Overview of WC-12Co Powder
WC-12Co en polvo, short for Tungsten Carbide-Cobalt powder, is a specialized material often used in coatings, manufacturing, and tools requiring extreme wear resistance, durability, and toughness. Known for its versatility and exceptional mechanical properties, WC-12Co finds significant applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, and heavy machinery.
Tungsten carbide (WC) mixed with cobalt (Co) creates a robust composite where tungsten carbide imparts hardness, and cobalt enhances ductility. Typically used in thermal spray coatings, WC-12Co powders are essential for surfaces exposed to abrasion, erosion, and high-stress environments.
This article explores everything you need to know about WC-12Co powder, including its composition, properties, applications, models, comparisons, and more. Whether you’re looking for technical specifications, supplier details, or performance insights, this guide has you covered.
Composición de WC-12Co Powder
Understanding the material’s composition is vital as it influences the powder’s mechanical and chemical behavior.
| Componente | Porcentaje | Propósito |
|---|---|---|
| Tungsten Carbide (WC) | 88% (by weight) | Provides hardness, abrasion resistance |
| Cobalto (Co) | 12% (by weight) | Adds ductility, toughness, and bonding |
| Trace Elements | <1% | Improves powder properties |
Key Insight: The 88:12 WC-Co ratio strikes a balance between hardness and flexibility, making it superior for wear-resistant coatings compared to alternatives like WC-17Co.
Characteristics of WC-12Co Powder
WC-12Co powder stands out for its exceptional properties. Here’s a breakdown of its primary characteristics:
| Propiedad | Detalles |
|---|---|
| Dureza | Up to 1500 HV (Vickers Hardness) |
| Dureza | Excellent fracture toughness due to cobalt |
| Densidad | 14.2 – 14.6 g/cm³ |
| Conductividad térmica | High thermal stability in extreme conditions |
| Resistencia a la corrosión | Good but can be enhanced with additives |
| Resistencia al desgaste | Outstanding for high-abrasion environments |
| Gama de tamaños de partículas | 5 – 45 µm (micrometers) |
Why It Matters:
The combination of hardness and toughness makes WC-12Co powder ideal for surfaces experiencing high stress or abrasive wear. Think of it as armor plating but at a micro level—resilient, strong, and capable of enduring extreme punishment.
Types and Models of WC-12Co Powder
There are various models and grades of WC-12Co powder available, each tailored for specific industrial needs. Below are 10 popular models with their descriptions:
| Model/Grade | Descripción |
|---|---|
| Amperit 558.074 | Fine-grain WC-12Co powder suitable for precision thermal spray coatings. |
| Metco 73F-NS | Agglomerated and sintered powder; offers superior flowability and coating density. |
| Praxair WC-12Co | Designed for HVOF (High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel) applications; excellent adhesion. |
| H.C. Starck P811 | A spherical powder with uniform particle size distribution for consistent results. |
| Oerlikon Woka 3652 | Agglomerated WC-Co powder with high wear resistance; ideal for machine tools. |
| Kennametal K2132 | Highly abrasion-resistant grade for critical industrial applications. |
| Thermico WSP-88/12 | Optimized for erosion and corrosion resistance in extreme environments. |
| Sandvik 12Co Elite | Specialized for aerospace-grade thermal spray coatings. |
| Fuji Tech WCT12 | Japanese-engineered WC-12Co powder for fine tolerances and smooth finishes. |
| Jinzhou TuoHai | Cost-effective option for standard wear protection and industrial tools. |
Each model is tailored for unique industrial applications—some excel in thermal spraying, while others are better for abrasive environments. Choosing the right model comes down to your project’s specific needs.
Aplicaciones de WC-12Co Powder
WC-12Co powder has diverse applications across industries. Here’s a snapshot of where it shines:
| Industria | Solicitud |
|---|---|
| Aeroespacial | Thermal spray coatings for turbine blades. |
| Automotor | Engine components, pistons, and gear coatings. |
| Petróleo y gas | Drill bits, valve seats, and erosion-resistant surfaces. |
| Maquinaria pesada | Abrasion-resistant coatings for machine parts. |
| Mining Equipment | Wear-resistant tools and cutters. |
| Defensa | Protective coatings for high-stress components. |
| Generación de energía | Coatings for steam turbines and hydroelectric parts. |
Example in Action:
Imagine an oil drill bit operating under extreme pressure and high wear. WC-12Co coatings ensure these tools don’t fail prematurely—saving costs, time, and resources.
Especificaciones, tamaños, calidades y normas
| Especificación | Detalles |
|---|---|
| Tamaño de partícula | 5 – 45 µm |
| Normas | ASTM B 777, ISO 1415, DIN EN 12716 |
| Polvo | Agglomerated, sintered, and spherical |
| Application Method | HVOF, Plasma Spray, Cold Spray |
Proveedores y precios
| Proveedor | Product Name | Precios (USD/Kg) | Región |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oerlikon Metco | Woka 3652 | $75 – $120 | Global |
| Kennametal | K2132 | $80 – $130 | Norteamérica |
| Praxair Surface Tech | WC-12Co Powder | $70 – $115 | Europa, Estados Unidos |
| H.C. Starck | P811 | $85 – $125 | Global |
| Fuji Tech | WCT12 | $65 – $105 | Asia-Pacífico |
Pricing varies based on particle size, form, and order volume.
Advantages and Limitations of WC-12Co Powder
| Ventajas | Limitaciones |
|---|---|
| Exceptional hardness and toughness | Coste relativamente elevado |
| Outstanding wear and erosion resistance | Limited corrosion resistance in acidic environments |
| Versatile application across industries | Requires specialized application techniques |
| Long-lasting performance | Heavyweight compared to alternatives |
preguntas frecuentes
| Pregunta | Respuesta |
|---|---|
| What is WC-12Co powder used for? | Primarily for wear-resistant coatings in high-stress environments. |
| What industries use WC-12Co coatings? | Aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, mining, and defense sectors. |
| What is the hardness of WC-12Co powder? | Up to 1500 HV (Vickers Hardness). |
| How is WC-12Co powder applied? | Through HVOF, plasma spraying, or cold spray techniques. |
| How does WC-12Co compare to WC-17Co? | WC-12Co offers better toughness, while WC-17Co offers slightly higher hardness. |
Conclusión
WC-12Co en polvo is a cornerstone material for applications demanding durability, strength, and wear resistance. From aerospace turbines to mining tools, its balance of hardness and toughness ensures unparalleled performance. Choosing the right model, understanding its properties, and leveraging its advantages can elevate industrial efficiency and longevity. Whether you’re comparing suppliers or exploring applications, WC-12Co remains a top-tier solution for demanding industries.