II.3 – Using calculated phase diagrams in the selection of the composition of cemented WC tools with a Co–Fe–Ni binder phase

Publisher Summary This chapter demonstrates the possibilities of obtaining information of direct practical use in connection with (Co–Fe–Ni)-bonded cemented tungsten carbide (WC) tools by use of complex equilibrium calculations in multi-component multi-phase systems. By carrying out the calculations based on the same set of thermodynamic data for other compositions, ranges outside those covered by the present discussion can easily be covered. As an alternative to the use of single isopleths to determine the limits of the favorable region of a set of specific alloys, one can also study a family of alloys as was demonstrated for the Fe–Ni–W–C system by Fernandez Guillermet. The calculations for the case study in the chapter have been performed using Thermo-Calc.