Comprensión de los grados de carburo de tungsteno para aplicaciones de herramientas de corte

Introduction: Why Grades Matter in Tungsten Carbide Tools

When using tungsten carbide cutting tools, understanding the grade is key. Grades define the tool’s hardness, toughness, and best use. This guide will help you understand what tungsten carbide grades are, why they matter, and how to choose the right one.

What Are Tungsten Carbide Grades?

A grado de carburo de tungsteno is a combination of WC grains (tungsten carbide) and binder metal (usually cobalt). The ratio and size of these materials decide the tool’s strength and performance. For example:

Higher WC = more hardness
More cobalt = more toughness

Grades are labeled like YG6, YG8, YG10X, etc. Each grade is made for different jobs.

Main Properties of Tungsten Carbide Grades

Here are the top things each grade affects:

Dureza: How well the tool resists wear
Tenacidad: How well it resists cracking or breaking
Resistencia al desgaste: How long the tool lasts
Heat Resistance: Important for high-speed machining

These factors are a trade-off. For example, high hardness usually means lower toughness.

Common Tungsten Carbide Grades and Their Applications

Here’s a quick look at some popular grades:

Calificación	Dureza (HRA)	Tenacidad	Solicitud
YG6	90.5	Medio	General cutting, non-ferrous metals
YG8	89.5	Alto	Woodworking, soft steels
YG10	91.0	Medium-High	Steel, cast iron
YG10X	92.0	Medio	Precision machining, high wear
YG15	89.0	Muy alto	Impact loads, construction tools

How to Choose the Right Grade

Choosing the right carbide grade depends on:

Work Material: Steel, aluminum, wood, etc.
Cutting Conditions: Speed, feed, temperature
Tool Type: Insert, end mill, drill, etc.
Finish Needed: Rough or precision surface?

If you’re working with hard steel, choose a high-hardness grade like YG10X. For shock loads (like in mining), go with a tough grade like YG15.

Hard Grades vs Tough Grades

Hard Grades:

Better wear resistance
Good for high-speed cutting
Best for continuous, stable cuts

Tough Grades:

Resist chipping
Good for interrupted or rough cuts
Useful in construction or mining

Knowing when to use each is key to performance and tool life.

Importance of Grain Size in Grades

Besides cobalt %, the tamaño de grano also affects the grade:

Fine-grain carbide = better edge retention
Coarse-grain carbide = better toughness

Fine-grain grades like YG10X are perfect for precision tools. Coarse grains are better for heavy-duty tools.

Grades for Coated Carbide Tools

Some herramientas de corte de carburo de tungsteno are coated with TiAlN, TiCN, or DLC. The grade underneath still matters. Coatings improve:

Heat resistance
Lubrication
Tool life

But the base carbide grade must still match the job.

Conclusion: Matching Grade to Your Application

Using the right tungsten carbide grade can:

Boost productivity
Reduce tool replacement
Improve product quality

At Retocar, we offer a wide range of carbide grades tailored for different tools and industries. Whether you need high-hardness grades for CNC machining or impact-tough grades for minería, we’ve got you covered.