Rheological characterization and finite element modeling of an extrusion process of a WC-Co compound

The use of hard metals, in particular for cutting tools, is becoming wider. Their manufacturing cost, higher than traditional steel, is compensated by an increased lifetime. This work involves the rheological characterization of a WC-Co compound, in order to evaluate its viscosity for different values of strain rate. Following this characterization, the data are implemented in a FEM code, in order to simulate the extrusion processes of such compounds to manufacture hard metal bars. This study highlights the importance of an accurate viscosity evaluation of these mixtures and the correct setting of FEM parameters in order to predict successfully extrusion processes. As an example, an analysis is presented for the case of cutting tools with helical holes for the passing of fluid coolant.