Everything You Need to Know About Cemented Carbide Balls in One Article

In the field of precision manufacturing, industry attention often focuses on large-scale equipment and complex structural components, making it all too easy to overlook small, basic components. Although cemented carbide balls (commonly known as tungsten steel balls) are unassuming miniature components, they directly determine the sealing precision, transmission stability, and overall service life of precision equipment, making them core industrial components essential for the long-term, stable operation of high-end machinery.

At JNE New Material, we manufacture YG and YN series cemented carbide balls in diameters from 0.5 mm to 50 mm, with custom grades and sizes available on request.

What Are Cemented Carbide Balls?

Cemented carbide balls are high-precision spherical components manufactured using advanced powder metallurgy technology, with tungsten carbide as the hard matrix and cobalt or nickel as the binder phase. The industry primarily categorizes them into two main series: the YG series (tungsten-cobalt alloy) and the YN series (non-magnetic tungsten-nickel alloy). Compared to ordinary steel balls and bearing steel balls, the performance of both series of cemented carbide balls has been comprehensively upgraded. They address the pain points of traditional balls—such as susceptibility to wear, deformation, and corrosion, as well as poor precision—and can be specifically tailored to meet the precision manufacturing needs of different strengths, media, and operating conditions. They are currently the core foundational components in industrial precision manufacturing.

Core Physical and Chemical Properties

The outstanding adaptability of cemented carbide balls to various operating conditions stems from their stable and superior physical and chemical properties. At the same time, the YG and YN series exhibit significant differences in their properties due to variations in the binder phase material; this is the fundamental reason why these two product lines are suited for different operating conditions.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Major Grades

① Physical Properties (by Grade):

Property	YG3X	YG6	YG6X	YG8	YG8N	YG13	YN6	YN9	YN10	Test Condition
Main Composition	WC 97% Co 3%	WC 94% Co 6%	WC 94% Co 6%	WC 92% Co 8%	WC 91% Co 8% TaC 1%	WC 87% Co 13%	WC 94% Ni 6%	WC 91% Ni 9%	WC 90% Ni 10%	Material specification
Density (g/cm³)	15.0–15.3	14.7–15.0	14.7–15.0	14.5–14.9	14.8–14.9	14.0–14.4	14.5–14.9	14.2–14.6	14.0–14.4	Room temperature (23°C)
Rockwell Hardness (HRA)	92–93.5	89.5–91	90–91.5	89–89.5	89.5–91.5	86–88	89–91	89–90	87–89	Room temperature (23°C)
Flexural Strength (MPa)	1300–1800	1450–1600	1350–1700	1800–2300	1500–2000	2400–2800	1400–1800	1600–2000	1600–2200	Room temperature (23°C)
Fracture Toughness (MPa·m^1/2)	10–12	13–14	12–14	14–16	13–15	16–18	12–14	13–15	14–16	Room temperature (23°C)
Temperature Resistance (°C)	400–500	400–500	400–500	400–500	400–500	400–500	400–500	400–500	400–500	23–1000°C
Wear Resistance (Volumetric Wear Rate, mm³/(N·m))	≤ 0.005	≤ 0.008	≤ 0.007	≤ 0.01	≤ 0.009	≤ 0.02	≤ 0.01	≤ 0.015	≤ 0.02	Dry sliding wear, room temperature
Magnetic Properties	Magnetic	Magnetic	Magnetic	Magnetic	Magnetic	Magnetic	Non-magnetic	Non-magnetic	Non-magnetic	—

② Chemical Properties (by Grade):

Property	YG3X	YG6	YG6X	YG8	YG8N	YG13	YN6	YN9	YN10	Test Condition
Acid Resistance (Mass Loss Rate, %)	< 0.1	< 0.1	< 0.1	< 0.1	< 0.1	< 0.1	< 0.1	< 0.1	< 0.1	Room temperature, 24 h, 10% hydrochloric acid
Alkali Resistance (Mass Loss Rate, %)	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	Room temperature, 24 h, 5% sodium hydroxide
Resistance to Organic Solvents (Mass Loss Rate, %)	< 0.05	< 0.05	< 0.05	< 0.05	< 0.05	< 0.05	< 0.05	< 0.05	< 0.05	72 h at room temperature, in ethanol/acetone
High-Temp Oxidation Resistance (Mass Change Rate, %)	< 0.2	< 0.2	< 0.2	< 0.2	< 0.2	< 0.2	< 0.2	< 0.2	< 0.2	1000°C, 100 h, in air
High-Temp Acid & Alkali Corrosion Resistance (Mass Loss Rate, %)	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	< 0.5	800°C/24 h, 20% sulfuric acid, 5% sodium hydroxide
Thermal Shock Resistance (°C)	200–300	200–300	200–300	200–300	200–300	200–300	200–300	200–300	200–300	Rapid heating/cooling, no cracking

Note: Data in this table is compiled from published material property tables of major cemented carbide grades and is provided for reference and comparison purposes. Exact values may vary by batch and manufacturing process — contact us for datasheets of specific grades.

Full parameter table (including corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, wear resistance and creep data for each grade):

Precision Manufacturing Process

The high precision and stability of cemented carbide balls rely not only on high-quality base materials but also on a standardized, meticulous powder metallurgy manufacturing process. Each step is subject to strict control to ensure consistent product quality.

Precise Powder Blending: Formulations are tailored to each product series. The YG series uses a tungsten carbide + cobalt-based binder formulation, while the YN series employs a tungsten carbide + nickel-based binder formulation without added cobalt. For certain grades, trace amounts of TiN are added to refine grain size and enhance corrosion resistance. Thorough mixing via wet ball milling ensures uniform powder particle size and composition, establishing the performance differences between the two product lines at the source.

Electronics and Digital Industry (YN Series): The YN series is non-magnetic, high-precision, and ultra-clean, free from magnetic interference. It is widely used in VCM (voice coil motors) and precision optical components, performing critical precision transmission functions such as lens autofocus and optical image stabilization.
Precision Testing Instruments (YN Series): The YN series features stable material properties, is non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant, and exhibits minimal measurement error. It can be used as indenters for hardness testers, standard calibration spheres, and precision testing fixtures.
General Industrial Applications (YG Series): The YG series offers excellent value for money and is wear-resistant and durable. It is widely used in precision bearings, pump seals, mechanical counterweights, sandblasting and grinding, and automated transmission equipment.

Selection Guide: YG or YN?

For general wear resistance, high-pressure sealing, mechanical counterweights, and general industrial applications, prioritize the YG series, which offers a balance of performance and cost-effectiveness.
For non-magnetic environments, precision electronics, optical inspection, chemical corrosion, and high-cleanliness conditions, the YN series must be selected to avoid magnetic interference and corrosion-related failures.

Simply put: choose YG for wear and pressure resistance, and YN for non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant applications. Precise selection can maximize equipment operational efficiency and component service life.

Conclusion

Small parts deliver big performance. The YG series, with its wear resistance, durability, and high cost-effectiveness, ensures stable performance in general industrial applications; the YN series, featuring non-magnetic properties, corrosion resistance, and high precision and cleanliness, empowers high-end precision equipment. As the unseen cornerstone of precision manufacturing, cemented carbide balls—with their proven physical and chemical properties, standardized manufacturing processes, and refined product selection—continue to safeguard the long-term, stable, and efficient operation of high-end equipment across various industries.

Need cemented carbide balls for your application? Browse our cemented carbide balls or request a quote from JNE New Material — ISO 9001 certified, low MOQ, free samples.