European Powder Metallurgy Association

Cermet helical milling cutters can weigh up to 20kg (Kennametal Hertel AG) Tungsten carbide is the most widely used. These materials are commonly referred to as cemented carbides or simply as carbides as, for example, carbide tools. * By varying the carbide particle size, the amount of binder metal, and the sintering conditions, the properties such as wear resistance, impact strength, resistance to cratering, and hot hardness may be optimised for a given application. For example in the case of a wire drawing die wear resistance is the major requirement, but for a cutting tool, especially if subject to intermittent loading, high impact strength is required.