Process for processing hard metal

A method for processing metal carbide, comprising:

• alloying the metal carbide with a low-melting point alloy metal in a reaction space of a reactor under a supply of heat;
• providing an inert gas to the reaction space with an inert gas supply line from an inert gas source disposed outside of the reaction space;
• converting the alloy metal into a vapor phase in the presence of the inert gas in the reaction space;
• conducting a vapor mixture including the inert gas and the vapor phase of the alloy metal from the reaction space to a condenser with a vapor conduit;
• condensing at least partially the vapor phase of the alloy metal in the condenser;
• discharging the inert gas from the condenser at least at intervals during the condensing step;
• and
• maintaining an overpressure in the reaction space relative to an ambient pressure of an environment exterior of the reactor at least during the condensing step.