METHODS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PARTICLE AND GRAIN-SIZE CONTROL IN CEMENTED CARBIDE TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The paper reviews work demonstrating the importance of carbide particle and grain size as regards the preparation and the properties of cemented carbides, and considers the techniques of particle- and grain-size measurement. It is shown that the initial size of the carbide powder influences the grain size in the sintered structure. Means of size-distribution analysis are evaluated. Some problems of accurate quantitative structure analysis and its automation are discussed. The best methods at present available for routine and basic work are outlined and modern devices are described.