Does Tungsten Carbide Cutters Contain Cobalt?

Tungsten carbide (WC) is a robust chemical compound comprising equal parts of tungsten and carbon atoms[3][9]. In its basic form, it exists as a fine gray powder, which can be pressed and shaped through sintering for various applications, including industrial machinery, cutting tools, and even jewelry[3]. Often referred to simply as "carbide" in machining industries, tungsten carbide boasts exceptional stiffness, approximately three times that of steel, and is twice as dense[3]. Its hardness rivals that of corundum, approaching that of diamond, necessitating the use of superior abrasives like cubic boron nitride and diamond for polishing[3].