In the present work it was shown that Niobium carbide (NbC) offers a competitive profile compared to tungsten carbide (WC) as cutting material regarding ist wear resistance preferably in metal cutting processes.
In the present work it was shown that the properties of NbCx, like micro-hardness, hot-hardness, sliding wear resistance, elastic modulus and toughness can be tailored by the C/Nb ratio, the addition of secondary carbides and the type of binder.
Niobium carbide (NbC) has attracted recently some attention as a substitute for tungsten carbide in machining. In the present work it was shown that the metallurgical and mechanical aspects favoring long tool lifes of NbC.