Grade HB-406 is a specialized tungsten carbide formulated with a bimodal grain structure that delivers outstanding wear resistance and tool stability. With a composition of 6% cobalt and 94% tungsten carbide, HB-406 is engineered specifically for deep hole drilling tasks—most notably gun drilling—where performance consistency and surface finish are critical. Its unique microstructure enhances cutting edge retention, making it a top choice for high-precision applications requiring durability over long drilling depths.
Delivers stable performance and long tool life in demanding operations such as gun drilling.
Provides a unique blend of fine and coarse grains for enhanced wear resistance and edge stability.
Ideal for applications where finish quality and tolerance control are essential.
Tools maintain integrity over long cycles and high-feed conditions.
| Co (%): | 6 |
| Composition: | Tungsten Carbide, WC: 94.0 ± 0.3% Cobalt, Co: 6.0 ± 0.3% |
| Grain Structure: | Bimodal |
| Microstructure Grain Size: (ASTM B-390) | Mixed |
| ISO Code: | K20 |
| US Industry Designation: | C2 or C9 |
| WC (%): | 94 |
| Density (g/cm3): (ASTM B-311) | 92.30 ± 0.5 |
| Avg Grain Size (Micron): | 4 |
| Hardness Rockwell A (HRA): (ASTM B-294) | 13.56 ± 0.05 |
| Transverse Rupture Strength: (ASTM B-406) | 334,000 PSI |
| Sinter HIP TRS (psi): | 334,000 |
| Wear & Toughness Scale: |  |
Manufactured in preforms, altered and standard blanks designs.
High-performance machining in heat-resistant alloys, titanium, and stainless-steel alloys. The grade features high abrasion resistance, superior cutting-edge integrity to reduce corner and microchipping, and predictable tool life with consistency & reliability.
Excellent wear properties, abrasion resistance, medium grade, general purpose grade for cutting tools, drills, endmills, and reamers for finishing and semi-finishing and wear parts with little impact, EDM blanks, seal rings and knives.
Extremely hard material, high abrasion resistance, micro grain size grade, for finishing machining cutting tools, drills, endmills, reamers, and wear parts, with very little or no shock, EDM blanks, wire guides and sand blast nozzles.
Extremely hard material, high abrasion resistance, ultra-fine grain size grade, for finish machining cutting tools, drills, endmills, reamers, and wear parts, with very little or no shock, EDM blanks, wire guides, sand blast nozzles.
Exceptional performance in punch applications, Heat-resistant steels, Stainless steels, Non-ferrous metal alloys
Exceptional toughness/wear properties, Ideal for deep hole drilling
Bimodal grain structure offering excellent wear properties, Ideal for deep hole drilling
High Impact forming applications, Header dies, draw dies, stamping die details, Thread rolling, Ammunition dies
Med-/High-impact forming applications, Header dies, draw dies, stamping die details, Fastener forming dies, Ammunition dies
Low impact/light shock resistance, Capability for wide variety of forming applications, Ammunition dies, Light stamping
Steels, SS, non-ferrous varieties forming applications, Light stamping carbide die and nib deep draw, Fine blanking stamping dies, Ammunition dies
Excellent thermal cycling properties, Optimal braze adhesion, Non-cutting grade, Good toughness characteristics
Excellent wear properties, micro grain size grade, general purpose cutting tool grade for semi-finishing and finishing, drilling, endmills, reamers, stamping dies, punches, knoves and all types of cutting tools, will withstand slight shock, EDM blanks.
High wear, low to medium impact, micro grain size grade, for cutting tools, dies, knives, punches, rough tools, will withstand slight shock, EDM blanks, crush rolls, form rolls, coining dies.