Tungsten Carbide, commonly known as carbide, is a combination of two elements: tungsten and carbon. The product of this combination is a very strong and resistant material used in industrial coating.

Tungsten carbide is regarded as a very hard material, rated at 9 Mohs. In comparison, diamond, which is the toughest material on the planet, is rated at 10 Mohs. In fact, it is so strong that only a few materials can be used to cut or engrave it, such as industrial diamond abrasives. It also has a very high melting point at 2,600 degrees Celsius.

Because of these qualities, tungsten carbide is used in a variety of applications, from civilian to military use. The material is used in the military in producing armor-piercing plates, while tungsten carbide-coated tools can be used to cut, trim, and shape non-metallic industrial materials such as fiberglass. Some couples even opt to have their wedding bands made out of tungsten carbide to make these wedding bands more resistant to wear for daily use.

Carbide is basically manufactured in powder form. However, it can eventually be pressed into different shapes depending on the material being produced, such as the ones mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Care must be taken when handling tungsten carbide, particularly those in dust form. The reason for this is that inhaling the tiny tungsten carbide particles may result in a condition called fibrosis, which affects the lungs.

All in all, tungsten carbide’s combination of toughness and high melting point makes it an ideal material for a variety of uses that range from the anti-armor ammunitions used in war, to wedding bands that signify a couple’s love for each other.

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