Umicore’s advanced expertise in fine metallic powders provides the foundation for high-performance hard metals used across diverse industries. Our two-phase tungsten carbide cobalt (WC/Co) hard metals are engineered with precision, focusing on parameters such as tungsten carbide grain size, cobalt binder grain size and shape, and the composition and fraction of the cobalt binder phase, ensuring optimal performance in each application.

Our extensive range includes spherical and elongated cobalt powders (0.6 µm to 3.5 µm), tungsten carbide powders (0.7 µm to 5 µm) with doping options for tailored applications, and filamentary nickel powders of 2.5 µm—all available in powder or granulated forms. These powders ensure hardness, abrasion resistance, and durability, essential for the most demanding applications.

Hard metals, composed of fine tungsten carbide particles bonded with a tough metal like cobalt or nickel, serve as critical components in multiple sectors. In the automotive industry, they function as cutting tool inserts; in oil and gas, they support drilling and exploration; in electronics, they are essential for printed circuit board (PCB) drills; and in the dies and mold industry, they provide durability for forming and punching dies.

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