Alternative to Tungsten Carbide?

[mcs5280]

I am working on a studded tire system for a bike and have been looking into materials to use for the studs. I am looking for high hardness so that the material does not wear to much while being ridden on concrete/rocks. Most similar systems seem to favor tungsten carbide for the studs. Tungsten carbide is relatively hard to obtain around here, and it is fairly expensive (especially in the low volume application that I am doing). Could anyone recommend a cheaper material which would have similar hardness (or maybe less as long as it meets the wear requirements) ?

 

[Pressed]

Manganese or high carbon steel, manganese is used in grader blades and bucket teeth and is work hardening. Neither of these have similar hardness to TC.

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Forging

http://mech.e.tripod.com

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Ddraig Breuddwydia....

http://www.tailofthedragon.com

 

[saberblue]

Special WC parts can be very expensive but there are many high volume standard parts that are quite reasonable -- my first thought would be to look at something like a BUR blank - these are the small diameter round blanks that dental and other rotary tool are made from -- if some thing like this would work you could buy your material from a local fabricator that uses that style blank

just a thought

A.R. "Andy" Nelson
Engineering Consultant
anelson@arnengineering.com

 

[arunmrao]

How about industrial diamonds? You may try to get broken or discarded pieces of tungsten carbide pieces from manufacturers. It should not be difficult getting small quantities.

Chocolates,men,coffee: are somethings liked better rich!!
(noticed in a coffee shop)

 

[kchan711]

It may be possible to use a hardened steel with some type of coating, like Titanium Nitride. Although, I'm not sure how well or how long the coating will last, but it can be done for a decent price. Something to look into.

Kyle Chandler

http://www.chiefengineering.net

 

[NickE]

TiN and other tool coatings are way too thin for an abrasive application like this.

I doubt you'll be able to duplicate the performance of WC composites using any other material. Possibly the toughened ceramics, but I think those cost even more.

Nick
I love materials science!

 

[unclesyd]

I don't think you will be able to make anything that will beat these Aerostich bike studs.

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Self-Tapping-Carbide-Tire-Studs-p-19555.html