High Entropy Alloys in cemented carbides for metal cutting in steel

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project was to develop a binder alloy that could replace cobalt in the cemented carbides used today. The goal was to reach a state where enough test results were available so that a decision could be taken to step into product development.

Expected results and effects

The results from the development of the cemented carbide are very positive. The project has shown that it is possible to manufacture prototypes with the new binder alloy ant that the properties of the prototypes are to a large extent improved compared to the standard material that contains cobalt. The high entropy alloy that is used does still contain a small amount of cobalt but the concept has shown that it is possible to move far away from the cobalt binder while maintaining performance. The primary goal with the project has thus been reached: to be able to continue the development.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was organized into three tracks: 1)Development of a thermodynamic database that is needed to describe the process windows. 2)Atomistic simulations of alloy properties that is needed to optimize the prototype material. 3)Experimental prototype preparation and testing All three tracks have been successful without major technical difficulties or delays. The delay we had year 1 was due to a delay in making the prototypes in the factory in Gimo. The extension of the project that was needed in year 2 was because the second test package was larger