TUNGSTEN-CARBIDE WELDING

Coating of tungsten carbide fused carbides by gas fusion welding is one of the most commonly used hardfacing processes in the world. This welding process enables us to apply very highly wear-resistant coatings at low heat (and distortion).

Tungsten carbide coating is used to create wear-resistant and non-slip surfaces. This coating is therefore ideally suited for increasing clamping and frictional forces. Tungsten carbide coating is the ideal combination of a carbide-like surface with the toughness of steel.

By changing the coating parameters and subsequent polishing, additional sliding surfaces with high resistance to abrasive wear can be created. The porous surface structure ensures excellent retention of lubricants. Due to the high chemical inertness of carbides, additional material repellence is achieved, preventing the formation of cold welds. Therefore, tungsten carbide coatings on highly stressed edges and surfaces, e.g. in cold extrusion dies, forging dies or bending tools, can significantly extend tool life.

Soft, quenched and tempered or hardened steels can be coated. Hardened steels retain their hardness through treatment near room temperature. Self-supporting layers with thicknesses up to approx. 80 micrometres, layer hardness up to 1,200 HV (equivalent to over 72 HRC) and excellent adhesive strengths ensure long coating life. It is not possible to peel or blast off the coating in slabs as it completely fuses with the base material.