VK15 M
Heat-treated state
GOST VK15 (ВК15) · GB YG15
M = thermomechanically controlled processed
Pick when higher hardness and edge retention are needed on impact-loaded tools, e.g. wire-drawing dies and cold-heading punches for harder wire.
Values for the M condition
Other VK15 tempers and conditions
VK15 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at VK15.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coarse grain (4–8 µm WC), ВК15-КС | Maximum toughness and thermal conductivity variant for rock drilling, mining picks and hot-shock service where fracture, not wear, is the failure mode. | — | 1,150 | 0.25 | 950 HV | 80 W/m·K |
MThis page Thermomechanically controlled processed | Pick when higher hardness and edge retention are needed on impact-loaded tools, e.g. wire-drawing dies and cold-heading punches for harder wire. | — | 1,250 | 0.2 | 1,200 HV | 62 W/m·K |
Ultrafine grain with grain-growth inhibitors (0.5–0.8 µm WC), ВК15-ОМ | Highest hardness plus high strength combination — for precision punches, micro-dies and interrupted cutting of hard-to-machine alloys. | — | 1,400 | 0.18 | 1,300 HV | 55 W/m·K |
What is VK15 M?
VK15 M is VK15 heat treated to M — pick when higher hardness and edge retention are needed on impact-loaded tools, e.g. wire-drawing dies and cold-heading punches for harder wire. VK15 M has a tensile strength of 1,250 MPa (181 ksi), stronger than 97% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0.2% and the elastic modulus is 525 GPa (76.1 Msi). VK15 M has a density of 14 g/cm³ (0.506 lb/in³), heavier than 88% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,320°C (2,408 °F).
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 14.5 MPa·√m (13.2 ksi·√in), better than 97% of ceramic grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 92/100, better than 89% of ceramic grades
- Stiff — 525 GPa (76.1 Msi), better than 85% of ceramic grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 0.2%, better than 81% of ceramic grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 30 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 91% of ceramic grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 45/100, worse than 90% of ceramic grades
- Heavy — 14 g/cm³ (0.506 lb/in³), worse than 88% of ceramic grades
VK15 M properties
Typical room-temperature values for VK15 M; 14 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are VK15 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among ceramic grades.
Physical3
VK15 M has a density of 14 g/cm³ (0.506 lb/in³), heavier than 88% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,320°C (2,408 °F).
Mechanical12
VK15 M has a tensile strength of 1,250 MPa (181 ksi), stronger than 97% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0.2% and the elastic modulus is 525 GPa (76.1 Msi).
Thermal5
VK15 M is rated for continuous service to 600°C (1,112 °F). It conducts heat at 62 W/m·K (35.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 70% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 5.8 µm/m·K (3.22 µin/in·°F).
Electrical1
VK15 M has an electrical resistivity of 2.1×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 90% of ceramic grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of VK15 M takes about 400 MJ of energy and emits 30 kg of CO₂ — more than 88% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability3
VK15 M's machinability is not recommended (4/100, worse than 85% of ceramic grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with VK15 M
Is VK15 easy to machine?
Only diamond grinding, wire/sinker EDM, laser or ultrasonic machining after sintering; green (pre-sintered) blanks can be turned with carbide tools before final sinter.
Can VK15 be welded?
Not fusion weldable — joined to steel bodies by silver/copper brazing (Ag-Cu-Zn or Cu-Mn) or by shrink fitting; slow heating and cooling to avoid thermal cracking.
Can VK15 be formed, bent or molded?
Formed by powder pressing, extrusion or injection moulding of WC-Co feedstock followed by vacuum/sinter-HIP at ~1400–1450 °C with ~18–20% linear shrinkage.
What surface finishes work on VK15?
Diamond lapping and polishing gives mirror surfaces; PVD TiN/TiAlCN coatings possible but limited by the low binder-phase hot hardness — avoid acid pickling which leaches cobalt.
VK15 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cometallic binder phase | 14 – 16 | 15 |
| Ctotal carbon balanced to avoid eta phase / free graphite | — | — |
| other carbides (TaC/NbC/VC/Cr3C2)only in M/OM grain-refined variants as growth inhibitors | 0 – 0.5 | 0.2 |
| WCtungsten carbide hard phase, balance | balance | — |
VK15 M — frequently asked
What is VK15 M used for?
VK15 M is typically used for heavy cold-work dies, structural wear plates and mining tools. In short: toughest common BK grade; high-cobalt impact carbide; shock service over abrasion.
What is the tensile strength of VK15 M?
VK15 M has a typical tensile strength of 1,250 MPa (181 ksi) — stronger than 97% of ceramic grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is VK15 M easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (4/100, worse than 85% of ceramic grades). Only diamond grinding, wire/sinker EDM, laser or ultrasonic machining after sintering; green (pre-sintered) blanks can be turned with carbide tools before final sinter.
Can VK15 M be welded?
Not fusion weldable — joined to steel bodies by silver/copper brazing (Ag-Cu-Zn or Cu-Mn) or by shrink fitting; slow heating and cooling to avoid thermal cracking.
What surface finishes work on VK15 M?
Diamond lapping and polishing gives mirror surfaces; PVD TiN/TiAlCN coatings possible but limited by the low binder-phase hot hardness — avoid acid pickling which leaches cobalt.
Can VK15 M be formed, bent or molded?
Formed by powder pressing, extrusion or injection moulding of WC-Co feedstock followed by vacuum/sinter-HIP at ~1400–1450 °C with ~18–20% linear shrinkage.
What is the maximum service temperature of VK15 M?
VK15 M is rated for continuous use to about 600°C (1,112 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- GOST 3882-74 Сплавы твердые спеченные. Марки — Gosstandart (1974)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties of Cemented Carbides — ASM International (1990)
- ISO 4505 Hardmetals — Metallographic determination of porosity — ISO (1978)
- Cemented carbide grade property tables (WC-Co series) — Sandvik Hard Materials (2020)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.