Vacuum Brazing of CR12MoV Tool Steel with Tungsten Carbide

Vacuum brazing is an advanced and reliable joining technique used to bond CR12MoV tool steel with tungsten carbide, especially for high-wear tooling such as cutting tools, dies, punches, and industrial blades. Since these materials have very different hardness and thermal properties, vacuum brazing offers a controlled and damage-free solution compared to conventional welding methods.

The process is carried out in a high-temperature vacuum brazing furnace, where an oxygen-free environment prevents oxidation and ensures excellent wetting of the brazing alloy. A specially selected brazing filler metal—commonly silver-, copper-, or nickel-based—is placed between the CR12MoV tool steel and tungsten carbide. When heated to the brazing temperature, the filler metal melts and flows uniformly into the joint by capillary action, forming a strong metallurgical bond.

Vacuum brazing minimizes thermal stress, reduces distortion, and maintains the hardness of the tungsten carbide. The resulting joint exhibits high bonding strength, superior wear resistance, and excellent durability, enabling the finished tools to withstand heavy loads and long service cycles.

Due to these advantages, vacuum brazed CR12MoV tool steel and tungsten carbide components are widely used in precision tooling and heavy-duty industrial applications, where performance, reliability, and tool life are critical.