Story perspectives

Engineers 3D Print Ultra-Hard Tungsten Carbide, Cutting Waste

2/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Engineers at Hiroshima University in Japan developed tungsten carbide–cobalt (WC–Co) cemented carbide via 3D printing.
The process reduces waste and costs.
The material attains hardness above 1,400 Vickers (HV), surpassing martensitic stainless steel and tool steel.
This hardness results from softening the constituents rather than melting them, preserving integrity.
The study will be published in the April 2026 issue of the International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials.

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Story summary

Engineers at Hiroshima University in Japan developed tungsten carbide–cobalt (WC–Co) cemented carbide via 3D printing.
The process reduces waste and costs.
The material attains hardness above 1,400 Vickers (HV), surpassing martensitic stainless steel and tool steel.
This hardness results from softening the constituents rather than melting them, preserving integrity.
The study will be published in the April 2026 issue of the International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials.