INFILTRATION OF WC–Co SPRAYED COATINGS WITH COPPER ALLOYS

Abstract

The properties of plasma sprayed WC–Co coatings have been improved by infiltration with copper alloys. A Cu–Ni–P alloy and BCuP–3 solder show excellent results as infiltrant materials, and infiltration can be carried out at lower temperatures than conventional infiltration with Ni–P alloys. The hardness of the infiltrated coatings is 1400–1500 BV, which compares favourably with that of cemented carbides. The higher hardness results in considerably lower rates of wear than with as sprayed coatings.