Applications of tungsten: where the metal and its alloys are used

Tungsten is valued for its very high melting point, high density, hardness and ability to retain strength at elevated temperatures. It is not usually chosen as an ordinary structural metal. Instead, it is used where steel, non-ferrous metals or plastics would wear out, overheat or lose shape too quickly.

Physicochemical properties of tungsten

Pure tungsten is a gray refractory metal. It is dense, hard and suitable for high-temperature work, but it can be brittle and difficult to machine. In practice, industry often uses not only metallic tungsten but also tungsten carbide, heavy tungsten alloys and alloy steels.

The main reasons for choosing tungsten are:

• very high heat resistance and resistance to softening when heated;
• high density, useful for counterweights, balancing parts and shielding;
• high hardness of tungsten carbide;
• wear resistance in cutting, drilling and forming tools;
• the ability to alloy steel for demanding loaded parts.

Industrial applications of tungsten

• Machining and tooling. Tungsten carbide is used in cutting inserts, drills, milling cutters, dies, abrasive tools and drilling tools. This is one of the most important uses of tungsten.
• Mining and construction equipment. Hard metals based on tungsten carbide are used in drill bits, teeth, wear inserts and parts that work against rock, ore, concrete and soil.
• Electrical engineering and electronics. Tungsten is used for lamp filaments, electrodes, cathodes, contacts, heating elements and parts for vacuum equipment.
• Welding and high-temperature processes. Tungsten electrodes are used in TIG welding, while tungsten and its alloys are used in furnace parts, nozzles and units exposed to high temperatures.
• Aerospace, transport and balancing. Because of its high density, heavy tungsten alloys are used for counterweights, balancing parts, inertial weights and compact ballast pieces.
• Shielding and special products. Tungsten is used where a dense material is needed for radiation shielding or as a more compact substitute for lead in special components.
• Metallurgy. Tungsten is used in some tool, high-speed and heat-resistant steels, improving wear resistance and hot hardness.

Applications of tungsten alloys and carbide

The most important group of tungsten applications is connected with tungsten carbide. It is used in cemented carbides, where carbide particles are joined by a metallic binder, often cobalt or nickel. These materials resist abrasion and keep a cutting edge better than ordinary steels.

Heavy tungsten alloys are made with nickel, iron, copper or other components. They are chosen when a high mass is needed in a small volume: for counterweights, balancing parts, shielding, instrument parts and industrial components.

Tungsten is also used as an alloying element in steel. It helps form hard carbides, improves wear resistance and allows tool steels to retain working properties at elevated temperatures. More about this topic is available in the article on applications of steel.

When tungsten use is justified

Tungsten is expensive and difficult to process, so it is used selectively. It is justified in parts where heat resistance, high density, hardness, wear resistance or severe service conditions are important. For ordinary structures, steel, aluminum or other more affordable materials are usually more practical.

For calculation data, see also the article about tungsten weight and density.