G0301506 Effect of Co content and WC grain size on Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of Cemented Carbides

Abstract

WC-Co cemented carbides have been widely used for cutting tools, die tools, and machine parts because of their high compressive strength and excellent wear resistance, which are superior to those of tool steels. To use them safely and effectively without failure, it is critical to understand their fatigue crack growth behavior. In this study, the fatigue crack growth tests under a stress ratio R of -1 were carried out on several grades of cemented carbide with different microstructures, in terms of both Co content and WC grain size. Experimental results show that the crack growth resistance increases with increase in both Co content and WC grain size particularly in the low-K_<max> region. Effect of microstructure is discussed in terms of the crack growth path.