TC4 粉末又称碳化钛，是一种由钛和碳组成的极硬陶瓷材料。它具有高硬度、优异的耐磨性、良好的导热性和高抗化学侵蚀性等特点。TC4 粉末可应用于多种行业，包括航空航天、汽车、军事、金属切削和成型工具等。
TC4 粉末的成分
TC4 powder contains both titanium and carbon in varying proportions based on the grade. The titanium carbide chemical formula is TiC, but commercial TC4 powder can have carbon content ranging from 6.25% to 11.7% by weight.
| 要素 | 重量 % |
|---|---|
| 钛 (Ti) | 88.3 – 93.75 |
| 碳 (C) | 6.25 – 11.7 |
By controlling the ratio of titanium to carbon, manufacturers can tailor the properties like hardness, toughness, and thermal conductivity. Higher carbon TC4 grades have higher hardness whereas lower carbon variants have greater toughness.
Properties and Characteristics of TC4 Powder
TC4 powder stands out due to its exceptional hardness and wear properties combined with good corrosion resistance. Here are the key technical characteristics and capabilities:
| 物业 | 详细信息 |
|---|---|
| 硬度 | 2800-3100 HV, up to 3500 HV for high carbon variants |
| 密度 | 4.9 – 5.2 g/cm3 |
| 熔点 | 3160°C |
| 导热性 | ~35 W/m-K |
| 热膨胀系数 | 7.4 x 10-6/K |
| 杨氏模量 | 450 GPa |
| 抗压强度 | 1.7 – 3.5 GPa |
| Chemical resistance | Resistant to acids, bases, salts, oxidizing environments up to 800°C |
The unparalleled hardness makes TC4 ideal for wear protection and cutting applications. It retains strength and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. The high thermal conductivity improves heat dissipation in tools and inserts.
Specifications and Grades of TC4 Powder
TC4 powder is available in a range of particle sizes, carbon content, and purity levels to meet application requirements:
| 规格 | 详细信息 |
|---|---|
| 颗粒大小 | 0.5 – 45 microns |
| 碳含量 | Low (6.25%), Medium (8%), High (10-11.7%) |
| 纯净 | Up to 99% |
| 晶体结构 | 立方体 |
| 粉末形态 | Angular, granular, spherical |
| 年级 | R, P, S, M |
| 标准 | ISO, RoHS |
Common TC4 powder grades include:
- Grade R – For sintered products with medium carbon 8%
- Grade P – High purity for special applications
- Grade S – For spraying and welding products
- Grade M – For molding and pressing
Higher purity, controlled particle size distribution, and consistent morphology results in higher quality sintered parts.
Applications and Uses of TC4 Powder
The unique properties of TC4 powder make it suitable for the following applications:
| 行业 | 应用 |
|---|---|
| Metal cutting | Indexable inserts, end mills, drills, reamers |
| Metal forming | Extrusion dies, swaging dies, wire drawing dies |
| Mining | Rock drill bits, well drilling inserts |
| 汽车 | Camshafts, valves, seals |
| 航空航天 | Air seals, engine components |
| 电子产品 | Thermal conductors, contacts |
| Textiles | Textile machinery parts |
| 水泵 | Seals, bearings |
| 医疗 | Surgical tools, implants |
The automotive sector uses TC4 powder for cams, valves and other engine components needing heat and wear resistance. The aerospace industry relies on it for air seals needing stability at high temperatures. TC4 powder also makes excellent cutting inserts with increased tool life.
TC4 Powder vs. Alternatives
Here is how TC4 powder compares to other hard materials in terms of properties and performance:
| 物业 | TC4 | 碳化钨 | 碳化硅 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 硬度 | 2800 – 3500 HV | 1300 – 1900 HV | 2300 – 3000 HV |
| 韧性 | 中型 | 更高 | 较低 |
| 导热性 | 更高 | 较低 | 更高 |
| Chemical resistance | 优秀 | 贫穷 | 优秀 |
| 抗氧化性 | 良好 | 优秀 | 良好 |
| 费用 | 中型 | 更高 | 较低 |
Advantages of TC4 powder:
- Extremely hard with excellent wear resistance
- Better corrosion resistance than tungsten carbide
- More thermally conductive than tungsten carbide
- Lower cost than tungsten carbide
Limitations of TC4 powder:
- More brittle than tungsten carbide, prone to chipping
- Not as chemically inert as silicon carbide
- Lower temperature stability than silicon carbide
So TC4 provides the best combination of hardness, toughness, thermal properties and cost for most applications. It outperforms tungsten carbide for wear protection and silicon carbide for high temperature stability.
TC4 Powder Pricing
TC4 powder is more expensive than titanium powder but lower cost compared to tungsten carbide powder. Here are typical prices per kg:
| 等级 | 纯净 | 价格（$/公斤） |
|---|---|---|
| R | 99% | 70 – 90 |
| P | 99.5% | 100 – 130 |
| S | 97% | 50 – 70 |
| M | 96% | 40 – 60 |
Prices vary based on:
- Purity and oxygen/nitrogen content
- 粒径分布
- Powder morphology (angular, spherical)
- 购买数量
- Supplier brand
High purity TC4 powder with controlled particle sizes can cost up to $130/kg whereas lower purity grades for pressing or welding start around $40/kg.
Where to Buy TC4 Powder
Here are some of the leading global suppliers manufacturing and selling TC4 titanium carbide powder:
| 供应商 | 地点 |
|---|---|
| Micron Metals | 美国 |
| 大西洋设备工程师公司 | 美国 |
| Met3DP | 中国 |
| I-Matec | 德国 |
| Inframat 高级材料公司 | 美国 |
| Beijing BoYu Tech | 中国 |
When selecting a TC4 powder supplier, consider:
- Reputation and years in business
- 质量认证
- 纯度水平
- Particle size control
- 粉末形态
- 生产能力
- 定价
- Customer service and technical support
Established companies like Micron Metals, ZhuZhou GuangYuan and Inframat Advanced Materials are leading producers with strict quality control and competitive pricing.
TC4 Powder: FAQs
Q: What is the difference between TC4 and TC16 powder grades?
A: TC16 powder has lower carbon content around 6.25% while TC4 powder has medium carbon around 8%. So TC16 has higher toughness while TC4 is harder.
Q: Is TC4 powder toxic?
A: TC4 powder is considered relatively non-toxic. But it may cause irritation upon contact with skin or eyes. Proper PPE should be used when handling.
Q: What is the best way to make TC4 parts?
A: Most TC4 components are made by sintering TC4 powder. Cold pressing and hot isostatic pressing can also be used. CVD deposition of TC4 is also possible.
Q: What industries use TC4 powder the most?
A: Cutting tools, aerospace engine parts, automotive components, and mining tools account for the bulk of TC4 powder consumption. The combination of hardness, wear resistance and temperature capabilities make it ideal for these applications.
Q: Does TC4 powder rust?
A: No, TC4 powder does not rust or corrode easily. It offers excellent corrosion resistance due to the presence of stable titanium carbide. TC4 retains its properties in a wide range of chemicals.
Q: Is TC4 powder fine grain or coarse?
A: TC4 powder is available in both fine micrograin sizes and coarser grain sizes. Fine powder below 10 microns is preferred for sintering while coarser 20-45 micron powder is used for welding or thermal spraying.
Q: Can TC4 powder be 3D printed?
A: Yes, advanced binder jetting and laser powder bed fusion techniques allow 3D printing complex geometries using TC4 powder for added hardness, strength, and wear resistance.
