What are the applications of Tungsten metal?
A versatile and structurally impressive element, tungsten metal has been utilised in a wide array of uses for centuries, dating back 350 years. Natural tungsten occurs in rocks and soil, with China leading the way in tungsten production.
Back then, tungsten was only used in China to alter the colour of porcelain, and would not be discovered in Europe until 100 years later.
Today, tungsten use has evolved, and modern advancements in science and manufacturing have unearthed its many applications across many different industries, thanks to tungsten’s high melting point, high density and high wear resistance.
But what are the key uses of pure tungsten and tungsten compounds in the 21st century? Which industries benefit from it the most, and could tungsten fabrication be of use to your business?
At Special Metals Fabrication, we’re experts in the realm of metal fabrication and have in-depth experience you can take advantage of within your enterprise. Feel free to speak to a member of the team for more information.
With this in mind, here are just some of the most popular ways tungsten is used that you may not be aware of.
Tungsten uses you may not know about
Electronics
With the highest melting point of all the metals, tungsten is considered to be incredibly robust and heat-resistant, making it useful in applications where the build-up of heat could prove to be an issue.
As a result, it is widely used in the production of electronic circuits as an interconnect material – these materials are utilised to pass electricity from one point to another thanks to their high conductivity.
While other metals can be used, because Tungsten is so resistant to heat and does not falter under the heat produced by the passage of high voltages, it is an ideal long-lasting interconnect material in countless electronic applications and heating elements.
Now, speaking of electricity…
Lighting
One of the most famous uses of tungsten is in the humble lightbulb.
It is often used to create the filament within lightbulbs – this is the part within the bulb casing that produces light as electricity is run through it, producing the glow we’re all familiar with.
Again, thanks to its high heat resistance and electrical conductivity, tungsten can be used to create lightbulb filaments because it will not succumb to the voltages or heat produced as a result of the current passing through the material.
Not only that, but tungsten is also relatively easy to manipulate, helping to produce the fine dimensions needed for a tungsten filament.
Medical
Tungsten and tungsten steel are widely used across the medical industry in numerous ways.
Firstly, tungsten can be used in the production of certain medical instruments. Specifically, it is known for its use in electrosurgery, in which instruments carry an electrical current, producing heat that’s used to cauterise or cut tissue quickly and easily.
However, tungsten is perhaps best known within the medical profession for its wide use in X-ray and CT-scan technologies.
During the X-ray process, a tungsten alloy (most often a tungsten-rhenium alloy) is the part of the machine that generates X-rays when hit with an electron beam. This is known as the ‘target material’ and is the key component that allows X-rays to work.
However, this isn’t the only use of tungsten in X-rays. Because of its highly dense nature and its ability to absorb radiation, tungsten is also used in radiation shielding where protection from such rays is needed.
Lead has traditionally been used in this application, but far less tungsten material is needed to produce effective shielding than lead, making it the obvious choice.
Aerospace
Tungsten’s strength and durability make it prime for use in applications where constant pressures are commonplace – including the aerospace industry.
As a lot of unwanted vibration can be produced as aeroplanes and rockets take off, it is important to control this vibration as much as possible, so that other elements of the machine are not damaged, risking the success of the flight.
Tungsten’s density means it can be used to absorb much of the vibration in such parts as propellers and flight controls, allowing for the smooth operation of the machine and improved safety.
In the same breath, tungsten can be used to aid proper weight distribution of other parts of the aircraft, boosting overall balance.
Thanks to its impressive durability and thermal capabilities, you’ll also find tungsten used in various components in the propulsion systems of such aircraft.
Choose SMF for all your metal fabrication needs
For all the eye-catching uses of tungsten listed above, this is barely scratching the surface of what the element is capable of providing.
If you’re interested in exploring the uses of tungsten alloys, tungsten oxide, tungsten carbide and more within your business, speak to the experts at SMF.
With over 75 years of combined experience in metal fabrication, we’re your go-to team for all your tungsten fabrication needs and advice.
Get in touch with a tungsten expert today to get the ball rolling.
