Introduction of Normal Tungsten Carbide Wear Life Curve Zones-1
Friction heat soften the binder alloy,exposing tungsten carbide crystals.Tungsten crystals are more easily displaced from the surface as temperature reises.The binder alloy is glue that cements the tungsten carbide molecules in place.
It is impossible to destry the tungsten carbide molecule.The molecule can be changed by fracturing or chipping,much as a diamond crystal is faceted.It cann't be changed by frictional heat.Tungsten cann't be changed until temperatures exceed 5000 degree,where steel changes from molten liquid to gas form.
Grain erosion is normal predictable wear.This kind of wear life can be calculated through an experience curve.
Zone A:This is the zone where the tungsten carbide comes in contact with the work piece or surface material.Generally,if the WC is flawed,the failure will escalate to Zonce C in a matter of moments.Most WC material edge that comes in contact first with the work piece surface should be dulled.The dulling allows the contact edge to have the greatest contact strength.Often edge radius or chamfers or "K" lands are mechanically established in the preparation of the WC edge.
