Golden Sunbird Metals is a professional supplier and distributor of tungsten and tungsten alloys in China. Our tungsten alloy products are widely used in electronics, aerospace, medical radiation shielding, cutting and drilling tools, military, nuclear radiation protection, and sports equipment due to their unrivaled durability and strength as a result of their superb hardness, the highest melting point, and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, meeting the highest specifications and quality standards in a wide range of industries. If you want to buy tungsten and tungsten alloy products in bulk or customized tungsten alloy products, don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

FAQs

Tungsten alloys are composite materials that combine tungsten with other metals to enhance its properties, such as strength, density, and ductility. Tungsten, known for its high melting point and density, is often alloyed with elements like nickel, copper, and iron. These alloys are widely used in various industries, including aerospace, military, and medical fields, for applications that require materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions and stresses.

  • High Melting Point: Tungsten alloys maintain their strength and stability at temperatures where other metals would melt or deform.
  • High Density: These alloys are significantly denser than standard metals, making them ideal for applications requiring high mass in a small volume.
  • Improved Ductility: The addition of other metals enhances the ductility of tungsten, making it more workable and suitable for a broader range of applications.

Tungsten alloys are crucial in aerospace for their ability to withstand high temperatures and provide necessary weight in small spaces. In aircraft and spacecraft, components such as balance weights, vibration dampeners, and heat shields are often made from tungsten alloys. Their high density and resistance to temperature make them indispensable in ensuring the safety and efficiency of aerospace vehicles.

  • Temperature Resistance: Essential for components exposed to the extreme heat of atmospheric re-entry or engine operation.
  • Vibration Damping: Helps in reducing the vibrations that can affect the performance and structural integrity of aerospace vehicles.
  • Precision Balancing: The high density allows for precise weight distribution, critical for aerospace navigation and control.

Yes, tungsten alloys can be customized to meet the specific requirements of different applications. By adjusting the composition of the alloy, including the types and proportions of metals combined with tungsten, manufacturers can tailor the material’s properties, such as density, hardness, and thermal conductivity. This customization allows tungsten alloys to be optimized for specific uses, ranging from aerospace and automotive components to medical devices and sporting goods.

  • Adjustable Composition: The alloy’s properties can be modified by changing the metal combinations.
  • Optimization for Specific Uses: Customization enables the material to meet the unique demands of various industries.
  • Versatility: The ability to customize tungsten alloys expands their applicability across a wide range of products and applications.

Tungsten alloys undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet industry standards and application-specific requirements. Tests include mechanical property assessment, such as tensile strength, hardness, and ductility, as well as physical property evaluation, including density and melting point. Advanced techniques like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to analyze the alloy’s composition and microstructure, ensuring that the material’s quality and performance standards are met.

  • Mechanical and Physical Testing: Essential for verifying the alloy’s properties and suitability for specific applications.
  • Composition Analysis: Techniques like XRF and SEM provide detailed insights into the alloy’s elemental makeup.
  • Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing ensures that tungsten alloys meet the high standards required for their intended use.

Tungsten heavy alloys (WHA) are high-density, machinable composites consisting of 90–97% tungsten in a ductile nickel-based matrix. They deliver lead-like density without toxicity, combined with high strength, excellent thermal conductivity, and low thermal expansion. The primary commercial grades per ASTM B777 are divided by magnetic properties and density class:

  • Non-magnetic Grades (Ni-Cu binder, magnetic permeability ≤1.05): NM90 (Class 1), NM92.5 (Class 2), NM95 (Class 3).
  • Magnetic Grades (Ni-Fe binder, slightly magnetic): M90 (Class 1), M92.5 (Class 2), M95 (Class 3), M97 (Class 4).

Class 4 is available only in magnetic form. These are supplied in sintered or stress-relieved condition for optimal machinability and performance.

Compositions are nominal (balance tungsten; exact binder ratios vary slightly by manufacturer but meet ASTM density/mechanical requirements):

Grade Type Nominal W (%) Binder (Typical) Density Range (g/cm³)
NM90 (Class 1) Non-magnetic 90 ~6% Ni + ~4% Cu 16.85–17.25
NM92.5 (Class 2) Non-magnetic 92.5 ~5.25% Ni + ~2.25% Cu 17.15–17.85
NM95 (Class 3) Non-magnetic 95 ~3.5% Ni + ~1.5% Cu 17.75–18.35
M90 (Class 1) Magnetic 90 ~7% Ni + ~3% Fe 16.85–17.25
M92.5 (Class 2) Magnetic 92.5 ~5.25% Ni + ~2.25% Fe 17.15–17.85
M95 (Class 3) Magnetic 95 ~3.5% Ni + ~1.5% Fe 17.75–18.35
M97 (Class 4) Magnetic 97 ~2.1% Ni + ~0.9% Fe 18.25–18.85

Low interstitial impurities ensure ductility and corrosion resistance. Non-magnetic grades use copper to eliminate magnetism; magnetic grades use iron for slightly higher strength in some cases.

  • Density: 16.85–18.85 g/cm³ (1.7–1.85× lead) — highest in Class 4.
  • Hardness (max, annealed): 32–35 HRC (can reach 46 HRC when work-hardened).
  • Mechanical (minimum per ASTM B777, typical annealed):
    • UTS: 758 MPa (110 ksi) for Classes 1–2; 724 MPa (105 ksi) Class 3; 689 MPa (100 ksi) Class 4.
    • 0.2% YS: 517 MPa (75 ksi) across all.
    • Elongation: 5% (Classes 1–2), 3% (Class 3), 2% (Class 4). Non-magnetic grades have slightly lower minima (94 ksi UTS, 1–2% elongation).
  • Other benefits: Excellent thermal conductivity (~50–120 W/m·K), low CTE (~4.5–5.5 ppm/°C), high modulus (~45–52 × 10⁶ psi), radiation shielding equivalent to lead at half the thickness, and superior machinability. Non-magnetic grades ideal where magnetic fields must be avoided.

These alloys replace lead or depleted uranium in high-density, non-toxic applications:

  • All grades: Radiation shielding (X-ray, gamma, medical collimators), counterweights/balancing (aerospace, automotive, racing), vibration damping, kinetic energy penetrators (defense).
  • Non-magnetic (NM series): MRI-compatible weights, sensors, electronics, precision instruments, and applications near sensitive magnetic equipment.
  • Magnetic (M series): General shielding, ballast, high-performance boring bars, and military/aerospace components where slight magnetism is acceptable.
  • Higher classes (M95/NM95, M97): Maximum density needs (e.g., submarine ballast, aircraft control surfaces, nuclear shielding).

Ideal wherever weight must be concentrated in minimal space with easy machining.

  • Non-magnetic (NM): Zero or minimal magnetic interference — critical for medical, electronics, and sensor applications; slightly lower strength than equivalent magnetic grades.
  • Magnetic (M): Generally higher ductility/strength in some formulations; Class 4 (M97) offers the absolute highest density.
  • Higher Class (higher W %): Greater density and hardness but reduced elongation — choose based on weight vs. toughness needs. All grades provide 50–70% better shielding efficiency than lead, excellent corrosion resistance in most environments, and superior machinability vs. pure tungsten.

Tungsten-Copper (WCu or CuW) is a high-performance pseudo-alloy produced by powder metallurgy: a porous sintered tungsten skeleton infiltrated with molten copper. It uniquely combines tungsten’s extreme melting point, hardness, and arc-erosion resistance with copper’s outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity. The material has no single melting point but remains stable to ~3,400°C in tungsten-rich grades.

Standard grades per ASTM B702 (Copper-Tungsten Electrical Contact Material) are designated by class:

  • Class A: WCu 50/50
  • Class B: WCu 60/40
  • Class C: WCu 70/30
  • Class D: WCu 75/25
  • Class E: WCu 80/20

Additional common commercial variants include: WCu 55/45, WCu 56/40, WCu 65/35, WCu 68/32, WCu 68/32 HT (high-temperature processed), WCu 75/25 HT, WCu 78/22, WCu 85/15, and WCu 90/10. These are supplied in infiltrated or stress-relieved condition for optimal performance.

Nominal compositions (weight %, balance W; additives ≤1% max; per ASTM B702 for Classes A–E):

Grade / Class Nominal W / Cu (%) Density (g/cm³) Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) CTE (10⁻⁶/K) Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)
Class A (50/50) 50 / 50 11.7 56–64 13 —
Class B (60/40) 60 / 40 12.7 49–57 11.9 —
Class C (70/30) 70 / 30 13.7 44–52 10.3 ~200
Class D (75/25) 75 / 25 14.3 41–48 9.5 ~190
Class E (80/20) 80 / 20 15 38–45 8.8 ~180
WCu 55/45 55 / 45 12.3 ~49 ~12.0 ~210
WCu 65/35 65 / 35 13.3 ~44 ~9.8 ~195
WCu 68/32 (incl. HT) 68 / 32 13.9 ~43 ~9.2 ~185
WCu 78/22 78 / 22 ~15.3 ~36 ~8.0 ~175
WCu 85/15 85 / 15 15.9 ~30 ~7.0 ~170
WCu 90/10 Oct-90 16.5 <30 <7.5 ~170

Higher tungsten content increases density and erosion resistance while reducing conductivity and CTE. HT variants offer enhanced high-temperature stability.

  • Density: 11.7–16.5 g/cm³ (increases with W content).
  • Hardness (typical HRB): 69–106 (higher W = harder).
  • Tensile Strength (MPa, typical): 344–700 (higher W = stronger).
  • Thermal / Electrical Conductivity: Excellent balance; higher Cu grades rival pure copper while retaining refractory performance.
  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE): 6.5–13 × 10⁻⁶/K — closely matches semiconductors and ceramics for thermal shock resistance.
  • Other benefits: Superior arc-erosion resistance, non-magnetic, vacuum-compatible, low vapor pressure, and high wear resistance. Mechanical properties improve with higher tungsten; all grades offer outstanding dimensional stability under thermal cycling.

WCu excels where high conductivity meets extreme heat, arcing, or thermal management:

  • Electrical contacts & breakers: High/medium-voltage switches, vacuum interrupters, SF₆ breakers.
  • EDM / ECM electrodes: Spark erosion, electrochemical machining.
  • Resistance welding: Spot, seam, butt, flash, and projection welding dies/inserts.
  • Thermal management: Heat sinks, spreaders, and bases for IGBT modules, lasers, radar, RF electronics, and hybrid/EV power systems.
  • Other: Plasma-facing components, rocket nozzles (limited), balancing weights, and high-temperature furnace parts.

Higher-Cu grades favor conductivity (EDM, welding); higher-W grades favor erosion resistance (contacts, high-temp).

  • Higher Cu content (e.g., 50/50 to 65/35): Superior thermal/electrical conductivity and machinability — ideal for EDM and welding.
  • Higher W content (e.g., 80/20 to 90/10): Maximum arc-erosion resistance, density, hardness, and lowest CTE — best for high-voltage contacts and thermal-stress applications.
  • HT variants: Enhanced grain structure for improved high-temperature creep and thermal cycling performance. All grades provide non-toxic high-density performance, excellent machinability, and proven longevity in arcing/thermal environments versus pure metals or other composites.