Cemented Carbide Composition for Adhesion-Resistant Cutting Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools face challenges in achieving long service life, particularly when processing difficult-to-cut materials like titanium alloys and nickel alloys, due to adhesion issues that degrade defect resistance and dimensional accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A cemented carbide composition comprising a first hard phase of tungsten carbide particles, a second hard phase of TiNbC, TiNbN, or TiNbCN with controlled particle size and dispersity, and a binder phase of iron, cobalt, or nickel, optimized to enhance adhesion resistance and tool longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cemented carbide compositions are used for processing difficult-to-cut materials, then cutting capability is achieved, but adhesion occurs leading to reduced service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool service lifeVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing a specific hard phase (TiNbC, TiNbN, or TiNbCN) with controlled particle size (0.5-5.0 μm) and content (5-20 mass%) at strategic locations within the cemented carbide structure. This localized addition enhances adhesion resistance specifically at the cutting edge and wear surfaces without compromising the overall structural integrity and cutting capability of the tool body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining tungsten carbide (WC) as the base hard phase with iron group metal carbides/nitrides as additional hard phases, bound by an iron group metal binder. This multi-phase composite structure synergistically combines the high hardness of WC with the adhesion-resistant properties of TiNbC/TiNbN/TiNbCN, creating a material that simultaneously achieves cutting performance and extended service life through reduced adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If tool materials are optimized for adhesion resistance, then service life extends, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool service lifeVSAvoidmaterial composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the particle size (0.5-5.0 μm) and content (5-20 mass%) of the hard phase, as well as the binder phase content (5-15 mass%). These specific parameter ranges optimize the balance between adhesion resistance and manufacturing feasibility, ensuring that the material achieves enhanced service life while remaining producible through conventional cemented carbide manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4350022B1Cemented carbide and tool containing same
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP4350022B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4350022B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4350022B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A cemented carbide composed of a first hard phase, a second hard phase and a binder phase, in which the first hard phase is composed of tungsten carbide particles, the second hard phase is composed of at least one first compound selected from the group consisting of TiNbC, TiNbN and TiNbCN, the second hard phase has an average particle diameter of no more than 0.1 µm, the second hard phase has a dispersity of no more than 0.7, the second hard phase has a content of no less than 0.1 vol% and no more than 15 vol%, the binder phase contains at least one first element selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt and nickel, and the binder phase has a content of no less than 0.1 vol% and no more than 20 vol%.