Tungsten Alloy WC-12Co HIPed
Print state
HIPed = hot isostatic pressed
Pick when maximum transverse rupture strength and fatigue life are needed (heavily loaded dies, punches, large blanks).
Values for the HIPed condition
Other WC-12Co tempers and conditions
WC-12Co is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at WC-12Co.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3–6 µm WC for maximum impact toughness | Use for mining bits, rock drills, hammer inserts and heavy stamping where shock loading dominates. | — | 1,300 | 0 | 69 HRC | 9.5 % IACS |
SinteredDefault vacuum/pressure sintered, medium grain (1–2 µm) | Default stock condition for YG12/K40 blanks, rods and wear parts; balanced toughness and hardness. | — | 1,400 | 0 | 72 HRC | 8.6 % IACS |
single-cycle overpressure sintering (5–10 MPa Ar) | Standard modern production route: near-pore-free parts at lower cost than a separate HIP cycle. | — | 1,550 | 0 | 72 HRC | 8.6 % IACS |
HIPedThis page Hot isostatic pressed | Pick when maximum transverse rupture strength and fatigue life are needed (heavily loaded dies, punches, large blanks). | — | 1,600 | 0 | 73 HRC | 8.8 % IACS |
submicron/ultrafine WC (0.5–0.8 µm) with grain-growth inhibitors | Choose for sharp cutting edges, PCB drills, punches and micro-tools where hardness and edge retention outrank toughness. | — | 1,700 | 0 | 76 HRC | 7.8 % IACS |
What is WC-12Co HIPed?
WC-12Co HIPed is WC-12Co in the HIPed condition — pick when maximum transverse rupture strength and fatigue life are needed (heavily loaded dies, punches, large blanks). WC-12Co HIPed has a tensile strength of 1,600 MPa (232 ksi), stronger than 90% of tungsten alloy grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 555 GPa (80.5 Msi). WC-12Co HIPed has a density of 14.25 g/cm³ (0.515 lb/in³), lighter than 90% of tungsten alloy grades. It melts at 1,320°C (2,408 °F). Sintered is the default condition FabDigit quotes; HIPed is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 95/100, better than 105% of tungsten alloy grades
- Stiff — 555 GPa (80.5 Msi), better than 95% of tungsten alloy grades
- Lightweight — 14.25 g/cm³ (0.515 lb/in³), better than 90% of tungsten alloy grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 0%, worse than 97% of tungsten alloy grades
- Poor heat conductor — 88 W/m·K (50.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 81% of tungsten alloy grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 8.8 % IACS, worse than 76% of tungsten alloy grades
WC-12Co HIPed properties
Typical room-temperature values for WC-12Co HIPed; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are WC-12Co reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among tungsten alloy grades.
Physical2
WC-12Co HIPed has a density of 14.25 g/cm³ (0.515 lb/in³), lighter than 90% of tungsten alloy grades. It melts at 1,320°C (2,408 °F).
Mechanical14
WC-12Co HIPed has a tensile strength of 1,600 MPa (232 ksi), stronger than 90% of tungsten alloy grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 555 GPa (80.5 Msi).
Thermal5
WC-12Co HIPed is rated for continuous service to 500°C (932 °F). It conducts heat at 88 W/m·K (50.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 81% of tungsten alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 5.5 µm/m·K (3.06 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
WC-12Co HIPed conducts electricity at 8.8 % IACS, worse than 76% of tungsten alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (48/100), worse than 71% of tungsten alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of WC-12Co HIPed takes about 400 MJ of energy and emits 28 kg of CO₂ — more than 74% of tungsten alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability7
WC-12Co HIPed's machinability is not recommended (3/100, worse than 95% of tungsten alloy grades); weldability not recommended (10/100); formability not recommended (0/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with WC-12Co HIPed
Is WC-12Co easy to machine?
Not machinable with conventional tools — shape by diamond wheel grinding, wire/sinker EDM, laser or by pressing to near-net shape before sintering.
Can WC-12Co be welded?
Do not fusion weld; join by vacuum/induction brazing with Ag-Cu-Zn or Cu-Mn-Ni filler using a ductile Cu interlayer, or by laser cladding of WC-Co onto steel.
Can WC-12Co be formed, bent or molded?
Formed only in the green state — uniaxial die pressing, CIP or extrusion of WC-Co powder plus binder, followed by dewaxing and vacuum/Sinter-HIP sintering with ~18–22 % linear shrinkage.
What surface finishes work on WC-12Co?
Diamond grinding and lapping give mirror finishes; typical topcoats are PVD TiN/TiAlN/AlCrN or DLC; electroplating is uncommon and requires activation of the Co binder.
WC-12Co 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 | 11 – 13 | 12 |
| VC+Cr3C2grain-growth inhibitors, fine-grain variants only | 0 – 1 | 0.4 |
| TaC/NbCoptional trace additions | 0 – 0.5 | 0 |
| WCbalance ≈ 88 wt% tungsten carbide (total C ≈ 5.4 wt%) | balance | — |
WC-12Co HIPed — frequently asked
What is WC-12Co HIPed used for?
WC-12Co HIPed is typically used for mining and rock drill bits, cold-heading dies, stamping dies, HVOF spray powder feedstock, percussion drill inserts and wear parts and bushings. In short: impact-grade cemented carbide.
What is the tensile strength of WC-12Co HIPed?
WC-12Co HIPed has a typical tensile strength of 1,600 MPa (232 ksi) — stronger than 90% of tungsten alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is WC-12Co HIPed easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (3/100, worse than 95% of tungsten alloy grades). Not machinable with conventional tools — shape by diamond wheel grinding, wire/sinker EDM, laser or by pressing to near-net shape before sintering.
Can WC-12Co HIPed be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (10/100). Do not fusion weld; join by vacuum/induction brazing with Ag-Cu-Zn or Cu-Mn-Ni filler using a ductile Cu interlayer, or by laser cladding of WC-Co onto steel.
What surface finishes work on WC-12Co HIPed?
Diamond grinding and lapping give mirror finishes; typical topcoats are PVD TiN/TiAlN/AlCrN or DLC; electroplating is uncommon and requires activation of the Co binder.
Can WC-12Co HIPed be formed, bent or molded?
Formed only in the green state — uniaxial die pressing, CIP or extrusion of WC-Co powder plus binder, followed by dewaxing and vacuum/Sinter-HIP sintering with ~18–22 % linear shrinkage.
What is the maximum service temperature of WC-12Co HIPed?
WC-12Co HIPed is rated for continuous use to about 500°C (932 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ISO 513 Classification and application of hard cutting materials — ISO (2012)
- ASTM B294 Standard Test Method for Hardness Testing of Cemented Carbides — ASTM (2017)
- ASTM B771 Short Rod Fracture Toughness of Cemented Carbides — ASTM (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol.7 Powder Metal Technologies and Applications — ASM International (1998)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials — ASM International (1990)
- Cemented carbide grade property tables (K-class, 12 % Co) — Kennametal / Sandvik Hard Materials / (Zhuzhou Cemented Carbide) (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.