Precision Tungsten Carbide Die With Smooth Concave Arc
Product Overview
Tungsten carbide (WC-Co) dies are hard alloy molds composed of tungsten carbide as the base material and cobalt as the binder. They are widely used in metal stamping, drawing, and forming applications. Key features include:
- Ultra-high hardness (≥90 HRA), with wear resistance far exceeding steel molds;
- High-temperature resistance (operating temperatures up to 600°C+), suitable for high-speed continuous processing;
- Extended lifespan, 5–10 times longer than conventional molds, reducing downtime;
- Precision performance, ideal for precision components (e.g., electrical connectors, micro bearings).
Typical Applications
- Metal drawing dies: For deep drawing of stainless steel, copper alloys, etc.;
- Stamping dies: Precision blanking of high-hardness materials (e.g., silicon steel, titanium alloys);
- Cold forging dies: Bolt/nut cold forming;
- Specialized industries: Aerospace engine components, medical device forming.
Product Advantages
- Custom designs: Support non-standard cavity geometries;
- Surface treatments: Optional mirror polishing (Ra≤0.05μm) or coatings (TiN, DLC) to reduce friction;
- Structural optimization: Pre-stressed ring design prevents cracking under high stress.
Machining Challenge: Precision Concave Arc Fabrication
1. Key Difficulties
- Hard material machining: Tungsten carbide’s hardness (close to diamond) causes rapid tool wear;
- Arc precision requirements: Tight radius tolerances (±0.005mm) and surface finish (Ra≤0.1μm);
- Complex geometries: Deep cavities and multi-radius transitions (e.g., fillets) induce tool vibration/chipping.
2. Solutions
- Specialized processes:
- Slow wire EDM (roughing): Uses Ø0.03mm molybdenum wire, accuracy ±0.002mm;
- EDM sinking (finishing): Custom copper/graphite electrodes with multi-axis machining;
- Diamond grinding (final): Resin-bonded diamond wheels, feed rate ≤1μm/pass.
- Ancillary technologies:
- 3D scanning inspection: Real-time CAD model comparison for path correction;
- Stress-relief heat treatment: Prevents post-machining deformation.
3. Quality Control
- Dimensional inspection: Full-profile CMM scanning;
- Surface integrity: White-light interferometry for micro-crack detection;
- Lifetime testing: Simulated operational fatigue tests.