As Time Goes By, Does Tungsten Carbide Tarnish?

Have you ever had such a confusion: after wearing a tungsten carbide ring for two years, its surface seems not as shiny as it was at the beginning? The tungsten carbide parts in the factory have been used for a long time, and their color has slightly darkened – is this “natural aging” or a “quality issue”? As a material that has shone brightly in both the jewelry and industrial fields, the “anti-gloss ability” of tungsten carbide has always been the topic that users are most concerned about.

Today, we will gradually uncover the truth about whether tungsten carbide tarnish, starting from the daily wearing of rings to the high-intensity operation of tungsten carbide wear parts.

Why Is Tungsten Carbide So Durable?

Perhaps many people do not know that the reason why tungsten carbide can stand firm in extreme environments such as oil drilling and chemical valves is due to its “hard skills” : its hardness is second only to diamond, its wear resistance is dozens of times that of steel, and more importantly, it has a strong resistance to acid and alkali corrosion by nature. Just like the tungsten carbide valve seat produced by XYMJ Company, it can maintain stable performance for a long time in the highly corrosive environment of the petrochemical industry, which is sufficient to demonstrate its “durable” nature. But this does not mean that it is completely “immune to all poisons”. The performance of tungsten carbide for different uses in the face of time actually has its own mysteries.

Check If Your Tungsten Carbide Ring Has Really “Tarnished“?

(1) “Invisible Killers” Encountered in Daily Life

The hand sanitizer you use when washing your hands every day, the skin care products you apply makeup on, and even the sweat in summer are all quietly touching your ring. But what really makes the ring look “less shiny” is often not the discoloration of the tungsten carbide itself, but the “stain film” formed by the residue of these substances. Just as glass water cups at home will have water stains after long-term use, the fine scratches on the surface of tungsten carbide rings are more likely to absorb dirt, making you mistakenly think that the material has tarnished.

(2) Clarification of Misunderstandings: Scratches do not equal oxidation

Many people get nervous when they find dark lines on the surface of a ring. In fact, tungsten carbide has strong oxidation resistance and is unlikely to undergo chemical discoloration under normal conditions. Those marks that look like “fading” are mostly minor wear and tear caused by long-term wearing or scratches left by contact with hard objects. Just like the tungsten carbide nozzle, it can maintain its shape even in a high-speed jet environment, but it will still leave marks when exposed to direct force.

Tungsten Carbide Parts Also Be Tarnished In Industrial Environments

(1) High temperature and high humidity: The “breeding ground for Discoloration” of parts

When tungsten carbide parts enter industrial scenarios, the situation becomes much more complicated. For instance, in oil extraction, the high temperature, high pressure and corrosive gases underground pose a real test to tungsten carbide. Although tungsten carbide itself has strong corrosion resistance, if there are minor defects on the surface of the parts and they are exposed to acidic gases for a long time, slight oxidation may occur. However, there is no need to worry. Tungsten carbide bushings produced by XYMJ, through a precise sintering process, have reduced surface pores, which can significantly lower this risk.

(2) “Chemical Reactions” with Other Materials

Under certain special working conditions, when tungsten carbide parts come into contact with other metals, they may undergo slight discoloration due to electrochemical reactions. For instance, in a seawater environment, if valve parts are not properly matched, local color changes may occur. However, professional manufacturers such as XYMJ take material compatibility into account during the design process. This is one of the reasons why their products can be used in the industrial fields of over 60 countries.

Two Simple Steps: Determine Whether Your Tungsten Carbide Is Truly Dull

(1) Clear water test method

If you find that the surface of tungsten carbide is dark, don’t rush to draw a conclusion. Gently wipe with warm water and a small amount of neutral detergent. Many times, the “discoloration” is actually due to the accumulation of dirt. Just like cleaning spectacle lenses, after a simple wipe, you may find that the luster returns.

(2) Observe the color change

True oxidation discoloration usually presents as uniform dark gray or green spots, while wear or stains are unevenly dull in certain areas. If it is a ring, you can rotate it towards the light for observation. If it is a part of the equipment, pay special attention to checking the gaps and contact surfaces – these places are more prone to dirt accumulation.

Maintain Your Tungsten Carbide

(1) Ring maintenance: Daily protection is very simple

• Remove the ring when doing housework or coming into contact with chemicals to avoid long-term exposure to detergents.
• Every month, gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in toothpaste to remove fine dirt.
• When not wearing, wrap it in a soft cloth to avoid friction with other jewelry.

(2) Industrial parts: Professional maintenance requires careful consideration

• Regular inspection: Refer to the recommendations of different XYMJ products to conduct periodic surface inspections on key parts;
• Special environmental protection: When used in highly corrosive environments, it is advisable to consider adding a coating for protection.
• Installation note: Ensure that the parts are evenly stressed during installation to avoid intensified local wear.

Final Thoughts

Whether it is a ring worn for many years or a part operating in a factory, the “discoloration” of tungsten carbide is mostly a superficial change caused by external factors rather than the “aging” of the material itself. Its corrosion resistance and wear resistance make it more durable than many metals in the test of time. Of course, proper use and maintenance can keep it in the best condition all the time – just as XYMJ’s customers have commented, “The dimensions, runout and tolerances are all very precise.” Good materials combined with good maintenance can truly bring out its value.

If you still have specific questions about the maintenance of tungsten carbide or need professional solutions for industrial parts, you might as well try contacting a manufacturer like XYMJ with over 20 years of experience. Their customized services might provide you with more accurate answers. After all, allowing good materials to play a lasting role is the best return on every bit of investment.

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