Scientists just 3D printed one of the hardest metals on Earth
Researchers have successfully used 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, to produce tungsten carbide-cobalt, a material known for its extreme hardness. This new method aims to reduce the high costs and material waste associated with traditional powder metallurgy.
Why it matters
Improving the manufacturing efficiency of high-performance industrial materials can lower production costs for essential tools used in construction and machining.
Tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) is valued because it can withstand intense wear, pressure, and repeated use. That exceptional hardness makes it ideal for industrial tools, but it also creates a major manufacturing challenge. The material is difficult to shape, expensive to produce, and often requires more raw material than ultimately ends up in the finished component.
Researchers have now tested a different way to manufacture WC-Co cemented carbide using additive manufacturing (AM, also commonly known as 3D printing). Their approach could reduce waste and lower production costs while preserving the strength and hardness that make the material so useful.
The study was published in the International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials .
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in