WHAT IS TUNGSTEN ALLOY?

Tungsten, also known as Wolfram, is a metal which is represented by the chemical symbol W and the atomic number 74. Tungsten metal sits in the middle of the periodic table with a group of metal elements called transition metals. These metals have similar physical and chemical properties.

One of tungsten’s unique properties is its very high melting point of 3,422°C (6,191.6°F). This is the highest melting point of any metal. Tungsten is the heaviest common, naturally occurring metal and has the ability to retain its strength at very high temperatures. These properties account for tungsten’s primary application and our area of expertise – the manufacture of tungsten alloys.

In its pure form, tungsten can be brittle and not easy to machine. As mentioned above, tungsten has a melting point in excess of 3,000°C, which means it also cannot be cast, extruded or easily formed.

Using our knowledge in powder metallurgy techniques we produce tungsten in the form of metal matrix composites. These tungsten alloys can then be machined by conventional techniques to produce very complex and exacting parts.

Our Wolfmet tungsten alloy consists of 90-97% tungsten depending on the grade. The tungsten alloy retains the unique density and radiation shielding capabilities of pure tungsten, while at the same time being easier to machine to tight tolerances. It is the only metal that we make, and it is manufactured using non-conflict sourced tungsten powder at our facility in the UK.

Wolfmet tungsten alloy is regularly used as a lead replacement in applications such as radiation shielding and aerospace balance weights. For more details, visit Lead Replacement.