PHASE-DIAGRAMS AS A TOOL FOR PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF CEMENTED CARBIDES AND STEELS

Databases and programs for the calculation of phase diagrams have become valuable tools in research and development programmes for cemented carbides and steels. The number of applications of this technique for cemented carbide systems has increased lately due to the fact that some basic systems have now been analysed and entered into such databases. In the following, some cases are reviewed where the knowledge of phase diagrams, especially calculated diagrams, plays an important role in development work. These cases refer to the accurate control of the carbon balance necessary for successful sintering of some WC-Co alloys as well as the information needed for the sintering of Fe-Ni based carbides. The development work on steels within Sandvik Steel is further advanced when it comes to using phase diagrams and especially calculated diagrams as a tool for the development of new grades. This work is now facilitated by the great number of assessed systems for iron based alloys and the reliable databases available today. A few examples concerning steels are also reviewed where the use of calculated diagrams has been successful.