Exploring the Versatile Applications of Tungsten Heavy Alloy

Tungsten Heavy Alloy is a composite material predominantly made of tungsten, comprising at least 90% of its composition, with the remainder being metals like nickel, iron, and copper. Known for its exceptional thermal characteristics, high density, and hardness, tungsten heavy alloy is utilized in various applications, including but not limited to, radiation shielding and counterweights.

Key Attributes of Tungsten Heavy Alloy

Tungsten heavy alloy shares many of the attributes associated with pure tungsten.

Initially, the high thermal performance of pure tungsten is notable, characterized by the highest melting point among all metals at 3410°C and a high boiling point of 5700°C, along with the smallest thermal expansion coefficient. Similar to pure tungsten, tungsten heavy alloy is sought after for its density applications, such as in making balance weights, boasting a density of 19.3g/cm3, over double that of standard steel.

Comparing Tungsten Heavy Alloy and Pure Tungsten

Tungsten heavy alloy also presents several benefits over pure tungsten.

Temperature-wise, producing pure tungsten is more challenging and expensive due to its exceedingly high melting point. In contrast, tungsten heavy alloy can be created at significantly lower temperatures. The size and shape of tungsten heavy Alloy Products are not restricted, thanks to the use of finely polished metal powder in its production. Tungsten heavy alloy further excels in radiation shielding, corrosion and wear resistance, electrical conductivity, and strength, while also being more easily fabricated.

Manufacturing Process of Tungsten Heavy Alloy

The primary method of producing this remarkable alloy is through powder metallurgy (P/M), specifically using the liquid phase sintering (LPS) process, which involves:

• Mixing: Combining fine metal powders of tungsten, nickel, iron, and copper, then compressing under high pressure to achieve desired shapes.
• Heating: Parts are then slowly heated in a hydrogen atmosphere, undergoing chemical diffusion and densification as temperature increases.
• The outcome is tungsten heavy alloy products that offer a unique blend of 
• density, strength, machinability, and cost-effectiveness.

Tungsten Heavy Alloy's Diverse Applications

• Counterweights: Tungsten heavy alloy is extensively utilized in creating counterweight products for military and various other applications, offering high mass in compact volumes.
• Radiation Shielding: As modern technology evolves, the need for effective radiation shielding grows. Tungsten heavy alloy serves as a critical material in protecting against radiation hazards, used in containers for radioisotopes.

Conclusion

Tungsten heavy alloy stands out as a sophisticated material, prized for its thermal properties, density, and ability to absorb radiation. It finds widespread use in counterbalances, radiation protection, and military hardware. Advanced Refractory Metals is a key provider of tungsten-heavy alloys, offering a variety of products, including Tungsten Nickel Iron Alloy (W-Ni-Fe Alloy), Tungsten Nickel Copper Alloy (W-Ni-Cu Alloy), and parts for tungsten alloy counterweights. For those interested, we welcome inquiries through our website.