The use of WC with potentially harmful Co-binder drives the search for substitutional materials. Niobium carbide (NbC) based composites with non-cobalt metallic binder will be developed. Potential benefits are non-hazardous ingredients, lower specific weight and higher chemical stability. Different NbC-based cermets will processed by pressureless sintering or fast pressure assisted densification. Tribological performance will be evaluated by abrasion wear testing.