In recent years, Koner has studied and researched new formulations of TC powders containing special additives for the production of drawing dies, with the aim of increasing the wear resistance and the work-life of the dies.
The new formulations increase the hardness of the dies without affecting their toughness.
The studies have allowed the production of a new powder, suitable for drawing high carbon wire, with a hardness of 90.5 HRA which has allowed excellent results in the production of PC wire / PC strand / ropes, increasing the work-life of the dies by 20% on average.
Koner has also developed a new powder for drawing low carbon wire, with a hardness of 94.2 HRA and the results in the production of welding wire have been excellent, allowing an increase in the life of the dies by 30%.
As can be seen from the photos in the box, the micro-structure shows a homogeneous distribution of the tungsten carbide grades within the cobalt matrix; this makes it possible, together with the additives included in the formulation, to significantly increase the wear resistance.
Furthermore, the increase in the wear resistance of the dies leads to an ecological (as well as economic) benefit, as the same amount of drawn wire requires a lower consumption of mineral resources, with significant benefits for the customer and the environment.
After a long trials stage at some international customers of the TKT Group, the products have been approved with great customer satisfaction and are now part of the standard Koner production.
The company intends to continue the R&D of these innovative TC powders to align its offer with the increasingly high quality expectations of the market.