Tungsten alloys are engineered materials in which tungsten is combined with metals such as nickel, iron, copper, molybdenum, rhenium, and tantalum to improve ductility, toughness, machinability, conductivity, and application-specific performance. These alloys retain tungsten’s extreme density and high-temperature strength while overcoming the brittleness of pure tungsten.
Major Tungsten Alloy Systems
| Alloy Type | Elements Added | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tungsten Heavy Alloys (WHA) | Ni, Fe, Cu | Ductility, machinability, toughness |
| Tungsten–Copper (W–Cu) | Copper | Electrical & thermal conductivity, arc resistance |
| Tungsten–Rhenium (W–Re) | Rhenium | High-temperature strength & ductility |
| Tungsten–Molybdenum (W–Mo) | Molybdenum | Thermal stability, improved ductility |
| Tungsten–Tantalum (W–Ta) | Tantalum | Corrosion resistance & refractory behavior |
Key Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 17.0 – 19.3 g/cm³ | Ideal for compact mass & shielding |
| Melting Point | 2500 °C+ | Lower than pure W, still extremely high |
| Thermal Expansion | 4.4 – 6 ×10⁻⁶ /K | Excellent dimensional stability |
| Thermal Conductivity | 40 – 170 W/m·K | W–Cu alloys especially high |
| Electrical Conductivity | Variable | Enhanced by Cu or Ni additions |
| Magnetic Behavior | Low / non-magnetic | Binder dependent |
Mechanical Properties
Tungsten alloys exhibit tensile strengths typically in the range of 600–1000 MPa, with significantly improved ductility compared to pure tungsten. Heavy alloys show good elongation, enabling conventional machining and precision forming.
Hardness commonly ranges from Rockwell C 24–28 for heavy alloys and can be tailored via composition and processing. Wear resistance is excellent relative to most steels.
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
Most tungsten alloys are produced via liquid phase sintering, where a molten binder (Ni–Fe or Ni–Cu) surrounds tungsten particles, forming a tough, two-phase composite.
Microstructure can be tuned through grain size control, binder ratio, and alloying additions such as molybdenum or rhenium to balance strength, conductivity, and thermal stability.
Processing & Manufacturing
Powder metallurgy blending and compaction
Liquid phase sintering for densification
Secondary operations: HIP, forging, swaging
Precision machining to tight tolerances
Available Forms
Bars & rods
Sheets & plates
Counterweights & balance masses
Radiation shields & collimators
Near-net sintered components
Custom machined parts
Key Characteristics
✔ Extremely high density
✔ Excellent strength and wear resistance
✔ Dimensional stability at temperature
✔ Improved machinability vs pure tungsten
✔ Tailored electrical & thermal performance
✔ Non-toxic alternative to lead
Applications
Aerospace & Defense
Counterweights, ballast, gyroscopic components, shielding
Medical
Radiation shielding, imaging equipment components
Industrial
Boring bars, tooling, vibration damping masses
Electronics
Heat sinks, electrical contacts, power management
Advantages of Tungsten Alloys
✔ Compact mass in limited space
✔ Superior mechanical durability
✔ Thermal stability in extreme environments
✔ Customizable property balance
✔ Long service life
Why Choose Tungsten Alloys?
Tungsten alloys are selected when high density, strength, thermal stability, and precision are required in a compact form. Through controlled alloying and powder metallurgy processing, these materials deliver reliable performance in aerospace, medical, industrial, and radiation-critical applications.