How to remove tungsten carbide buttons？

Tungsten Carbide Buttons are widely used in heavy-duty equipment such as drills, mining tools, tunnel boring machines and construction machinery. Due to their high hardness and wear resistance, they need to be replaced or repaired after a period of use. Tungsten carbide buttons are mounted on a steel substrate by high-strength welding or press-fit. Removing tungsten carbide button is not as simple as with ordinary metals.

The common methods for removing tungsten carbide buttons are heating expansion method, hydraulic extraction method (cold dismantling), and welding and cutting destruction method (emergency treatment).

The heating expansion method is suitable for buttons that are brazed onto the substrate. This technique takes advantage of the differences in thermal expansion coefficients between the carbide and the base material, causing the brazing alloy to soften or the joint interface to loosen when heated.

Procedure: Use oxyacetylene flame or inductive heater to heat the carbide button locally to 600~900℃. Quickly pull out the carbide button with pliers or hydraulic tools. Simple operation, suitable for batch processing.

Hydraulic extraction method (cold dismantling) is suitable for carbide button with interference fit. The main use of hydraulic devices on the ball teeth to apply axial pulling force.

Procedure: Select a fixture or mold that matches the dimensions of the tungsten carbide button. Secure the button firmly, then apply a steady and controlled axial extraction force using a hydraulic press or similar device. This method ensures minimal damage to the substrate and provides high repeatability in industrial applications.

Welding and cutting destruction method (emergency treatment) is used for used drills or parts that cannot be reused. The carbide buttons are burned off or melted directly by means of a welding and cutting gun.

Method of operation: Localized destruction of the button using plasma/oxyacetylene. Remove and then dispose of the hole.

Usually recommended to use the method of using heat or hydraulic extraction to minimize damage to the parent body and reduce repair costs.