Tungsten Carbide Balls with Nickel Binder for Wear and Corrosion Resistance
REDHILL supplies tungsten carbide balls with a nickel binder for valves, pumps and wear parts. The hard WC grains resist abrasion, while the nickel binder holds them together. As a result, selected WC-Ni grades combine wear resistance with good resistance to chemical attack.
Material Options and Reference Values
- 6% nickel grade: Nominal 94% WC / 6% Ni; hardness about 90.5 HRA; density about 14.8 g/cm³
- 9% nickel grade: Nominal 91% WC / 9% Ni; hardness about 89.5 HRA; density about 14.6 g/cm³
Compositions are by weight. The values above are examples of conventional WC-Ni ball grades. However, grain size, binder chemistry and processing affect the final properties. Therefore, confirm the exact material grade and required values with your inquiry.
Wear Resistance and Stiffness
The hard carbide phase helps protect contact surfaces from abrasive wear. In addition, high stiffness helps limit deformation under contact loads. As a result, WC-Ni offers an option for parts that need a hard contact surface.
However, binder content and grain size also affect toughness. Therefore, match the grade to the contact load and any repeated impacts.
Corrosion Resistance in Chemical Service
Selected nickel-binder grades offer better corrosion resistance than standard cobalt-binder carbide in some fluids. For example, specially alloyed WC-Ni grades can resist certain solutions at pH 2–3.
However, pH alone does not establish chemical compatibility. Temperature, dissolved salts and the full fluid mix also affect corrosion. Therefore, assess the exact grade against the actual process conditions.
Applications of WC-Ni Balls
Engineers consider WC-Ni balls where chemical attack and abrasive wear occur together. For example, possible uses include:
- Check valves and pump assemblies
- Metering and dosing systems
- Specialty bearings and wear contacts
- Grinding media for compatible milling systems
In addition, match the surface finish and mating parts to the task. For hot service, use the specified grade data and assembly limits.
Ball Grades and Sizes
- Ball grades: G5–G100
- Diameter range: 0.2 mm–100 mm
Confirm the available combination of size, grade and material before ordering. Finally, send us the diameter, tolerance, quantity and working conditions so we can review your requirements.