science π¬ Scientists 3D-print super-hard industry metal
Scientists in Japan have achieved a breakthrough by 3D-printing tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) without damaging its inherent properties. Researchers at Hiroshima University successfully used a laser-based technique to produce the cemented carbide. The resulting material showed a hardness exceeding 1,400 HV, placing it among the hardest industrial engineering materials. This method avoids material waste associated with traditional sintering processes used for these costly components. This advancement could streamline the manufacturing of complex carbide parts using less expensive raw materials. π οΈ