Tungsten vs. Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten is a chemical element, while tungsten carbide is a compound composed of tungsten and carbon. Tungsten carbide is known for its exceptional hardness and wear resistance, making it a widely used material for cutting tools, jewelry, and various industrial applications, whereas pure tungsten is often utilized in electrical and high-temperature applications due to its unique properties.

Most people will confuse tungsten and tungsten carbide, as tungsten carbide is the most widely understood form of tungsten available. However, there are some niche use cases for its pure form, and this section will contrast tungsten and tungsten carbide to illustrate how they differ. Below, in Table 1, is shown several mechanical properties of each material, and their comparison should give readers a better idea as to when to implement one material over the other. Note that mono tungsten carbide (WC) is used for this comparison, but more alloys exist.

How Hard is Tungsten Carbide?

Tungsten carbide is extremely hard, and its hardness measured on the Rockwell A scale is 90. Its level of hardness is second to diamond.

This exceptional hardness contributes to the wear resistance and durability of tungsten carbide, making it a popular choice for various industrial applications, including cutting tools, drilling equipment, and wear-resistant components.