Attività

Tungsten, element 74 of the periodic table, has come a long way since its early use as a material for filaments in lightbulbs. This silvery-white lustrous metal is becoming more present in the industry thanks to the alloying process – that is, the ability to add metallic elements together to create new, improved materials known as alloys.

Tungsten is useful for glass-to-metal seals, as its thermal expansion coefficient is on par with borosilicate glass, and finds many uses in lamp filaments, television tubes, electrical contact points, x-ray targets, heating elements, and other high-temperature applications. It is most popular usages are in dry lubricant (tungsten disulfide) and alloys such as high-speed tool steels, hard metal, and of course tungsten carbide – but more on that in the next section.

Tungsten Carbide

It is highly resistant to deformation and keeps its stability at both extreme cold and hot temperatures. When in its monocarbide form (chemical formula of WC), tungsten carbide rivals diamond for the hardest known material. Its impact resistance, toughness, and resistance to galling/abrasions/erosions are exceptional, lasting up to 100 times longer than steel in extreme conditions. Its properties place tungsten carbide in the metal-like substances since it is technically a ceramic cement of tungsten, carbon, and some binder (often cobalt), which is also why it cannot be heat-treated in any way. It has a density of 15.7 g/cm3 and is generally not the best electrical conductor. However, it conducts heat much faster than tool steel.

Tungsten Carbide Roller, as most machine bits and tools are made of tungsten carbide themselves. Tungsten carbide is generally only milled or lathed and is done so when in its soft, or “green” state, and can only be done with diamond-coated bits. It can also be cast and rapidly quenched to form an extremely hard crystal structure. Tungsten carbide is invaluable in making hard metal, which is a form of tungsten carbide, as well as making mill products, high-speed tools, military weapons, armor, and other rugged applications.

Comparing Tungsten & Tungsten Carbide

Most people will confuse tungsten and tungsten carbide, as tungsten carbide is the most widely understood form of tungsten available.