Tungsten carbide products are widely used in many industries because of their high dureté, durability, and résistance à l'usure.
They are found in tools, pièces d'usure, vannes, seals, and many precision components. However, the growing demand has also brought a problem: fake or low-quality products are entering the market.
For decision-makers in industries such as mining, oil and gas, automotive, electronics, or manufacturing, using poor-quality tungsten carbide parts can lead to machine failures, production downtime, higher costs, and even safety risks.
That is why it is important to know how to verify the authenticity of tungsten carbide products before making a purchase.
This article will explain practical steps, testing methods, and supplier checks you can use to make sure the tungsten carbide products you buy are real and reliable.
Why Authenticity Matters
Authentic tungsten carbide products guarantee performance and long service life. If the product is fake or made with poor raw materials, it may:
Break or wear out too quickly
Cause damage to expensive machines
Increase downtime and maintenance cost
Fail to meet safety or performance standards
For decision-makers, verifying authenticity is not only about quality control.
It is also about protecting your investment, ensuring production efficiency, and building long-term trust with suppliers.
Step 1: Check Material Composition
The most important part of tungsten carbide authenticity is the material composition. Genuine products are made from:
Tungsten carbide grains (WC)
Cobalt or nickel binder (Co/Ni)
Poor-quality or fake products often contain higher porosity, mixed cheap metals, or low binder ratios. This reduces hardness and toughness.
How to check:
Request a material certificate from the supplier.
Look for details such as binder percentage, WC grain size, and density.
Compare with standard industry grades like YG6, YG8, or ISO grades.
Step 2: Verify Density and Hardness
Two of the easiest ways to test authenticity are densité et dureté.
Genuine tungsten carbide has density around 14.5 – 15.0 g/cm³.
Hardness is usually HRA 89.5 – 92.5 depending on grade.
How to check:
Ask for density reports (Archimedes method).
Review hardness testing results (Rockwell or Vickers).
Compare values with industry standards.
If density is too low, the product may contain voids or inferior filler metals. If hardness is outside the range, it may be a different material.
Step 3: Inspect Microstructure
A professional way to check authenticity is to look at the microstructure under a microscope.
Genuine tungsten carbide shows uniform WC grains evenly distributed in the binder.
Fake products may show large uneven grains, porosity, or cracks.
You can ask for:
Microscope images from the supplier’s lab.
Independent third-party lab tests if order value is high.
Step 4: Review Manufacturing Standards
Trusted manufacturers follow strict quality systems. Before buying, check:
ISO 9001 certification or equivalent
Industry-specific approvals (e.g., API for pétrole et gaz, automobile quality standards)
Traceability records for raw powder and finished parts
If a supplier cannot provide these, it may be a red flag.
Step 5: Look for Testing and Certification
Authentic tungsten carbide products should come with test reports and certificates. These may include:
Decision-makers should always request these documents. A lack of reports may indicate poor-quality or fake products.
Step 6: Check Dimensional Accuracy
Another sign of authenticity is precision machining and tight tolerance.
Tungsten carbide products are usually ground to ±0.002 mm tolerance.
Surfaces are polished or lapped to Ra 0.02 – 0.05 µm.
Poor-quality products often have:
Rough surfaces
Loose tolerances
Dimensional mismatch
This leads to fitting problems and machine wear. Always verify the supplier’s measurement reports or inspection data.
Step 7: Ask for Case Studies or References
A genuine supplier will have real customers and case studies. Ask for:
References from similar industries
Application case studies
Photos or videos of their products in use
This helps you confirm that their tungsten carbide products perform well in real-world applications.
Step 8: Evaluate Supplier Reputation
One of the strongest signs of authenticity is supplier credibility. Look for:
Years of experience in tungsten carbide manufacturing
Export history and global customer base
Reviews or testimonials
Transparent communication and technical support
For decision-makers, building partnerships with suppliers who are proven in the industry reduces risk and saves cost in the long term.
Step 9: Consider Independent Testing
For critical applications, it is wise to send samples to a third-party laboratory for testing. They can confirm:
Independent results give you peace of mind that the products are genuine and safe for use.
Step 10: Be Aware of Red Flags
Some warning signs that a tungsten carbide product may not be authentic:
Very low price compared to market average
Supplier cannot provide certificates or test reports
No clear company background or certifications
Inconsistent communication and slow responses
Poor product packaging and labeling
Decision-makers should always avoid taking risks with suppliers that show these red flags.
Conclusion
Verifying the authenticity of tungsten carbide products is essential for decision-makers in industries where precision, durability, and safety are critical.
By checking composition, density, hardness, microstructure, certifications, and supplier reputation, you can protect your company from fake or poor-quality products.
Making the right choice not only ensures better performance but also reduces downtime, lowers costs, and builds long-term reliability in your operations.
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