Tungsten Carbide and Magnetism
What is most commonly referred to as tungsten carbide is actually tungsten carbide grains cemented together with another metal material. The metal that cements or binds the tungsten carbide grains is typically cobalt. Nickel, nickel-chrome alloys, and iron can also be common binders for tungsten carbide grains.
Every element in tungsten carbide is susceptible to magnetism. Some of the elements are far less susceptible than others. Iron is much more susceptible to magnetism than cobalt, and cobalt is more susceptible than nickel. Tungsten, by itself, has very, very little susceptibility to magnetism. Different grades of tungsten carbide have different amounts of binder in them. The type and amount of each metal that make up the tungsten carbide determines how magnetically responsive the tungsten carbide will be.
By choosing a grade of tungsten carbide that is made up of a very small amount of binder can help ensure that the tungsten carbide is less responsive to magnets. If you need a material that will not react to a magnet at all, tungsten carbide may not be the best choice.
Tags: Tungsten Carbide
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