Hiroshima College crew makes use of hot-wire laser methodology to 3D print industrial-grade WC-Co | VoxelMatters

Researchers at Hiroshima College have developed a brand new 3D printing methodology for tungsten carbide–cobalt (WC–Co) that forestalls cracking and injury that always happen with laser powder mattress and different melting strategies. The crew makes use of a mix of additive manufacturing and a hot-wire laser setup, through which a laser works with a heated filler wire to enhance materials deposition whereas softening the fabric relatively than absolutely melting it. The Worldwide Journal of Refractory Metals and Exhausting Supplies will publish the work on-line in its April 2026 print subject.

In line with the journal publication, the ultimate merchandise reached a hardness of over 1,400 HV with none seen holes or WC breakdown when the temperatures had been saved above cobalt’s melting level however beneath the extent that may trigger extreme WC grain development. A nickel-based interlayer additional stabilized the microstructure. The group examined two completely different instrument paths—one the place the rod leads and one the place the laser leads—and located that the rod-leading methodology was extra more likely to trigger WC breakdown within the high layers, whereas the laser-leading methodology, together with the nickel interlayer and higher temperature management, maintained excessive

Cemented carbides are powerful supplies used for chopping instrument edges and comparable purposes, however they’re constituted of very costly uncooked supplies, resembling tungsten and cobalt, making lowered materials utilization extremely fascinating. Through the use of additive manufacturing, cemented carbide could be deposited solely the place it’s wanted,” mentioned Keita Marumoto in a college launch.

WC–Co hardmetals are a mainstay for wear-intensive tooling however are usually formed by way of powder metallurgy, a route that limits geometry and wastes expensive feedstock. Earlier research on laser and binder-based additive manufacturing strategies have proven widespread issues like cracking, lack of cobalt, and the formation of η-phase; utilizing the soft-melting, hot-wire methodology is recommended to keep away from these points. The researchers point out that near-term work will concentrate on crack administration and extra advanced geometries, with eventual purposes in chopping instruments. Co-authors embrace collaborators from Mitsubishi Supplies Hardmetal Company and Motomichi Yamamoto.