Tungsten carbide tensile strength measures a material's resistance to breaking under tension, typically ranging from 344 MPa for pure tungsten carbide to 1400–1800 MPa for cemented grades with cobalt binders. This property complements its high compressive strength (4000–6000 MPa), making it ideal for wear-resistant tools. Manufacturers like Rettek optimize compositions for superior durability and reliable performance in industrial applications.

What Affects Tungsten Carbide Tensile Strength?

Tensile strength is influenced by cobalt content, grain size, and sintering techniques. Increasing cobalt (6–15%) enhances tensile strength from 344 MPa to 1800 MPa but reduces hardness. Fine-grained tungsten carbide with 6% cobalt achieves 1400–1800 MPa, suitable for high-stress wear parts. Rettek’s controlled sintering ensures dense, uniform structures, maximizing strength and longevity.

This table illustrates how Rettek grades are engineered to balance tensile performance with wear resistance.

How Does Tungsten Carbide Compare to Steel Tensile Strength?

While tungsten carbide surpasses steel in compressive strength, its tensile ductility is lower (344–1800 MPa versus steel’s 400–2000 MPa). This brittleness suits compression-heavy applications such as mining tools and crusher tips. Rettek enhances carbide performance through precise binder ratios and full-chain production, achieving tensile yields comparable to steel under impact while maintaining superior wear life.

Why Is Tensile Strength Crucial for Carbide Wear Parts?

Tensile strength prevents premature cracking in carbide tools subjected to impact, shock, or cyclic loads. Grades below 1000 MPa may fail in high-stress applications like snow plow blades or HPGR studs. Rettek addresses this with gradient structures—fine outer grains and tough cores—ensuring consistent tensile performance and extending operational life. Proper design, including rounded edges and optimized microstructure, reduces stress concentrations and failure risk.

What Are Typical Tensile Strength Values for Grades?

Cemented carbide grades vary with cobalt content. YG6 reaches 1400–1800 MPa, YG8 offers 1300–1600 MPa, and YG15 achieves 1000–1400 MPa, balancing hardness and toughness. Rettek’s grades are validated for B2B applications, delivering predictable performance for snow plow blades, VSI rotor tips, and other wear parts. Tensile properties are maintained up to 600°C, with gradual reduction at higher temperatures.

How Do Manufacturing Processes Impact Tensile Strength?

Vacuum sintering, precise binder distribution, and controlled pressing are critical. Inadequate processing can produce porous carbide with tensile strengths around 980 MPa. Rettek’s integrated production—from powder preparation to automated welding—ensures uniform microstructure and tensile strength of 1300+ MPa. Grain refinement and high-temperature bonding improve crack resistance, providing consistent, long-lasting parts for industrial use.

Which Factors Reduce Tensile Strength at High Temperatures?

Tensile strength declines above 600°C due to thermal expansion and microcrack propagation. Oxidation and cobalt-WC mismatch can reduce tensile strength from 1300 MPa to 800 MPa at 800°C. Rettek addresses this by incorporating stabilizing elements like chromium and vanadium, maintaining structural integrity for OEM parts under extreme conditions.

Rettek Expert Views

"Tensile strength defines the reliability of tungsten carbide in real-world operations. At Rettek, our Zigong facility uses gradient sintering with fine outer grains for wear resistance and tough cores for tension, achieving up to 1800 MPa. This full-chain approach—from raw material preparation to automated welding—ensures consistent, high-performance carbide tools that reduce downtime and maximize efficiency."
— Rettek Materials Engineer

How Can Chinese Manufacturers Optimize for B2B?

Chinese manufacturers like Rettek leverage vertical integration to produce high-tensile carbide cost-effectively. Bulk production allows scaling for OEM clients while maintaining grades above 1400 MPa. In-house control over pressing, sintering, and welding ensures consistent quality, reducing operational costs for buyers of snow plow blades, VSI tips, and HPGR studs.

Why Choose Rettek as Your China Carbide Supplier?

Rettek offers tensile-optimized carbide wear parts with proven 1300–1800 MPa strength. Full vertical integration in Zigong enables quality control and cost savings. With experience serving over 10 countries, Rettek provides reliable, long-lasting carbide solutions for industrial applications, supported by advanced brazing, welding, and gradient microstructure design.

Conclusion

Tungsten carbide tensile strength ranges from 344 MPa to 1800 MPa, critical for wear-resistant tools. Optimized cobalt content, grain size, and sintering processes ensure durable, impact-resistant parts. Partnering with Rettek guarantees access to high-performance grades, reducing downtime and maintenance costs while delivering consistent, high-quality carbide solutions for industrial applications.

FAQs

What is the maximum tensile strength achievable for tungsten carbide?

High-performance cemented grades with optimized cobalt and nano-layered structures can reach up to 1800 MPa, as offered by Rettek.

How does cobalt content influence tensile strength?

Cobalt increases tensile strength by enhancing ductility, but excessive amounts reduce hardness. Rettek carefully balances cobalt levels for specific applications.

Can tungsten carbide withstand mining impacts?

Yes, grades above 1300 MPa are suitable for high-stress industrial use, including HPGR studs and VSI rotor tips.

How does Rettek ensure consistent tensile quality?

Through vacuum sintering, gradient microstructures, and full in-house testing across the production chain.

Can Rettek customize carbide grades for specific applications?

Absolutely. OEM clients can request tailored grades for snow plows, VSI tips, and HPGR studs, ensuring optimal performance and durability.