Carbide Grade Comparison Chart: Detailed Specifications and Performance of the Complete YG/YT/YW Series of Cemented Carbide Grades

Hardmetal grade comparison chart: The complete YG/YT/YW series is a reference compilation of the parameter and performance characteristics of mainstream cutting‑grade hardmetals.

Table of Contents

1. Explanation of the Basic Classification Rules for Cemented Carbide Grades
2. Core Parameter Comparison Table for the Entire YG/YT/YW Series of Cemented Carbide Grades
3. Performance Characteristics and Application Scenarios of Different Carbide Series
4. Core Reference Steps for Selecting Carbide Grade
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Carbide Grade Comparison Chart: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parameters and Performance of All YG, YT, and YW Carbide Grades. This is a specialized reference document that compiles the composition, hardness, flexural strength, and other key properties of all standard grades across China’s three major carbide categories—tungsten–cobalt, tungsten–titanium–cobalt, and general-purpose cemented carbides—organized in conjunction with real-world application scenarios. Developed by Hebei Hengyang Materials Technology, drawing on more than a decade of experience in the production and application of cemented carbides and updated in accordance with the GB/T 18376.1 industry standard, this resource helps manufacturing and machining professionals swiftly select appropriate materials and optimize processing parameters.

1. Explanation of the Basic Classification Rules for Cemented Carbide Grades

Commonly used conventional cemented carbides in China’s industrial sector are uniformly designated by their series using the initial pinyin letters of their compositional characteristics. YG, YT, and YW represent the three major mainstream systems with the broadest application ranges. China’s cemented carbide grade‑naming convention originates from an early industrial standardization framework: the letter “Y” derives from the pinyin initial of “hard alloy,” while subsequent suffix letters correspond to the key alloying elements within each system—“G” stands for cobalt, denoting tungsten–cobalt alloys without titanium; “T” denotes titanium carbide, representing tungsten–titanium–cobalt alloys containing titanium; and “W” signifies “universal,” indicating a versatile cemented carbide that combines the advantages of both types. Hebei Hengyang Materials Technology, a specialized technology enterprise focused on customized R&D of cemented carbides, ensures that all standard grades it produces comply with current national industry standards. It also offers tailored formulation adjustments based on customers’ actual operating conditions, enabling optimal performance across diverse machining applications.

2. Core Parameter Comparison Table for the Entire YG/YT/YW Series of Cemented Carbide Grades

The following parameters are derived from publicly available national standards data, supplemented by production‑based measured calibration values, and serve as general reference indicators under typical operating conditions. Slight, reasonable deviations may occur in the fine‑tuned grade designations of different manufacturers.

3. Performance Characteristics and Application Scenarios of Different Carbide Series

The formulation differences among the YG, YT, and YW series directly determine that they each emphasize entirely different performance characteristics, with clearly defined application boundaries for their respective processing scenarios.

YG series tungsten-cobalt alloys

This series contains no titanium carbide; the alloy exhibits excellent thermal conductivity, a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and impact toughness that generally surpasses that of the YT series at comparable hardness levels. It is ideally suited for machining brittle non‑metallic materials and low‑melting‑point materials such as cast iron, non‑ferrous metals, marble, and refractory materials. The low‑cobalt YG3X is an ultra‑fine‑grained, high‑hardness alloy, commonly used in precision finishing of cemented carbide tools and in precision measuring instruments. By contrast, the high‑cobalt grades YG8 and YG10 are typically employed in applications with stringent impact‑resistance requirements, such as rock‑drilling bits, stamping dies, and woodworking cutters.

YT series tungsten-titanium-cobalt alloys

This series incorporates a high‑hardness titanium carbide phase, resulting in alloy performance—specifically red hardness (the ability to retain hardness at 600°C) and resistance to adhesive wear—that significantly outperforms the YG series. When machining ductile materials, it minimizes built-up edge formation, making it the traditional material of choice for cutting operations on plain carbon steels, alloy steels, and similar grades. As the titanium carbide content increases, hardness rises; however, impact toughness declines accordingly. For example, YT30 is best suited for precision cutting of steel under vibration‑free conditions, whereas YT5 is appropriate for roughing and intermittent cutting applications.

YW Series General-Purpose Cemented Carbide

Building on the original tungsten–titanium–cobalt formulation, this series further incorporates rare refractory carbide constituents, while simultaneously delivering the high impact resistance of the YG series and the excellent red hardness of the YT series. It is a versatile, cross‑application alloy that has traditionally been employed for machining difficult-to-cut materials—such as high‑manganese steel, heat‑resistant steel, and stainless steel—that are challenging for conventional YG and YT grades to handle. It also serves as a reliable, all‑purpose choice when the specific application conditions remain unclear.

4. Core Reference Steps for Selecting Carbide Grade

Ordinary machining professionals do not need to fully master the principles of alloy materials science; by following standardized procedures and systematically screening options, they can readily select grades with high compatibility.

1. Clearly identify the material of the workpiece: first determine whether the part is a brittle material (such as cast iron or stone), a ductile material (such as ordinary carbon steel), or a difficult-to-machine material (such as heat-resistant steel or alloy cast iron), thereby initially narrowing down the appropriate major material category.
2. Confirm the machining process type: For finishing operations, prioritize grades with higher hardness and lower cobalt content; for roughing and intermittent cutting, prioritize grades with high flexural strength and excellent impact resistance.
3. Screen candidate grades against the parameter table: Select 2–3 grades from the same series that meet the core parameter requirements, and verify their suitability by referencing publicly available industry application case studies.
4. Small‑batch trial calibration: When conditions permit, first conduct a 72‑hour operational test using sample units, and adjust the final selection by comparing wear and chipping performance.

If you do not have sufficient testing facilities, you can directly contact the technical experts at Hebei Hengyang Materials Technology to provide your specific operating conditions and receive customized selection recommendations, thereby reducing trial-and-error costs.

5. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q: Can YG and YT series alloys be used interchangeably?

A: Under normal operating conditions, direct substitution is not recommended. For example, using YG‑series grades to machine steel often leads to built‑up edge and adhesive wear, resulting in a tool life far shorter than that of the corresponding YT‑grade. Conversely, employing YT‑series grades for cast iron machining can cause excessive tool heating and chipping due to inadequate thermal conductivity. Only certain specially modified, custom‑grade carbides are suitable for cross‑application scenarios.

Q: Is the procurement cost of YW-series alloys significantly higher than that of conventional YG/YT grades?

A: For conventional YW‑series grades with the same compositional particle size, production costs are only about 10% higher than those of standard YG/YT grades, making them mid‑range products with a relatively modest price differential. Significant cost increases occur only for specially customized grades that incorporate scarce precious‑metal components.

Q: Do carbide grades of the same model from different manufacturers differ in their specifications?

A: Minor, reasonable deviations may occur; for example, YG6 grades from different manufacturers may exhibit a hardness range of HRA 88.5 to 90, all of which meet the requirements of the national standard and qualify as acceptable products. Hebei Hengyang Materials provides measured‑property test reports for all its shipped products, facilitating product selection and comparison for customers.

Q: What do the letters X and the numbers appended to the grade designation signify?

A: The suffix “X” typically indicates that the grade employs an ultra‑fine grain formulation, resulting in higher hardness than the base grade. For some manufacturers, the numerical suffix denotes the grain size class: a lower number corresponds to finer grains and improved wear resistance.

This article was generated by AI and is for reference only.

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