WNiCu Tungsten Heavy Alloys are part of the Tungsten Heavy Alloy (WHA) family and contain 90–97 wt% tungsten with a ductile nickel–copper binder phase. The Ni–Cu matrix binds hard tungsten particles, forming a dense, machinable, and non-magnetic composite material.
Compared to WNiFe alloys, WNiCu alloys offer lower strength but superior corrosion resistance, excellent non-magnetic behavior, and improved thermal and electrical conductivity.
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
Microstructure
• Rounded tungsten grains (20–50 µm)
• Continuous Ni–Cu binder matrix
• Lower tungsten–tungsten contiguity than WNiFe
Strengthening Mechanisms
✔ Load transfer to tungsten particles
✔ Solid-solution strengthening of Ni–Cu matrix
✔ Grain boundary cohesion
✔ Limited cold working
Failure Mode
• Ductile tearing through binder phase
• Minimal brittle cleavage
Refining & Processing Properties
Manufacturing Route
• High-purity W, Ni, Cu powders
• Blending and compaction
• Liquid-phase sintering (1350–1450 °C)
• Optional HIP treatment
• CNC machining and finishing
Machinability
✔ Better than pure tungsten
✔ Easier than WNiFe alloys
✔ Comparable to copper–nickel alloys
Available Forms
✔ Rods & bars
✔ Plates & sheets
✔ Blocks & cubes
✔ Cylinders & slugs
✔ Custom-machined components
✔ Precision counterweights
Key Characteristics
✔ High density (16.8–18.5 g/cm³)
✔ Excellent ductility
✔ Non-magnetic behavior
✔ Superior corrosion resistance
✔ Good thermal & electrical conductivity
✔ Effective vibration damping
Limitations
⚠ Lower strength than WNiFe alloys
⚠ Reduced high-temperature capability
⚠ Binder softening at elevated temperatures
Typical Applications
Medical & Imaging
Radiation shielding, CT scanner components, non-magnetic collimators
Electronics
EMI shielding, heat sinks, electronic counterweights
Aerospace
Balance weights, vibration dampers, non-magnetic ballast
Oil & Gas
Downhole counterweights, corrosion-resistant mass components
Precision Equipment
Gyroscopes, optical stabilization systems
Material Comparison
| Property | WNiCu | WNiFe |
|---|---|---|
| Density | Slightly lower | Higher |
| Strength | Lower | Higher |
| Ductility | Higher | Moderate |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic | Slightly magnetic |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Machinability | Very good | Good |
Why Choose WNiCu Tungsten Alloys?
Choose WNiCu (90–97%) when non-magnetic behavior, corrosion resistance, and ease of machining are more important than extreme mechanical strength. These alloys are ideal for medical, electronic, aerospace, and precision engineering applications where environmental stability and magnetic neutrality are critical.