Tungsten Carbide Hard Materials for Die & Mold

The main difference between molding and casting is the use of the material in the process. Casting will typically involve metal, while molding focuses on plastics. In both cases, the melted material goes into a die or mold to create the final form. A mold is used to shape materials by allowing them to solidify in the mold, while a die is used to cut or shape materials using mechanical force. Molds are usually used to shape melted plastics, resin, or cast molten metal. Dies are mainly used to cut and shape metal to a desired shape or profile.

Tungsten alone is challenging to mold due to its high melting point and brittleness. In the die and mold industry, this issue is addressed by creating tungsten carbide, an alloy that combines tungsten with carbon. The addition of carbon not only makes the material easier to mold but also enhances its strength. This process allows for the efficient production of durable and precise components, such as rings, in various applications.