MANUFACTURE OF TUNGSTEN MONOCARBIDE (WC) SPHERICAL POWDER

Powder metallurgy, in particular production of tungsten monocarbide spherical powders, which is a major component of metalloceramic hard alloys used for manufacture of tools, drill bits, steel alloying, wear-resistant coating cladding at elements operating in intensive wear conditions. The method includes melting of the starting material, and melt atomization with forming of spherical powder. As starting material a tungsten monocarbide grit is used. Melting and atomization of the material is implemented by continuous filling of grit into a rotating crucible of a centrifugal atomization device under an inert atmosphere and melting it by a plasma arc. After that an annealing of the obtained powder is made at a temperature of 1200-1400° C. during a time necessary for W2C breakup with subsequent cooling of the powder in a furnace. And, the production of tungsten monocarbide spherical powder with WC content of more than 70%.