Comparing Different Grades of Tungsten Carbide Bushings

Tungsten carbide bushings are used in pumps, compressors, turbines, and many types of rotating machinery.

Their job is simple — to reduce friction and wear between moving parts. But not all tungsten carbide bushings are the same.

Different grades of tungsten carbide are designed for different working conditions. Choosing the right grade can affect your equipment’s life span, performance, and cost-efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll explain the main grades of tungsten carbide bushings, compare their properties, and help you understand which one is best for your specific process.

What Does “Grade” Mean in Tungsten Carbide?

The grade of tungsten carbide refers to the specific combination of grain size, binder content, and binder type used in its formulation.

Each of these factors changes the balance between hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.

Grain Size: Fine grains increase صلابة but reduce صلابة.
Binder Type: Cobalt or nickel binders hold tungsten carbide particles together.
Binder Content: More binder makes the material tougher, but slightly softer.

Manufacturers create different grades to match specific industrial needs — from abrasive slurry to corrosive chemicals or high-speed shafts.

Common Tungsten Carbide Grades for Bushings

Below are the most common grades used in industrial bushings, along with their key characteristics.

درجة	نوع المجلد	Binder (%)	الصلابة (HRA)	التطبيق النموذجي
واي جي 6	الكوبالت	6%	91	High wear resistance, low impact — seals, dies
واي جي 8	الكوبالت	8%	89	General purpose — good wear and toughness balance
YG11	الكوبالت	11%	87	High-impact resistance — oil and gas pumps
YN6	النيكل	6%	90	Corrosion-resistant — chemical and seawater systems
YN9	النيكل	9%	88	Enhanced chemical and thermal stability

Understanding Grain Size and Its Effects

The grain size of tungsten carbide crystals has a strong effect on performance.

Fine-grain carbides (below 1 µm) are harder but less tough. Coarse-grain carbides (2–4 µm) are tougher but slightly softer.

Grain Type	صلابة	صلابة	الاستخدام النموذجي
Fine-grain (0.5–1 µm)	عالية جدًا	معتدل	Precision bushings, small pumps
Medium-grain (1–2 µm)	متوازن	جيد	General industrial applications
Coarse-grain (2–4 µm)	Slightly Lower	عالي	High-impact pumps, drilling tools

In short, fine-grain grades are best for wear, while coarse-grain grades are best for impact resistance.

Cobalt vs Nickel Binder: What’s the Difference?

Cobalt and nickel are the two main binders in tungsten carbide bushings.

Cobalt-bonded grades (YG series) have high strength and صلابة. They’re ideal for mechanical shock or dry-running applications.
Nickel-bonded grades (YN series) provide superior مقاومة التآكل and are widely used in chemical, seawater, or food machinery.

Nickel-bonded carbide also resists oxidation better at high temperatures.

ملكية	Cobalt-Bonded Carbide	كربيد مرتبط بالنيكل
صلابة	عالي	معتدل
مقاومة التآكل	واسطة	ممتاز
الاستقرار الحراري	جيد	جيد جدًا
Ideal Application	Oil, gas, power equipment	Chemical, marine, and food machinery

Matching Grades to Real Applications

Choosing the right tungsten carbide grade depends on working media, load, and temperature.

Operating Condition	الدرجة الموصى بها	Key Advantage
High Wear, Low Impact	واي جي 6	Superior hardness and wear resistance
Balanced Wear & Impact	واي جي 8	All-purpose for general industrial use
High Vibration or Shock	YG11	Excellent toughness for impact load
Corrosive Media (Seawater, Acids)	YN6 or YN9	Resists chemical attack and oxidation

By aligning grade choice with your operating conditions, you can maximize bushing performance and reduce replacement frequency.

Final Verdict

No single tungsten carbide grade fits every situation.

YG6 and YG8 are economical choices for general مقاومة التآكل.
YG11 works best in high-impact or vibration environments.
YN6 and YN9 are ideal for corrosive or marine systems.

For most industrial users, working with a supplier who can recommend custom grades based on real operating data is the best long-term strategy.

خاتمة

Understanding tungsten carbide grades helps decision-makers avoid premature wear, unnecessary maintenance, and equipment downtime.

The right grade can make a significant difference in both performance and operating cost.

By considering grain size, binder type, and application environment, engineers can ensure each bushing performs to its full potential.

For pumps, compressors, and machinery that run continuously, choosing the correct tungsten carbide grade means higher uptime, longer lifespan, and stronger ROI.

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