Why is tungsten metal usually alloyed?
One of the most versatile yet durable metals on Earth, tungsten (chemical symbol: W) can be found across countless industries in a wide array of applications. Tungsten’s high melting point – the highest melting point of all metals – and very high density have resulted in a surge in its popularity as manufacturing has evolved over the years.
This is common knowledge. But what you may not know is that tungsten is commonly utilised as an alloy, rather than in its purest form.
An alloy is a combination of multiple metals to create a new metal with properties different from or improved over the originals. This is different from tungsten compounds, such as tungsten oxide, which are the result of combining tungsten with other non-metallic elements.
But why is tungsten almost always used as a tungsten alloy? How are alloys containing tungsten more effective than natural tungsten? And what are some of its uses?
At Special Metals, we’re specialists in the machining, fabrication and supply of several metals – tungsten included!
So, if you’re considering investing in tungsten for your business, here are a few reasons why tungsten alloys should be on your radar.
The reasons tungsten is combined with other substances
While tungsten is impressive enough on its own, combining it with other metals unlocks a tidal wave of potential possibilities.
By alloying tungsten, users can benefit from new substances with greater strength, density and corrosion resistance, among other appealing advantages.
This allows tungsten to be used successfully in a much wider range of applications – one of the reasons it is so popular the world over.
Practical examples of tungsten alloys and their uses
Tungsten carbide
One of the most widely used tungsten alloys, tungsten carbide holds pride of place in the manufacturing industry and is used to create items that require significant impact resistance, durability and longevity.
Created by alloying tungsten (often starting as tungsten powder) with carbon, it is commonly used as the prime material in the construction of punches, cutters and dies.
In its natural form, tungsten is far more malleable and has a lower melting point, while still maintaining a sturdy structure. Hard enough to still be considered durable, but soft enough so it can be altered by melting it or cutting through it with a saw.
This made it an ideal material for the production of wiring. You’ve seen the filament that lights up inside a light bulb when you turn it on, right? That’s usually a tungsten filament.
However, by introducing carbon, tungsten carbide becomes incredibly strong, to the point where its strength is similar to that of diamond, making it the perfect choice for drill bolts, construction equipment and other instances where the most solid and sturdy materials are needed.
Tungsten nickel iron
Created by combining tungsten, nickel and iron (you probably figured that out), tungsten nickel iron is another widely-used tungsten alloy that’s found a home in high-pressure applications.
While its uses are large in scope, one of the main ways tungsten nickel iron alloys are utilised is in radiation shielding.
Thanks to its ability to repel the effects of radiation, this particular alloy is excellent for use in the medical industry, in devices used for radiation therapy and certain scanning machines.
Not only that, but its impressive anti-radiation capabilities make it infinitely useful in the nuclear sector, too, once again offering shielding from radiation as well as being used in the construction of reactors themselves.
Tungsten nickel copper
Another very popular tungsten alloy, tungsten nickel copper, retains much of the strength offered by tungsten while also benefiting from the conductivity of nickel and copper.
Because of this, the alloy is commonly used in applications where ultra-reliability and exceptional conductivity are needed, such as the aerospace industry.
Given the sheer sturdiness of tungsten nickel copper, and the often unstable, vibrative and pressurised environments you’d find when working in aerospace, it only makes sense to rely on this alloy to help electrical components transfer their charge from A to B, safe in the knowledge they will remain intact throughout.
Contact Special Metals for machined and fabricated tungsten
If you’re considering how tungsten alloys could make a difference in your enterprise, or you’d simply like to know more about tungsten and its many uses, speak to us at Special Metals.
With years of experience in the machining and fabrication of tungsten, we’re your go-to solution for all your metal fabrication needs.
To find out more, speak to a member of the team today.
