Question

Difference between hard metal and tungsten carbide

Answer 1

Typically a Tungsten Carbide Hard Metal can have a hardness value of 1600 HV, whereas mild steel would be in the region of 160 HV a factor of 10 lower. Although called a hard metal, Tungsten Carbide is actually a composite material with hard particles of Tungsten Carbide embedded in a softer matrix of metallic Cobalt .

Answer 2

maybe i have erroneous understanding. for hard metal, is it mean cemented carbide products? if yes, i have following understanding:

i find tungsten carbide explain in wikipedia： Tungsten carbide (chemical formula: WC) is a chemical compound (specifically, a carbide) containing equal parts of tungsten and carbon atoms.

tungsten carbide powder can produce hard metal products, like wire drawing die, CNC,   sheets,tube.

in some country, they also called hard metal as tungsten carbide or cemented carbide. Like India.

Hope it can help you.