The primary advantages of tungsten carbide (WC) bushings and sleeves stem from their superior material properties:
Exceptional Wear Resistance: WC is significantly harder than steel (including tool steel). This translates to a dramatically longer service life in high-abrasion environments, reducing downtime and replacement costs.
High Compressive Strength: It can withstand immense pressure without deforming, making it ideal for heavy-load applications.
Corrosion Resistance: While not entirely corrosion-proof, tungsten carbide offers excellent resistance to many corrosive chemicals and environments where steel would quickly rust or degrade.
Dimensional Stability: It maintains its shape and size even under extreme heat and pressure, ensuring consistent performance and precision.
In short, while steel bushings are a cost-effective solution for standard applications, tungsten carbide excels in demanding conditions where wear, pressure, or corrosion would quickly destroy a steel component.