How to Choose the Right Tungsten Carbide for Your Application
Tungsten carbide offers exceptional hardness and wear resistance, making it the material of choice for high-volume production tooling. The cobalt binder content significantly influences the material’s properties — higher cobalt increases toughness but reduces hardness.
Tungsten Carbide Grade Comparison
Kennametal Grades
| Grade | Cobalt (%) | Hardness (HRA) | Density (g/cm³) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KD20 | 10 | 90.0 | 14.5 | General purpose stamping, punching |
| KD25 | 12 | 89.2 | 14.3 | Heading dies, cold forming |
| KC810 | 12 | 89.3 | 14.3 | High-impact applications |
| KD40 | 15 | 87.7 | 14.0 | Severe impact conditions |
CB Carbide Grades
| Grade | Cobalt (%) | Hardness (HRA) | Density (g/cm³) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YG10X | 10 | 91.0 | 14.5 | Fine grain, high wear punching |
| YG15 | 15 | 87.5 | 14.0 | Cold heading, extrusion dies |
| YG20 | 20 | 85.0 | 13.5 | High impact heading |
| YG20C | 20 | 84.5 | 13.5 | Coarse grain, max toughness |
Domestic China Grades
| Grade | Cobalt (%) | Hardness (HRA) | Density (g/cm³) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YG8 | 8 | 92.0 | 14.6 | Wear parts, guide pins |
| YG10 | 10 | 90.5 | 14.5 | Punching, trimming |
| YG15 | 15 | 87.0 | 14.0 | General heading |
| YG20 | 20 | 85.5 | 13.5 | Heavy impact heading |
Selection Guide
High Wear Applications (Low Impact)
- Recommended: YG8, KD20, YG10X
- Use cases: Trimming dies, cutting punches, wear plates, core pins
Balanced Wear & Toughness
- Recommended: YG10, KD25, KC810
- Use cases: Standard cold heading, progressive die punches, forming dies
High Impact Applications
- Recommended: YG15, YG20, KD40
- Use cases: Heading dies for fasteners, extrusion, severe forming operations
Critical Considerations
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Grain Size: Fine grain (YG10X) provides higher hardness and wear resistance. Coarse grain (YG20C) offers improved toughness.
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Cobalt Content:
- Low cobalt (6–10%): Maximum hardness/wear resistance, lower toughness
- Medium cobalt (10–15%): Balanced performance
- High cobalt (15–25%): Maximum toughness, reduced wear resistance
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Coating Compatibility: Most carbide grades accept PVD coatings (TiN, TiCN, DLC) for additional surface performance.
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Cost: Premium grades (Kennametal) offer tighter tolerances and consistency. Domestic China grades provide excellent value.
At GS Machining, we stock both premium and cost-effective carbide grades to match your performance requirements and budget. Request free samples to evaluate performance in your specific application.
Browse Our Related Articles
Pair your carbide selection with the right Surface Coating to extend tool life, or explore our Tool Steel Selection Guide for steel-based tooling. Browse our Carbide Dies & Bushings and Carbide Punches & Pins product ranges.
At GS Machining, we stock both premium and cost-effective carbide grades to match your performance requirements and budget. Contact us to discuss your application and request free sample evaluation.