so it is recommended that you use them under a low load.

We are using carbide for press processing of stainless materials, but compared to SPCC, abrasion occurs quickly and parts must be replaced.

Stainless materials are hard and tough, which leads to greater abrasion and chipping of the tool.
We recommend using KX01, as it has superior toughness and resistance to heat, and is extremely hard.

We are using fine grain and ultra fine grain carbide parts with wire cutting and EDM machines, but chipping occurs often during use.

Try our A10W.
This material maintains the transverse rupture strength of KD20, while having resistance to thermal cracking during EDM/WEDM improved.

What about working with pure iron, pure copper, and nickel?

The reason for a shorter lifespan is due to their affinity with cobalt contained in carbide.
We have received great praise for our MC20 that controls this adhesion with lowered affinity to these materials.

What carbides have excellent chipping and abrasions resistance for cutting and bending materials of C5191, C5210 (phosphor bronze), and C1020 (pure copper)?

Results 1: C5191, C5210 (phosphor bronze): KD20
Results 2: C5210 stamping connector, die: KD40 punch:KD20 stripper:G4
Results 3: C5210 stamping/bending connector EF01
Results 4: C1020 (pure copper) MC20

About galling (seizure) of soft metal

By using metal mold with metal adhered to it, part of the metal will melts due to frictional heat and thus galling will occur.
Soft metals are more likely to adhere and cause galling.
Adhering: the bonding that occurs when 2 types of metals approach one another at an atomic level
Galling: the state when the friction factor increases suddenly from adhering or welding
Affinity mechanism: 1) Adhering > Galling > Affinity 2) Galling > Affinity

What’s the difference between EDM cracks and heat affected layers?

Both occur from thermal energy during EDM. An heat affected layer is made of melted and solidified Co and WC particles, and a crack occurs from EDM impact or the stress of shrinkage from melting and solidifying.
An altered layer occurs only on part of the processed layer, but a crack may occur through the original material, as well.

Can a carbide be fixed into position via magnetic fixture during processing?

While carbide is magnetic it is weak, making use of magnetic chucks dangerous.
We recommend using a vice, reinforcing plate, or bonding adhesive.

I would like to have tapping applied to the carbide parts.

We recommend direct tapping. Tapping is done after taking into account the amount of shrinking that will occur during sintering.
It is tougher than electrical tapping or bush brazing.
If any pitch accuracy is required, we recommend electrical tapping or brazing.

Is micro-grain cemented carbide lead time long?

No.
Because of our Micro-grain cemented carbide EF grade assembly line, we are able to deliver in the same time as other materials.

I would like a short delivery time.

For cemented carbide materials, we stock blocks of each grade, and some are polished on two sides so that they can be used immediately by cutting.
We are establishing a system to enable sintering of molded materials at the current day, so please feel free to contact us.
we shorten the delivery for finished parts, jigs and tools by cutting them out from stocked blocks.

How is lot management carried out? How frequent are checks on carbide grain structure made?

We check the structure and hardness of a test piece in a sintering furnace.
We check every single lot of powder when it is completed.
We check the external appearance of all products when sintered, and inspect the structure based on sampling method.