Tungsten Carbide Coating

Tungsten Carbide is the most versatile and widely used of our HVOF applied coatings. Tungsten Carbide materials are recommended for wear applications with service temperatures of less than 500 Degrees Celsius as higher temperatures will result in the formation of brittle phases that reduce wear resistance and coating integrity.


Wear Resistance

Tungsten Carbide Coatings will withstand a high level of wear. Typical wear applications include erosion (low angle) abrasion, fretting, sliding wear and impact resistance. Coatings applied using the HVOF process are dense and well bonded with a more homogeneous structure than can be obtained using air plasma or combustion powder spray processes. Tungsten Carbide Coatings will also provide significantly more wear resistance than Hard Chrome Plating.

Corrosion Resistance

Tungsten Carbide Coatings provide excellent resistance to Oxidation thanks to their incredibly strong bond strength and low porosity which will seal off the base materials from its environment. Tungsten Carbide Coatings also have a fairly good resistance to chemically corrosive sources such as Acetone, Gasoline, Ethanol, Ammonia and well as Weak Acids. They are not however recommended for stronger corrosive sources such as Hydrochloric and Phosphoric Acid.

Hard Chrome Replacement

Under the REACH directive the use of any coating/plating which utilises Hexavalent Chromium (CR6) has been heavily restricted with a move to phase it out altogether. Hexavalent Chromium is a known human carcinogen, and the toxic waste produced from the Hexavalent Chromium bath during electroplating is deemed a hazardous waste material. It presents serious health risks with repeated exposure, including a higher risk of cancer, kidney damage and inflammation of the lungs.

HVOF applied coatings are widely regarded as the natural successor to Hard Chrome Plating. Tungsten Carbide actually offers superior Hardness, Wear Resistance, Temperature Range and Corrosive Resistance when compared to Hard Chrome Plating and has gained acceptance in a wide variety of sectors including aerospace.

Applications

Hydraulic Pistons, Drill Bits, Aerospace engines, Gate and Ball Valves, Down Hole Tools, Airplane landing Trunnions as well as various Pump applications.