The production process of cemented carbide may add some trace elements, such as tantalum. First, it can inhibit the growth of grains during the sintering process, which means it can ensure the uniformity of the grains of the alloy material. Secondly, it can increase the high-temperature resistance (red hardness) of the product. (Red hardness: it can maintain good hardness and toughness under very high temperatures.) Usually, the amount of tantalum added is 0.3%-2%. If it is just to suppress the growth of grains, relatively less will be added. If the workpiece is to be operated at high temperatures, a little more will generally be added.
