Abstract
Toughness is an important mechanical property desirable in hardmetals for its end application. Toughness characteristics of hardmetals is normally measured by using indirect methods like Transverse rupture strength test whereby a standard specimen is subjected to three point bending load till failure. The TRS of straight WC-Co grade depends on the variables like contiguity factor, residual porosity in the sample after sintering, binder content, carbide grain size and its distribution. These variables further depend on the processing route that has been adopted to manufacture the sintered components. In the present work a study has been conducted to see the effect of three process routes namely Sintering, Sinter-HIP and Sintering followed by HIP on the properties of hardmetals. Different categories of straight grades, classified based on carbide grain size and binder content were chosen for this analysis. The best processing route for these grades was identified based on the on final properties like TRS and Contiguity factor. It was also established that toughness of any straight grade hard metal can be maximized by selection of correct processing route.