Tungsten carbide is a type of steel

Tungsten carbide is a type of steel. It is comprised of mainly tungsten carbide and cobalt. The cobalt acts as a binder and improves shock resistance. As the percentage of cobalt in the mix rises, so does the shock resistance. These materials generally start as powders. A small amount of wax is then added to the mix. This holds the materials together so they can be molded. The mix is then placed in a de-waxing furnace overnight. It is removed and takes a more chalk like appearance. (S1, p1) As a result of this, a material is obtained which combines high strength, toughness and high hardness.
Tungsten carbide has very high strength for a material so hard and rigid. Its compressive strength is higher than virtually all melted and cast or forged metals and alloys. It has a tensile strength of 100,000-500,000 psi and a Brinell harness of 2570. (S3, p1) It has the highest melting point of any metal. It also has high thermal conductivity with a range of twice that of tool steel and carbon steel. A high resistance to corrosion enables it to be used in extreme conditions in or out doors. It also has a very high modulus of elasticity. Tungsten carbide is the hardest metal known to man. It has a hardness close to diamond. (S4, p1)
Tungsten carbide is known for its ability to retain an extremely sharp edge for an extended amount of time under certain cutting applications. It is also very brittle and is prone to nicking and chipping very easily. It is one of best-known materials for precision cutting. This is why one of the main uses for tungsten carbide is in a machine shop. Tungsten carbide can be fastened to other materials by any of three methods; brazing, epoxy cementing, or mechanical means. As prices go down and more and more technology is developed to use this material, machines and companies all over the world are reaping the benefits of having much stronger and longer lasting bits and blades.