Tungsten Carbide (Cobalt Bonded)

Tungsten carbide cobalt (WC-Co) bonded seal faces are a type of mechanical seal commonly used in various industrial applications, particularly in pumps and rotating equipment. These seal faces are designed to provide excellent wear resistance and sealing performance in challenging operating conditions.

The cobalt binder, often referred to as the “binder phase,” acts as a tough and ductile matrix that holds the tungsten carbide particles together. By adding cobalt, the overall strength, toughness, and impact resistance of the material are improved, making it more suitable for demanding applications. The cobalt binder also provides some resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

In the case of bonded seal faces, WC-Co is used as the sealing material due to its exceptional hardness and wear resistance. The seal faces are typically composed of two identical rings, each featuring a flat or lapped surface made of the WC-Co composite. These rings are installed within a mechanical seal assembly, forming a dynamic interface where the rotating and stationary parts of the equipment meet.