1. Core Positioning: The Fundamental Distinction Between YG and YN
(A) Composition Revealed by Nomenclature
- YG Series (WC-Co Carbides): Built on tungsten carbide (WC) as the hard phase with cobalt (Co) as the binder (e.g., YG8 contains 8% Co), designed for toughness and cost-effectiveness.
- YN Series (TiC-Based Carbides): Two types exist: pure TiC-based (e.g., YN10 with Ni-Mo binder) or WC-TiC composite (e.g., YN6 with Co-Ni binder), optimized for high hardness, heat resistance, and special environment applications.
(B) Initial Application Scenario Judgment
- YG excels in soft materials and impact scenarios: Ideal for cast iron, non-ferrous metals (aluminum, copper), and applications requiring impact resistance like geological drilling and stamping dies.
- YN specializes in hard materials and extreme environments: Perfect for finishing carbon steel/quenched steel, high-temperature corrosive environments (chemical, aerospace), and non-magnetic electronic components.
2. In-Depth Comparison: From Composition to Performance to Application
(A) Composition: The Chemical Code of Binders and Hard Phases
1. YG Series: The Toughness Champion of Pure WC-Co System
- Core Formula: 85%-94% WC, 6%-15% Co (e.g., YG15 with 15% Co), no titanium (Ti), density 13.9-14.8g/cm³ (heavy alloy).
- Microstructural Advantage: Ductility of Co grants excellent flexural strength (YG8 reaches 2300MPa). Fine-grain grades (e.g., YG3X) enhance hardness to 92HRA by refining WC grains, balancing wear resistance and chipping resistance.
2. YN Series: Performance Breakthrough of TiC-Based Alloys
- TiC-Based Alloys (e.g., YN10): Over 90% TiC, 10% Ni-Mo binder, density only 5.5-6.0g/cm³, hardness 92-95HRA, maintaining cutting ability at 1200℃ with outstanding resistance to crater wear.
- WC-TiC Composite (e.g., YN6): 92% WC dominant, 2% Ni + 6% Co added, integrating YG’s toughness (1800MPa flexural strength) and YN’s corrosion resistance for medium-load acid/alkali scenarios.
(B) Performance Differences: Key Variables for Machining Efficiency and Tool Life
1. Hardness and Wear Resistance: YN Sets the Benchmark for Precision Machining
- YG hardness: 89-91HRA (YG3X fine-grain reaches 92HRA), suitable for surface wear in rough cast iron machining.
- YN pure TiC-based hardness: 91-95HRA, extending tool life 3-5 times compared to YG when machining quenched steel (60HRC). Lower friction coefficient (0.3 vs YG’s 0.5) reduces workpiece thermal damage.
2. Toughness and Impact Resistance: YG Leads in Intermittent Cutting
- YG’s cobalt provides impact toughness of 4-8J/cm² (YG20C at 6J/cm²), reducing chipping risk by 40% in intermittent cutting (e.g., milling cast iron or forged blanks).
- YN pure TiC-based has lower toughness (1500MPa flexural strength), but composite YN15 increases flexural strength to 2000MPa by adding WC and Co, meeting anti-vibration needs for light-load continuous cutting.
3. Heat Resistance and Chemical Stability: YN Pioneers High-Temperature Machining
- YG red hardness: 600-800℃, where Co easily bonds with ferrous metals, causing tool build-up edge.
- YN pure TiC-based withstands 1000-1300℃, with Ni-Mo binder resisting oxidation. TiC’s low affinity for steel improves anti-adhesion performance by 60% in stainless steel machining, suitable for high-speed cutting (linear speed ≥200m/min).
(C) Application Scenarios: The “Multiple-Choice” for Precision Machining Needs
1. YG Series: Cost-Effective Choice for Non-Ferrous Metals and General Machining
- Cast Iron Machining: YG6/YG8 for rough turning of gray cast iron (feed >0.3mm/r); YG15 for interrupted milling of ductile iron, improving impact resistance by 30%.
- Mold Manufacturing: High-Co grades like YG20C (20% Co) for cold heading dies, withstanding >2000MPa compressive stress and lasting 5x longer than HSS molds.
- Geological Drilling: YG11C drilling teeth reduce rock impact breakage by 25% in shale gas extraction, enhancing drilling efficiency by 15%.
2. YN Series: Performance Leader for Steel Finishing and Special Environments
- Precision Machining of Quenched Steel: YN10 turning tools finish 58HRC bearing steel at 150m/min, achieving surface roughness Ra0.4μm, approaching grinding precision.
- Corrosion-Resistant Parts in Chemical Industry: YN6 sealing rings show corrosion rate of only 0.05mm/year in 10% hydrochloric acid, lasting 3x longer than YG seals.
- Non-Magnetic Electronic Components: YN15 non-magnetic alloy (permeability <1.0001) for MRI equipment parts, avoiding magnetic interference with precision error <0.001mm.
3. Selection Guide: 4 Steps to Optimal Material
(A) Step 1: Define Workpiece Material Properties
- Cast iron/aluminum/copper/non-metals → Prioritize YG (YG8 for cost-effectiveness, YG6X fine-grain for finishing).
- Carbon steel/alloy steel/quenched steel/stainless steel → Prioritize YN (pure TiC-based YN10 for high-speed finishing, composite YN6 for medium-load general use).
(B) Step 2: Evaluate Cutting Conditions
- Intermittent cutting/heavy-duty machining: YG series (YG15’s 2250MPa flexural strength offers 40% higher impact resistance than YN).
- Continuous finishing/high-speed cutting: YN series (YN10’s heat resistance up 50%, cutting speed reaches 250m/min).
(C) Step 3: Consider Environmental Requirements
- High-temperature/corrosive/non-magnetic environments: YN series (YN15 resists 600℃ + acids/alkalis; YN6 meets non-magnetic needs for electronics).
- Conventional environments/cost-sensitive: YG series (20%-30% lower cost than YN, ideal for bulk purchases).
(D) Step 4: Reference Typical Grades Comparison Table
| Application Scenario | Recommended Grade | Core Advantages | Machining Efficiency Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rough Turning of Cast Iron | YG8 | Impact resistance + wear resistance, low cost | Tool life >8h at 0.5mm/r feed |
| Finish Turning of Quenched Steel | YN10 | High hardness + heat resistance, Ra0.8μm surface finish | Stable precision at 200m/min |
| Corrosion-Resistant Chemical Valve Seats | YN6 | Acid/alkali resistance + medium toughness | Service life >2 years in corrosive environments |
| High-Load Cold Heading Dies | YG20C | High-Co toughness, anti-chipping | >100,000 stamping cycles |
4. Conclusion: Choose the Right Cemented Carbide to Elevate Machining Efficiency
YG and YN are not opposing choices but “precision tools” for different machining scenarios: YG covers general machining with cost-effectiveness and toughness, while YN breaks through bottlenecks in difficult materials and extreme environments with high performance. Whether it’s stable output for cast iron machining, precision pursuit for quenched steel finishing, or long-term durability in corrosive environments, clarifying needs and matching composition-performance-application logic maximizes the value of cemented carbides.
Contact us now to obtain professional material selection solutions and let YG/YN cemented carbides become your core driving force for improving machining efficiency!