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YG6X FG

Grade · default condition

ISO K05

FG = fine grain (0.8–1.2 µm WC), vacuum sintered

Standard commercial YG6X: general finishing tooling and wear parts where edge sharpness matters more than impact toughness.

High cost $$$$

Values for the FG condition

Other YG6X tempers and conditions

YG6X is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at YG6X.

Compare all 3 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Sinter-HIP consolidated
Choose when maximum transverse rupture strength and freedom from A/B-type porosity are needed, e.g. thin cutting edges, punches and micro-drill blanks.—1,50001,780 HV80 W/m·K
FGDefaultThis page
Fine grain (0.8–1.2 µm WC), vacuum sintered
Standard commercial YG6X: general finishing tooling and wear parts where edge sharpness matters more than impact toughness.———1,750 HV79 W/m·K
Ultrafine / submicron grain
Pick for micro-tools, PCB drills and razor-sharp finishing edges needing the highest hardness at 6% Co; least tolerant of impact.———1,950 HV70 W/m·K

What is YG6X FG?

YG6X FG is YG6X in the FG grade — standard commercial YG6X: general finishing tooling and wear parts where edge sharpness matters more than impact toughness. The elastic modulus is 630 GPa (91.4 Msi). YG6X FG has a density of 14.9 g/cm³ (0.538 lb/in³), heavier than 96% of ceramic grades.

Advantages

  • Stiff — 630 GPa (91.4 Msi), better than 95% of ceramic grades
  • Tough — resists crack growth — 8.5 MPa·√m (7.74 ksi·√in), better than 79% of ceramic grades
  • Conducts heat well — 79 W/m·K (45.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 75% of ceramic grades

Limitations

  • Heavy — 14.9 g/cm³ (0.538 lb/in³), worse than 96% of ceramic grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 55/100, worse than 77% of ceramic grades

YG6X FG properties

Typical room-temperature values for YG6X FG; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are YG6X reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among ceramic grades.

Physical2

YG6X FG has a density of 14.9 g/cm³ (0.538 lb/in³), heavier than 96% of ceramic grades.

Density14.9 g/cm³0.54 lb/in³
Porosity0.05%

Mechanical9

The elastic modulus is 630 GPa (91.4 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus630 GPa91.4 Msi
Shear Modulus255 GPa37 Msi
Bulk Modulus380 GPa55.1 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.22
Compressive Strength5,800 MPa841 ksi
Flexural Strength1,900 MPa276 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)8.5 MPa·√m7.7 ksi·√in
Hardness, Vickers1,750 HV
Hardness, Mohs9

Thermal5

YG6X FG is rated for continuous service to 800°C (1,472 °F). It conducts heat at 79 W/m·K (45.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 75% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 4.7 µm/m·K (2.61 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity79 W/m·K45.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity220 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)4.7 µm/m·K2.6 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)800°C1,472 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical2

YG6X FG has an electrical resistivity of 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
Volume Resistivity2×10⁻⁵ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental2

Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 77% of ceramic grades.

Corrosion ResistanceGood55/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryWC skeleton is very inert, but the 6% cobalt binder is leached by mineral acids (HCl, H2SO4, HNO3), oxalic/acetic acid and hot caustic; good in water, oils, coolants and neutral salts. For acidic service use a Ni- or Cr3C2-modified binder grade.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of YG6X FG takes about 300 MJ of energy and emits 22 kg of CO₂ — more than 74% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)300 MJ/kg128,977 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)22 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content30%

Manufacturability3

YG6X FG's machinability is not recommended (5/100, worse than 59% of ceramic grades).

MachinabilityNot recommended5/100
PolishabilityExcellent88/100
Sintering / Firing Temperature1,420°C2,588 °F

Common Calculations2

Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated42.3 MN·m/kg
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated24.1 mm²/s

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with YG6X FG

Is YG6X easy to machine?

Green-state pressing/extrusion then diamond grinding, wire/sinker EDM or laser after sintering — no conventional cutting; keep grinding wheels cool to avoid edge micro-cracks.

Can YG6X be welded?

Not fusion weldable; join to steel by silver/Cu-based vacuum brazing (e.g. BAg-24, 700–900 °C) with a shim to absorb the CTE mismatch, or by braze-clad shrink fit.

Can YG6X be formed, bent or molded?

Net-shape by uniaxial die pressing, CIP or extrusion of PEG-bonded powder, dewaxed and vacuum/sinter-HIP fired at ~1400–1450 °C with ~18–20% linear shrinkage.

What surface finishes work on YG6X?

Diamond lapping/polishing to Ra<0.05 µm; PVD TiAlN/AlTiN or CVD TiCN-Al2O3 coating after Co-etch pretreatment; do not electroplate acidic baths that leach cobalt.

YG6X 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Cobinder phase5.5 – 6.56
VCgrain-growth inhibitor0.1 – 0.50.3
TaCgrain refiner / thermal-shock aid; NbC may substitute0 – 0.60.3
Cr3C2optional inhibitor, some producers0 – 0.40.2
WCfine-grain tungsten carbide, 0.8–1.2 µmbalance—

YG6X FG — frequently asked

What is YG6X FG used for?

YG6X FG is typically used for finish machining cast iron, reamers, small-diameter drills and precision cutting edges. In short: fine-grain finishing grade; sharper, more wear-resistant than YG6; higher rated temperature.

Is YG6X FG easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (5/100, worse than 59% of ceramic grades). Green-state pressing/extrusion then diamond grinding, wire/sinker EDM or laser after sintering — no conventional cutting; keep grinding wheels cool to avoid edge micro-cracks.

Can YG6X FG be welded?

Not fusion weldable; join to steel by silver/Cu-based vacuum brazing (e.g. BAg-24, 700–900 °C) with a shim to absorb the CTE mismatch, or by braze-clad shrink fit.

What surface finishes work on YG6X FG?

Diamond lapping/polishing to Ra<0.05 µm; PVD TiAlN/AlTiN or CVD TiCN-Al2O3 coating after Co-etch pretreatment; do not electroplate acidic baths that leach cobalt.

Can YG6X FG be formed, bent or molded?

Net-shape by uniaxial die pressing, CIP or extrusion of PEG-bonded powder, dewaxed and vacuum/sinter-HIP fired at ~1400–1450 °C with ~18–20% linear shrinkage.

What is the maximum service temperature of YG6X FG?

YG6X FG is rated for continuous use to about 800°C (1,472 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. ISO 513 Classification and application of hard cutting materials — ISO (2012)
  2. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 / Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 4 — Cemented Carbides — ASM International (1991)
  3. Cemented carbide grade tables (WC-6Co fine grain) — Zhuzhou Cemented Carbide / Xiamen Golden Egret / Sandvik Hard Materials (2023)

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.