PITTSBURGH-Allegheny Technologies Incorporated announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell its tungsten materials business to Kennametal Inc. for $605 million. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter 2013. As a result of this agreement, ATI will report the financial results of the tungsten materials business in discontinued operations pending completion of the transaction.
The tungsten materials business, called ATI Tungsten Materials, is part of ATI's Engineered Products segment. ATI's tungsten materials business has approximately 1,175 employees and produces tungsten powder, tungsten heavy alloys, tungsten carbide materials, and carbide cutting tools. For the year ended December 31, 2012, ATI's tungsten materials business generated total net revenue of $338.6 million, operating profit of $37.2 million, and EBITDA of $45.3 million.
"ATI's growth opportunities are in our High Performance Metals segment businesses, including precision forgings and titanium investment castings, and in our diversified Flat-Rolled Products segment business," said Rich Harshman, ATI Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The sale of our tungsten materials business to Kennametal, a recognized global leader in tungsten-based wear-resistant products, provides ATI with increased financial flexibility and simplifies capital allocation and deployment.
"This sale strengthens our focus on ATI's core strategic businesses and emphasizes the technical, commercial and operating synergies between our High Performance Metals and Flat-Rolled Products segment businesses.
"We also believe that the acquisition of the tungsten materials business by Kennametal improves the competitive position of this business, resulting in a stronger business for the benefit of customers and employees."
Goldman, Sachs & Co. acted as sole financial advisor to ATI and K&L Gates LLP is ATI's legal counsel in connection with the transaction.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which we are unable to predict or control, that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to materially differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements is contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no duty to update our forward-looking statements.
2013年9月18日星期三
Allegheny Technologies’Tungsten Materials Business
Kennametal Inc. announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Tungsten Materials Business of Allegheny Technologies Incorporated for $605 million. ATI’s Tungsten Materials Business, with approximately $340 million in annual sales, is a leading producer of tungsten metallurgical powders, as well as tooling technologies and components.
The business has approximately 1,175 employees across 14 operating facilities globally and consists of two market-leading divisions: ATI Firth Sterling and ATI Stellram. The transaction has been approved by both companies’ boards of directors and is expected to close before the end of the calendar year, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
“ATI’s Tungsten Materials Business brings vital strategic assets that are an excellent complement to Kennametal, especially given our common focus on operational excellence and industry-leading material science,” said Kennametal Chairman, President and CEO Carlos Cardoso. “The addition of the expanded material and tooling technologies of ATI’s Tungsten Materials Business will enable us to offer more to our customers around the world. We look forward to building on our respective strengths to accelerate growth while generating even greater value for our business and ultimately our shareholders.”
This acquisition is aligned with Kennametal’s growth strategy and positions the company to further diversify its portfolio. The company expects to capitalize on the material technology capabilities, engineered components and world-class tooling products of ATI’s Tungsten Materials Business to expand its presence in the aerospace and energy markets.
The acquisition will advance Kennametal’s core strategy that seeks to diversify the company’s tungsten sourcing to balance supplies, costs and access to raw materials, including those produced from recycled products. The ability of ATI’s Tungsten Materials Business to produce critical materials from recovered tooling and scrap will enhance Kennametal's material sourcing and development capabilities to support the company's growth initiatives. The acquisition accelerates Kennametal’s previously announced plans to expand capacity and develop an advanced tungsten carbide recycling facility in the United States to serve global markets. The company also estimates that this will reduce planned capital expenditures by approximately $30 million to $35 million and expects to achieve economy of scale six to eight years earlier than prior projections.
In addition, the acquisition will further augment Kennametal’s tooling portfolio in the areas of metal cutting and metal finishing technologies, through brands such as Stellram Products, Garryson Products and Landis Products.
The acquisition is expected to generate significant synergies. The company forecasts potential annual run-rate cost synergies ranging from $30 million to $40 million, which it anticipates will be realized via productivity improvements, operational efficiencies and raw-material cost benefits. Kennametal also plans to pursue revenue synergies by extending the sales of ATI’s Tungsten Materials Business globally through its existing sales channels, while building further on its strategic talent and technologies.
The transaction is structured as both an asset and stock purchase with Kennametal benefiting from the “step-up” in the tax basis of the acquired assets and the resulting tax deduction. Management estimates the cash tax benefit of the step-up to have a net present value of approximately $60 million to $70 million.
Kennametal plans to fund the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and available borrowings under its existing revolving credit facility. The company expects the acquisition to be neutral to earnings for the remainder of its fiscal year 2014. Adjusted for the estimated annual run-rate synergies and tax asset, the implied acquisition multiple represents approximately 7.2x EBITDA based on historical earnings.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Kennametal on the transaction.
The business has approximately 1,175 employees across 14 operating facilities globally and consists of two market-leading divisions: ATI Firth Sterling and ATI Stellram. The transaction has been approved by both companies’ boards of directors and is expected to close before the end of the calendar year, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
“ATI’s Tungsten Materials Business brings vital strategic assets that are an excellent complement to Kennametal, especially given our common focus on operational excellence and industry-leading material science,” said Kennametal Chairman, President and CEO Carlos Cardoso. “The addition of the expanded material and tooling technologies of ATI’s Tungsten Materials Business will enable us to offer more to our customers around the world. We look forward to building on our respective strengths to accelerate growth while generating even greater value for our business and ultimately our shareholders.”
This acquisition is aligned with Kennametal’s growth strategy and positions the company to further diversify its portfolio. The company expects to capitalize on the material technology capabilities, engineered components and world-class tooling products of ATI’s Tungsten Materials Business to expand its presence in the aerospace and energy markets.
The acquisition will advance Kennametal’s core strategy that seeks to diversify the company’s tungsten sourcing to balance supplies, costs and access to raw materials, including those produced from recycled products. The ability of ATI’s Tungsten Materials Business to produce critical materials from recovered tooling and scrap will enhance Kennametal's material sourcing and development capabilities to support the company's growth initiatives. The acquisition accelerates Kennametal’s previously announced plans to expand capacity and develop an advanced tungsten carbide recycling facility in the United States to serve global markets. The company also estimates that this will reduce planned capital expenditures by approximately $30 million to $35 million and expects to achieve economy of scale six to eight years earlier than prior projections.
In addition, the acquisition will further augment Kennametal’s tooling portfolio in the areas of metal cutting and metal finishing technologies, through brands such as Stellram Products, Garryson Products and Landis Products.
The acquisition is expected to generate significant synergies. The company forecasts potential annual run-rate cost synergies ranging from $30 million to $40 million, which it anticipates will be realized via productivity improvements, operational efficiencies and raw-material cost benefits. Kennametal also plans to pursue revenue synergies by extending the sales of ATI’s Tungsten Materials Business globally through its existing sales channels, while building further on its strategic talent and technologies.
The transaction is structured as both an asset and stock purchase with Kennametal benefiting from the “step-up” in the tax basis of the acquired assets and the resulting tax deduction. Management estimates the cash tax benefit of the step-up to have a net present value of approximately $60 million to $70 million.
Kennametal plans to fund the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and available borrowings under its existing revolving credit facility. The company expects the acquisition to be neutral to earnings for the remainder of its fiscal year 2014. Adjusted for the estimated annual run-rate synergies and tax asset, the implied acquisition multiple represents approximately 7.2x EBITDA based on historical earnings.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Kennametal on the transaction.
Kennametal to Buy Tungsten Biz of ATI
Kennametal Inc. is again active on the acquisition front having signed an agreement to acquire Allegheny Technologies Incorporated 's Tungsten Materials Business. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to be complete by the end of calendar year 2013.
The acquisition has been valued at $605 million, which Kennametal intends to pay using its available cash and borrowings under its existing revolving credit facility.
Allegheny Technologies' Tungsten Materials Business is among the leading producer of tungsten metallurgical powders and also provides tooling technologies and components. The business has two divisions namely, ATI Firth Sterling and ATI Stellram.
Post the completion of the acquisition, the acquired business brings with it roughly $340 million of annual revenue generation capacity and 1,175 employees operating from 14 facilities worldwide.
Kennametal has over time preferred accretive acquisitions and dispositions of non-core assets as its primary tool to shift its business portfolio toward favored growth markets. This current acquisition also aligns with the company's long-term growth strategies and will enable diversification of product portfolio, expansion in the aerospace and energy end markets and strengthening of the tooling business.
Annual run-rate cost synergies within $30-$40 million range and cash tax benefits within $60-$70 million range is expected to be realized post the completion of the acquisition. Further, the acquisition also accelerates Kennametal's plan for an advanced tungsten carbide facility. Further, the company has lowered its capital spending plan from $65 million to $35 million. For the fiscal year 2014, the acquisition is anticipated to be neutral to earnings.
Earlier to this announcement, Kennametal had acquired Emura that enables the company to diversify and balance its tungsten sourcing capabilities.
Kennametal Inc. currently has a market capitalization of $3.6 billion. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other stocks to watch out for in the industry are Actuant Corporation ( ATU ) and Sandvik AB ( SDVKY ), each with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The acquisition has been valued at $605 million, which Kennametal intends to pay using its available cash and borrowings under its existing revolving credit facility.
Allegheny Technologies' Tungsten Materials Business is among the leading producer of tungsten metallurgical powders and also provides tooling technologies and components. The business has two divisions namely, ATI Firth Sterling and ATI Stellram.
Post the completion of the acquisition, the acquired business brings with it roughly $340 million of annual revenue generation capacity and 1,175 employees operating from 14 facilities worldwide.
Kennametal has over time preferred accretive acquisitions and dispositions of non-core assets as its primary tool to shift its business portfolio toward favored growth markets. This current acquisition also aligns with the company's long-term growth strategies and will enable diversification of product portfolio, expansion in the aerospace and energy end markets and strengthening of the tooling business.
Annual run-rate cost synergies within $30-$40 million range and cash tax benefits within $60-$70 million range is expected to be realized post the completion of the acquisition. Further, the acquisition also accelerates Kennametal's plan for an advanced tungsten carbide facility. Further, the company has lowered its capital spending plan from $65 million to $35 million. For the fiscal year 2014, the acquisition is anticipated to be neutral to earnings.
Earlier to this announcement, Kennametal had acquired Emura that enables the company to diversify and balance its tungsten sourcing capabilities.
Kennametal Inc. currently has a market capitalization of $3.6 billion. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other stocks to watch out for in the industry are Actuant Corporation ( ATU ) and Sandvik AB ( SDVKY ), each with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Tungsten Carbide Materials for Aircraft Seal Applications
Oil-free, self-lubricating mechanical carbon materials possess a combination of characteristics that make them suitable for use in both commercial and military aircraft seal applications.
The materials are self-lubricating, self-polishing, and dimensionally stable, which insures a good sealing mate. They are heat resistant and have a high thermal conductivity, which helps conduct frictional heat away from the sliding surface. In addition, these materials are readily machinable to exacting aerospace dimensional tolerances, and they can be supplied lapped and polished to a flatness specification of one helium light band. In aerospace applications, modern mechanical carbon materials are being used in aircraft gear boxes, air turbine motor starters, and main shaft seals for both aircraft turbine engines and aircraft auxiliary power units (APUs).
These self-lubricating materials are composed of fine-grained, electrographite substances that are impregnated with proprietary inorganic chemicals to improve their lubricating qualities and their oxidation resistance. They have a low coefficient of friction, low wear rate at high sliding speed, high thermal conductivity, and they resist oxidation in high temperature air. These properties also suit other high speed, rotating equipment, such as high-speed rotary gas compressors and steam turbines.
Aircraft gearboxes reduce the main engine shaft’s rotational speed from as high as 26,000 rpm down to about 3,400 rpm, so the shaft can drive such system components as hydraulic pumps, generators, and air conditioning compressors. To seal the oil lubricant within the gearbox and protect it from leaking out at the point where the shaft enters and exits the gearbox, most aircraft gearboxes use face seals. The face seals usually contain a carbon-graphite stationary ring and a silicon carbide or tungsten carbide rotating ring. The rings that make the dynamic face seal are both lapped flat and are held together with springs or magnets so that liquids cannot flow between the ring faces even though they are spinning against each other at high speed.
The two rings in relative motion that make the dynamic seal are sealed to the shaft or the gear box housing with static seal rings such as polymeric O-rings. Seal designers use spiral grooves, straight grooves, and wedges to channel or pump a thin film of air or oil between the two sliding sealing faces. This creates aerodynamic or hydrodynamic lift, which reduces the friction and wear of the seal faces.
For example, Metcar Grade M-45, manufactured by Metallized Carbon Corporation, is often used successfully as the stationary ring. This material is suited for these shaft seals because it is impermeable and thus able to support an aerodynamic film. It also has the ability to run at high speed with low friction and low wear.
Air turbine motor starters typically use the same carbon-graphite versus silicon carbide or tungsten carbide dynamic face seal materials used in gearbox seals, but the sliding speed is much higher. These air turbine motor starters are actually small turbines that use the exhaust gas from the auxiliary power unit to create the power necessary to start the main engines. The shaft speed on air motor starters can be as high as 180,000 rpm, or a sliding speed of about 1000 feet/second, which is nearly the speed of sound. The seals are designed by aircraft seal manufactures with wedges and gas flow passages to produce aerodynamic or hydrodynamic lift-off. Metcar Grade M-45 is used in air motor starter seals because of its outstanding self-lubricating qualities at the required operating conditions.
Face seal rings, with carbon-graphite primary rings, and carbon-graphite circumferential seal rings are used in aircraft engine main shaft seals to control the air flow and combustion gas flow inside the engine. They also seal the oil lubricant in the main engine bearings that allow the compressor shaft and the combustion gas turbine shaft to rotate freely. Both circumferential and face type seal ring are used.
For circumferential main shaft seal rings, carbon-graphite segments that fit with close end clearance in slots in the stationary housing are used. The carbon-graphite segments are tensioned against a ceramic or hard metal coating on the rotating shaft using a “garter” spring.
Lifting wedges and machined configurations are used to create lift so that these seals run on an aerodynamic or hydrodynamic film. Rotating speeds can be as high as 26,000 rpm, and temperatures in the seal rings can reach as high as 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
The materials are self-lubricating, self-polishing, and dimensionally stable, which insures a good sealing mate. They are heat resistant and have a high thermal conductivity, which helps conduct frictional heat away from the sliding surface. In addition, these materials are readily machinable to exacting aerospace dimensional tolerances, and they can be supplied lapped and polished to a flatness specification of one helium light band. In aerospace applications, modern mechanical carbon materials are being used in aircraft gear boxes, air turbine motor starters, and main shaft seals for both aircraft turbine engines and aircraft auxiliary power units (APUs).
These self-lubricating materials are composed of fine-grained, electrographite substances that are impregnated with proprietary inorganic chemicals to improve their lubricating qualities and their oxidation resistance. They have a low coefficient of friction, low wear rate at high sliding speed, high thermal conductivity, and they resist oxidation in high temperature air. These properties also suit other high speed, rotating equipment, such as high-speed rotary gas compressors and steam turbines.
Aircraft gearboxes reduce the main engine shaft’s rotational speed from as high as 26,000 rpm down to about 3,400 rpm, so the shaft can drive such system components as hydraulic pumps, generators, and air conditioning compressors. To seal the oil lubricant within the gearbox and protect it from leaking out at the point where the shaft enters and exits the gearbox, most aircraft gearboxes use face seals. The face seals usually contain a carbon-graphite stationary ring and a silicon carbide or tungsten carbide rotating ring. The rings that make the dynamic face seal are both lapped flat and are held together with springs or magnets so that liquids cannot flow between the ring faces even though they are spinning against each other at high speed.
The two rings in relative motion that make the dynamic seal are sealed to the shaft or the gear box housing with static seal rings such as polymeric O-rings. Seal designers use spiral grooves, straight grooves, and wedges to channel or pump a thin film of air or oil between the two sliding sealing faces. This creates aerodynamic or hydrodynamic lift, which reduces the friction and wear of the seal faces.
For example, Metcar Grade M-45, manufactured by Metallized Carbon Corporation, is often used successfully as the stationary ring. This material is suited for these shaft seals because it is impermeable and thus able to support an aerodynamic film. It also has the ability to run at high speed with low friction and low wear.
Air turbine motor starters typically use the same carbon-graphite versus silicon carbide or tungsten carbide dynamic face seal materials used in gearbox seals, but the sliding speed is much higher. These air turbine motor starters are actually small turbines that use the exhaust gas from the auxiliary power unit to create the power necessary to start the main engines. The shaft speed on air motor starters can be as high as 180,000 rpm, or a sliding speed of about 1000 feet/second, which is nearly the speed of sound. The seals are designed by aircraft seal manufactures with wedges and gas flow passages to produce aerodynamic or hydrodynamic lift-off. Metcar Grade M-45 is used in air motor starter seals because of its outstanding self-lubricating qualities at the required operating conditions.
Face seal rings, with carbon-graphite primary rings, and carbon-graphite circumferential seal rings are used in aircraft engine main shaft seals to control the air flow and combustion gas flow inside the engine. They also seal the oil lubricant in the main engine bearings that allow the compressor shaft and the combustion gas turbine shaft to rotate freely. Both circumferential and face type seal ring are used.
For circumferential main shaft seal rings, carbon-graphite segments that fit with close end clearance in slots in the stationary housing are used. The carbon-graphite segments are tensioned against a ceramic or hard metal coating on the rotating shaft using a “garter” spring.
Lifting wedges and machined configurations are used to create lift so that these seals run on an aerodynamic or hydrodynamic film. Rotating speeds can be as high as 26,000 rpm, and temperatures in the seal rings can reach as high as 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zimbabwe tungsten project to start production in 2014
Aim-listed Premier African Minerals is aiming to start low-cost production at its flagship RHA tungsten project, in the Kamativi tin belt, in Zimbabwe, during the second half of 2014, following positive results from a recent technical assessment.
Underground mine development was expected to start once openpit production had started, the company said on Monday.
The technical assessment followed an earlier preliminary economic assessment (PEA) and concept mining report, which confirmed the economic viability of the site supporting a low-capital 192 000 t/y tungsten-bearing ore operation with a six-year mine life.
The recently completed technical assessment included further optimisation work that had been undertaken by independent mining consultant Royal HaskoningDHV and a Whittle computer design optimisation on the proposed openpit at RHA.
The Whittle optimisation indicated a revised lower stripping ratio of 6.2:1, compared with 10:1 previously, and an optimal pit life of around 16 months, compared with the previous estimate of 12 months, the company stated.
“In line with this, we are in active discussions with potential funders for the project and possible offtake partners as one route to fast-track RHA towards production,” Premier said.
The new pit design was expected to increase the project’s undiscounted pretax net present value (NPV) to $120-million, up from $118-million previously.
"I am delighted to announce this positive upgrade to our recent PEA and concept mining study that further highlights the attractiveness of our flagship RHA tungsten project,” Premier CEO George Roach commented.
“With a revised NPV of $120-million and a significantly increased internal rate of return before tax of 378% now projected, coupled with the low-capex nature of the project with estimated costs of $13.5-million, excellent infrastructure, low-strip ratio and a relatively simple processing route expected, we approach the next stages of development with confidence," he added.
Meanwhile, Premier also, on July 5, received final approval from the TSX-V for the sale of one of its Togo subsidiaries, as well as its Mali subsidiaries to TSX-listed AgriMinco. The Premier subsidiaries held exploration permits for phosphates, clays and potash.
Following the transaction, the company now held 120-million new shares in AgriMinco, representing about 42% of the issued shares. Of these shares, 100-million would become tradable on November 1, while 20-million would remain in escrow pending the fulfilment of certain technical requirements imposed by the TSX-V.
“Through our shareholding in AgriMinco, we gain exposure to its highly prospective Danakil potash property in Ethiopia in which it has a 30% interest. AgriMinco has a free carry to scoping study and a total spend of $7-million. The operators and 70% owners of the Danakil property, Circum Resources, plan to rapidly advance exploration on the property,” Premier stated.
Underground mine development was expected to start once openpit production had started, the company said on Monday.
The technical assessment followed an earlier preliminary economic assessment (PEA) and concept mining report, which confirmed the economic viability of the site supporting a low-capital 192 000 t/y tungsten-bearing ore operation with a six-year mine life.
The recently completed technical assessment included further optimisation work that had been undertaken by independent mining consultant Royal HaskoningDHV and a Whittle computer design optimisation on the proposed openpit at RHA.
The Whittle optimisation indicated a revised lower stripping ratio of 6.2:1, compared with 10:1 previously, and an optimal pit life of around 16 months, compared with the previous estimate of 12 months, the company stated.
“In line with this, we are in active discussions with potential funders for the project and possible offtake partners as one route to fast-track RHA towards production,” Premier said.
The new pit design was expected to increase the project’s undiscounted pretax net present value (NPV) to $120-million, up from $118-million previously.
"I am delighted to announce this positive upgrade to our recent PEA and concept mining study that further highlights the attractiveness of our flagship RHA tungsten project,” Premier CEO George Roach commented.
“With a revised NPV of $120-million and a significantly increased internal rate of return before tax of 378% now projected, coupled with the low-capex nature of the project with estimated costs of $13.5-million, excellent infrastructure, low-strip ratio and a relatively simple processing route expected, we approach the next stages of development with confidence," he added.
Meanwhile, Premier also, on July 5, received final approval from the TSX-V for the sale of one of its Togo subsidiaries, as well as its Mali subsidiaries to TSX-listed AgriMinco. The Premier subsidiaries held exploration permits for phosphates, clays and potash.
Following the transaction, the company now held 120-million new shares in AgriMinco, representing about 42% of the issued shares. Of these shares, 100-million would become tradable on November 1, while 20-million would remain in escrow pending the fulfilment of certain technical requirements imposed by the TSX-V.
“Through our shareholding in AgriMinco, we gain exposure to its highly prospective Danakil potash property in Ethiopia in which it has a 30% interest. AgriMinco has a free carry to scoping study and a total spend of $7-million. The operators and 70% owners of the Danakil property, Circum Resources, plan to rapidly advance exploration on the property,” Premier stated.
2013年9月12日星期四
How to Break a Tungsten Carbide Ring
You may have heard that a tungsten carbide ring is unbreakable. This would have some good and bad effects. Having a wedding ring that would never bend, crack, scratch, or get marred would be a benefit. Tungsten carbide rings are not indestructible. In case of emergency, you can remove them with relative ease. Just don't drop your wedding band on a hard surface - any Tungsten Carbide band (no matter who makes it) is brittle. It will crack, chip or even shatter upon impact with a hard surface or object.
2013年9月3日星期二
Tungsten Carbide
We use Tungsten Carbide everyday in a variety of products, for use in a number of different applications throughout many industries. It is an incredibly versatile and useful material due to its unique properties which are outlined below:
General
When evaluating or finding equivalents of Tungsten Carbide grades the important criteria is to specify two of three factors. Binder content, hardness or grain size. In straight matrix materials any two of these will match the third. A 15% binder with hardness of 88.0 RA would have to be fine grain material whereas with a hardness of 86.0 RA would need a very coarse grade to achieve it. Specifying cobalt binder only can be a dangerous game. Take control of each situation and ensure you know what you are using and why so that consistency of specification can be obtained from whatever source. We can achieve hardness differential on 15% cobalt: purely by varying the grain size, that would need a spread of 11% cobalt over same gain size materials. I.e. We can manufacture 15% material with a hardness of a 6% or 18% grade just by using sub micron or coarse grains !!
The Tungsten Carbide properties chart below shows basic data for each grade manufactured. All specifications are designed and engineered for a purpose and rigid controls are kept throughout production processes to ensure adherence to grade engineering.
Quality control properties such as hardness, density, and minimum transverse rupture strength were determined from tests made on each batch of powder before it is used in the manufacturing process. Other properties such as Young's modulus of Elasticity , Poisson's ratio , Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, Thermal Conductivity and Electrical Conductivity are used by engineers for design calculations. Properties such as compressive strength, grain size and abrasion resistance give the designer additional information about the suitability of the grade for the part being designed.
Binder
The binder in most grades of Tungsten Carbide is cobalt. The other binder used is nickel. The binder is added as a percentage by weight varying from 3% to 30%. The amount of binder used is a very important factor in determining the properties of each grade. As a rule of thumb the lower the cobalt content the harder the material will become. However variation in grain size and additives can upset this rule.
Density
Determined by comparison of mass with volume and usually stated in g/cm3.
Grain Size
The majority of grades we machine are made with standard size grains varying between 1 and 3 microns in size. Using larger grains of 2 - 6 microns will greatly increase the strength and toughness of the material because the larger grains interlock better. The trade off is that larger grain materials do not offer as much resistance to wear as finer grain sized materials. Sub micron materials that vary between 0.4 and 1.0 micron grain size are harder than standard grain materials with the same cobalt content. The sub micron grains are much more uniform in size and hence give improved hardness as well as increased carbide strength. However, as specs show the transverse rupture strength is perhaps 20% improved on 15% sub micron compared to 15% fine grain material but this can give a false impression as sub micron carbide is not as resistant to impact and may chip more easily.
Rockwell Hardness
The hardness of Tungsten Carbide grades is determined by using the Rockwell hardness tester. A pointed diamond indenter is forced into the carbide. The depth of the hole is a measure of the hardness. The Rockwell "A" scale is used for tungsten carbide. Rockwell "C" readings are only shown on the data sheet so that tooling people can compare values of carbide against tool steel. The "A" scale is used on tungsten carbide because the lower indenting force of 60 KGs is less likely to damage the diamond than the 150 KGs force used on the "C" scale.
Minimum Transverse Rupture Strength (TRS)
TRS is a measure of the strength of Tungsten Carbide. Tensile strength is not used on tungsten carbide because it is too brittle and accurate readings cannot be obtained. As a rule of thumb the tensile strength of tungsten carbide is approx. half of the transverse rupture strength.
Transverse rupture strength values are determined by the amount of force needed to break standard test pieces under the same test conditions.
Compressive Strength
Compressive strength is measured by compressing a right cylinder test piece between two tungsten carbide blocks held in line by an outer sleeve assembly. The CS of Tungsten Carbide is higher than for virtually all metals and alloys. This high compressive strength makes it possible to compress carbon at one million P.S.I. from man made diamonds.
General
When evaluating or finding equivalents of Tungsten Carbide grades the important criteria is to specify two of three factors. Binder content, hardness or grain size. In straight matrix materials any two of these will match the third. A 15% binder with hardness of 88.0 RA would have to be fine grain material whereas with a hardness of 86.0 RA would need a very coarse grade to achieve it. Specifying cobalt binder only can be a dangerous game. Take control of each situation and ensure you know what you are using and why so that consistency of specification can be obtained from whatever source. We can achieve hardness differential on 15% cobalt: purely by varying the grain size, that would need a spread of 11% cobalt over same gain size materials. I.e. We can manufacture 15% material with a hardness of a 6% or 18% grade just by using sub micron or coarse grains !!
The Tungsten Carbide properties chart below shows basic data for each grade manufactured. All specifications are designed and engineered for a purpose and rigid controls are kept throughout production processes to ensure adherence to grade engineering.
Quality control properties such as hardness, density, and minimum transverse rupture strength were determined from tests made on each batch of powder before it is used in the manufacturing process. Other properties such as Young's modulus of Elasticity , Poisson's ratio , Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, Thermal Conductivity and Electrical Conductivity are used by engineers for design calculations. Properties such as compressive strength, grain size and abrasion resistance give the designer additional information about the suitability of the grade for the part being designed.
Binder
The binder in most grades of Tungsten Carbide is cobalt. The other binder used is nickel. The binder is added as a percentage by weight varying from 3% to 30%. The amount of binder used is a very important factor in determining the properties of each grade. As a rule of thumb the lower the cobalt content the harder the material will become. However variation in grain size and additives can upset this rule.
Density
Determined by comparison of mass with volume and usually stated in g/cm3.
Grain Size
The majority of grades we machine are made with standard size grains varying between 1 and 3 microns in size. Using larger grains of 2 - 6 microns will greatly increase the strength and toughness of the material because the larger grains interlock better. The trade off is that larger grain materials do not offer as much resistance to wear as finer grain sized materials. Sub micron materials that vary between 0.4 and 1.0 micron grain size are harder than standard grain materials with the same cobalt content. The sub micron grains are much more uniform in size and hence give improved hardness as well as increased carbide strength. However, as specs show the transverse rupture strength is perhaps 20% improved on 15% sub micron compared to 15% fine grain material but this can give a false impression as sub micron carbide is not as resistant to impact and may chip more easily.
Rockwell Hardness
The hardness of Tungsten Carbide grades is determined by using the Rockwell hardness tester. A pointed diamond indenter is forced into the carbide. The depth of the hole is a measure of the hardness. The Rockwell "A" scale is used for tungsten carbide. Rockwell "C" readings are only shown on the data sheet so that tooling people can compare values of carbide against tool steel. The "A" scale is used on tungsten carbide because the lower indenting force of 60 KGs is less likely to damage the diamond than the 150 KGs force used on the "C" scale.
Minimum Transverse Rupture Strength (TRS)
TRS is a measure of the strength of Tungsten Carbide. Tensile strength is not used on tungsten carbide because it is too brittle and accurate readings cannot be obtained. As a rule of thumb the tensile strength of tungsten carbide is approx. half of the transverse rupture strength.
Transverse rupture strength values are determined by the amount of force needed to break standard test pieces under the same test conditions.
Compressive Strength
Compressive strength is measured by compressing a right cylinder test piece between two tungsten carbide blocks held in line by an outer sleeve assembly. The CS of Tungsten Carbide is higher than for virtually all metals and alloys. This high compressive strength makes it possible to compress carbon at one million P.S.I. from man made diamonds.
How hard is Tungsten Carbide?
Tungsten is hard. Very hard. But how hard is very hard? Hardness is measured on the Moh’s scale. You probably haven’t heard of it before, but we can easily use it to compare some common metals and materials to give you an idea just how hard Tungsten Carbide is.
As you can see in the chart, Diamond is the only thing you’d recognize which is harder than Tungsten Carbide. Gold as you know is a softer metal which is why it only scores a six on the mohs scale. This is why you’ll notice gold rings getting scratched, having any hard edges smoothed over as time goes on and generally losing that ‘new’ appearance. In fact, the harder variations of gold are LESS pure, meaning if you want it to last you will have to choose an alloy anyways.
As you can see in the chart, Diamond is the only thing you’d recognize which is harder than Tungsten Carbide. Gold as you know is a softer metal which is why it only scores a six on the mohs scale. This is why you’ll notice gold rings getting scratched, having any hard edges smoothed over as time goes on and generally losing that ‘new’ appearance. In fact, the harder variations of gold are LESS pure, meaning if you want it to last you will have to choose an alloy anyways.
Tungsten Carbide Ball
Cemented Tungsten Carbide is an incredible material. It was originally developed for use as a cutting tool, in machine tools applications, where it still finds wide use today.
It is extremely hard at 91 HRA which is equivalent to 1500 Vickers 30. This material is very wear resistant, with some abrasion tests showing it at 30 times hard steel. It has good long-term dimensional stability, which makes a good material for gage applications.
Cemented Tungsten Carbide is extremely stiff, with a Young's modulus of elasticity of 98,000,000 pounds per square inch, compared with steel at 30,000,000 PSI. This high stiffness makes cemented tungsten carbide balls a good choice for ball-sizing and they provide premier results as components of kinematic couplings.
Its good performance at temperatures up to 800 degree Fahrenheit ( 427 centigrade ) make it a good choice in high temperature applications.
It has good corrosive resistance in many environments.
The material has a very low rate of thermal expansion, at 2 microinches per inch per degree Fahrenheit (4.9 X 10-4 per degree C). Steel is 6.4 and aluminum is 12 microinches per inch per degree Fahrenheit.
One of the very important features of this material is that it is electrically conductive, with a resistivity of two micro ohms per centimeter. This conductivity sets it apart from other hard stiff materials, such as ceramics and sapphire, because it allows it to be machined into complex forms by the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) process. Cemented Tungsten Carbide can be ground and lapped using diamond grit. The material is slightly magnetic. Small diameter balls can be picked up with a magnet. Cemented Tungsten Carbide is very heavy, with a density of .54 pounds per cubic inch or 15 grams per cubic centimeter.
Cemented Tungsten Carbide is neither a metal nor is it a ceramic. It is a cermetal although this isn't a widely used term. This is a combination of a large percentage of Tungsten Carbide ceramic particles bonded together by a small percentage of a metallic binder, to form a solid mass.
It is extremely hard at 91 HRA which is equivalent to 1500 Vickers 30. This material is very wear resistant, with some abrasion tests showing it at 30 times hard steel. It has good long-term dimensional stability, which makes a good material for gage applications.
Cemented Tungsten Carbide is extremely stiff, with a Young's modulus of elasticity of 98,000,000 pounds per square inch, compared with steel at 30,000,000 PSI. This high stiffness makes cemented tungsten carbide balls a good choice for ball-sizing and they provide premier results as components of kinematic couplings.
Its good performance at temperatures up to 800 degree Fahrenheit ( 427 centigrade ) make it a good choice in high temperature applications.
It has good corrosive resistance in many environments.
The material has a very low rate of thermal expansion, at 2 microinches per inch per degree Fahrenheit (4.9 X 10-4 per degree C). Steel is 6.4 and aluminum is 12 microinches per inch per degree Fahrenheit.
One of the very important features of this material is that it is electrically conductive, with a resistivity of two micro ohms per centimeter. This conductivity sets it apart from other hard stiff materials, such as ceramics and sapphire, because it allows it to be machined into complex forms by the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) process. Cemented Tungsten Carbide can be ground and lapped using diamond grit. The material is slightly magnetic. Small diameter balls can be picked up with a magnet. Cemented Tungsten Carbide is very heavy, with a density of .54 pounds per cubic inch or 15 grams per cubic centimeter.
Cemented Tungsten Carbide is neither a metal nor is it a ceramic. It is a cermetal although this isn't a widely used term. This is a combination of a large percentage of Tungsten Carbide ceramic particles bonded together by a small percentage of a metallic binder, to form a solid mass.
Tungsten carbide products
Tungsten carbide is a material used for a number of industrial applications and it is characterised by its high strength, toughness and hardness. Its name derives from the Swedish for tung (heavy) and sten (stone) and it is mainly used in the form of cemented tungsten carbides. Cemented carbides (also known as hardmetals) are made by 'cementing' grains of tungsten carbide into a binder matrix of cobalt or/and nickel.
Tungsten carbide as a material can vary in carbide grain size (0.2 – 50 microns) and by binder contents (up to 30%), as well as by the addition of other carbides. By varying the grain size of the tungsten carbide and the binder content in the matrix, engineers have access to a class of materials whose properties can be tailored to a variety of engineering applications. This includes high-tech tools, wear parts and tools for the construction, mining and oil and gas sector.
Tungsten carbide products typically have a high resistance to wear and can be used at high temperatures, allowing tungsten carbide's combined hardness and toughness to significantly outperform its steel product equivalents.
Element Six tungsten carbide products
Our Hard Materials Division has been manufacturing tungsten carbide for over 60 years. We develop, produce and sell hardmetals and special tools for industries ranging from construction, mining and tunnelling, to oil and gas, textiles, automotive and agriculture. Our comprehensive unrivalled quality assurance programme ensures that all our inserts are certified to ISO 9001:2008 quality standards. For more information, please see our brochures.
As a company, we are focused on building business partnerships as our greatest strength is in developing customised solutions that create long-term advantages for our partners.
Tungsten carbide as a material can vary in carbide grain size (0.2 – 50 microns) and by binder contents (up to 30%), as well as by the addition of other carbides. By varying the grain size of the tungsten carbide and the binder content in the matrix, engineers have access to a class of materials whose properties can be tailored to a variety of engineering applications. This includes high-tech tools, wear parts and tools for the construction, mining and oil and gas sector.
Tungsten carbide products typically have a high resistance to wear and can be used at high temperatures, allowing tungsten carbide's combined hardness and toughness to significantly outperform its steel product equivalents.
Element Six tungsten carbide products
Our Hard Materials Division has been manufacturing tungsten carbide for over 60 years. We develop, produce and sell hardmetals and special tools for industries ranging from construction, mining and tunnelling, to oil and gas, textiles, automotive and agriculture. Our comprehensive unrivalled quality assurance programme ensures that all our inserts are certified to ISO 9001:2008 quality standards. For more information, please see our brochures.
As a company, we are focused on building business partnerships as our greatest strength is in developing customised solutions that create long-term advantages for our partners.
What Is Tungsten Carbide?
Tungsten carbide is an inorganic chemical compound that contains equal numbers of tungsten and carbon atoms. It is sometimes colloquially referred to as simply "carbide." In its most basic form, it is a fine gray powder, but it can be pressed and formed into shapes for use in industrial machinery, tools, abrasives, as well as men's jewelry.
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The notable and rare combination of physical properties possessed by tungsten carbide makes it useful for a variety of applications. It is extremely strong and wear-resistant. There are only a few materials on earth that can be used to cut or engrave it, with industrial diamond abrasives being one of these. Its tensile strength is very high, but it is brittle under high pressures as a result. The melting point is also very high, at 5,200°F (2,870°C). To boil, it must be heated much further, to 10,382°F (6,000°C).
This compound can be made by reacting tungsten and carbon at temperatures of around 2,552 to 3,632°F (1,400 to 2,000°C). It is then often made into mills and cutting tools for industrial use, which are able to withstand heavy use and high temperatures. Military organizations also use it in armor-piercing ammunition as an alternative to depleted uranium because of its very high density and hardness level. Some sporting goods are made stronger and more durable by the addition of carbide. Trekking poles used by hikers, for instance, use carbide tips in order to gain traction on hard or rocky surfaces.
Several common consumer goods contain tungsten carbide, including razor blades and the rotating tips of ballpoint pens. It has also become increasingly common for it to be used in men's wedding bands. When used in this way, the bands have a dark hue that can be polished to a mirror-like shine. Due to the toughness of the material, these rings will remain shiny and scratch-free for decades.
Wedding bands made of carbide also contain other materials known as binders, usually metals such as nickel and cobalt. Cobalt has been known to cause allergic reactions on the skin of the wearer, so many manufacturers are turning toward substitute materials. Despite the common misconception that carbide rings cannot be removed in emergency situations, the jeweler's saws used in emergency rooms and jewelry shops can cut through any material that a ring might be made of.
It is important to note that tungsten carbide is made in nearly two dozen different grades that have different properties, depending on what each will be used for. They are almost all variations of just a few parameters: grain size, hardness, and the degree to which a binder is used. Generally, the higher the percentage of the finished product that is composed of binding materials like nickel, the softer it will be and the more it will wear. The size of the original powder grains makes slightly less difference, but can affect the amount of shock that the product will be able to withstand.
Suggest Edits
The notable and rare combination of physical properties possessed by tungsten carbide makes it useful for a variety of applications. It is extremely strong and wear-resistant. There are only a few materials on earth that can be used to cut or engrave it, with industrial diamond abrasives being one of these. Its tensile strength is very high, but it is brittle under high pressures as a result. The melting point is also very high, at 5,200°F (2,870°C). To boil, it must be heated much further, to 10,382°F (6,000°C).
This compound can be made by reacting tungsten and carbon at temperatures of around 2,552 to 3,632°F (1,400 to 2,000°C). It is then often made into mills and cutting tools for industrial use, which are able to withstand heavy use and high temperatures. Military organizations also use it in armor-piercing ammunition as an alternative to depleted uranium because of its very high density and hardness level. Some sporting goods are made stronger and more durable by the addition of carbide. Trekking poles used by hikers, for instance, use carbide tips in order to gain traction on hard or rocky surfaces.
Several common consumer goods contain tungsten carbide, including razor blades and the rotating tips of ballpoint pens. It has also become increasingly common for it to be used in men's wedding bands. When used in this way, the bands have a dark hue that can be polished to a mirror-like shine. Due to the toughness of the material, these rings will remain shiny and scratch-free for decades.
Wedding bands made of carbide also contain other materials known as binders, usually metals such as nickel and cobalt. Cobalt has been known to cause allergic reactions on the skin of the wearer, so many manufacturers are turning toward substitute materials. Despite the common misconception that carbide rings cannot be removed in emergency situations, the jeweler's saws used in emergency rooms and jewelry shops can cut through any material that a ring might be made of.
It is important to note that tungsten carbide is made in nearly two dozen different grades that have different properties, depending on what each will be used for. They are almost all variations of just a few parameters: grain size, hardness, and the degree to which a binder is used. Generally, the higher the percentage of the finished product that is composed of binding materials like nickel, the softer it will be and the more it will wear. The size of the original powder grains makes slightly less difference, but can affect the amount of shock that the product will be able to withstand.
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