As an important product of the inorganic metal tungsten, tungsten alloy has an extremely wide range of applications, including electronics, automotive, defense, military, aerospace, aviation, maritime, optoelectronics, and medical fields.
1. Definition
Tungsten alloy, also known as tungsten-based alloy, high-density alloy, or high-specific-gravity alloy (Tungsten Alloy in English), is an alloy with tungsten as the hard phase and elements such as nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, or molybdenum as the binding phase. Generally, the tungsten content ranges from 85% to 99%.
2. Properties
Tungsten alloy appears as a silver-gray solid with a high melting point (~3422°C), high density (16.5–18.75 g/cm3), high hardness, and great strength. It has low vapor pressure, strong radiation resistance, excellent high-temperature resistance, impact resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Additionally, it offers good ductility, excellent machinability, and is non-toxic and non-radioactive.
3. Classification
By doping elements: Tungsten alloys can be classified into tungsten-copper alloy, tungsten-nickel-iron alloy, tungsten-molybdenum alloy, etc.
By appearance and shape: They can be categorized as alloy spheres, alloy blocks, alloy rods, alloy plates, etc.
By magnetic properties: They can be divided into magnetic alloys and non-magnetic alloys. Magnetic tungsten alloys, such as tungsten bracelets and necklaces, are believed to benefit health.
By application: They can be classified as alloy counterweights, alloy shielding components, alloy jewelry, alloy military products, etc.
4. Preparation Method
Powder Injection Molding, with the following steps:
Material Preparation: Weigh a specific amount of tungsten alloy powder and granular binder, mix them uniformly to obtain a mixture.
Extrusion Pre-refining: Feed the mixture into a screw extruder to produce a molten mixture.
Mixing: Place the molten mixture into a mixer for thorough blending to obtain a mixed compound.
Granulation: Cut the mixed compound to produce tungsten alloy feedstock for powder injection molding.
5. Applications
As Counterweights: Used in ships, aircraft, automobiles, mobile phones, golf clubs, snowboards, fishing sinkers, cranes, alarm clocks, etc.
As Shielding Components: Used in radiation-proof doors, rooms, walls, radiation shielding containers, medical collimators, mobile phone shielding components, nuclear radiation shielding materials, etc.
As Jewelry: Used in necklaces, bracelets, rings, watch chains, etc.
