Image courtesy of iStockphoto Testing hardmetals for extreme conditions NPL's world-leading expertise in microstructural characterisation and hardmetal property measurements was called upon to solve an issue manufacturers were facing in trying to determine how new materials for industrial tools would perform under extreme conditions. Background NPL has a long-established relationship with UK and European hardmetal manufacturers, and regularly meets with them to discuss the measurement challenges they are facing. Many tools such as drill bits, rolls and wear parts, are made from hardmetals (composites of tungsten carbide and cobalt), which are specifically developed to withstand huge physical stresses. A great many industries rely on these expensive tools, and keeping them running at a prod

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