Cutting of tungsten carbide using a monocrystalline diamond tool

—1^st report : Properties of friction between diamond and tungsten carbide—

Abstract

The fundamental friction properties between monocrystalline diamond and tungsten carbide were investigated experimentally. Friction experiments regarding two types of tungsten carbide were performed in atmospheres of air, dry air, argon and nitrogen. Cobalt-free tungsten carbide and 7% cobalt tungsten carbide were used, and the following conclusions are reached. 1) Physical abrasive wear was predominant in these experiments, as the temperature of the friction point was less than 130°C. 2) The presence of oxygen in air atmospheres reduced friction between diamond and tungsten carbide. 3) As cobalt behaves as a solid film lubricant, the friction coefficient was smaller and diamond wear was reduced using 7% cobalt tungsten carbide. 4) In nitrogen atmospheres, wear of 7% cobalt tungsten carbide was limited, but wear of diamond was pronounced.