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Tungsten is a chemical element that is represented on the periodic table by the symbol W. It has an atomic number of 74, and it is located in group 6. It was first discovered in 1781 by a chemist known as Juan José Elhuyar and his brother. Tungsten is a transition metal, meaning that it is characterized by its unique properties, among them the highest melting point. Canada is ranked the fourth largest tungsten producer in the world.
Tungsten comes in various types as listed below:
Tungsten carbide
This is the most widely used tungsten alloy combining tungsten and carbon atoms in a 90:10 ratio. Tungsten carbide's unique properties include unmatched hardness, extreme wear resistance, and longevity. These properties make it ideal for heavy-duty applications like cutting tools, mining machinery, and industrial machine parts. Thanks to its stunning silvery-grey finish, tungsten carbide also found its place in contemporary jewelry, especially men’s wedding bands.
Tungsten steel
Tungsten steel is a tungsten-carbon alloy that contains carbon atoms preferred to be bonded with tungsten atoms. Tungsten steel maintains the exceptional hardness and durability of tungsten carbide while enhancing corrosion resistance due to alloying with iron or chromium. This makes it indispensable in creating precision tools such as lathes, drills, and dies. In addition, thanks to its toughness, tungsten steel is widely applied in machinery parts exposed to immense stress.
Tungsten bronze
This tungsten alloy uses an ingredient recipe of tungsten, copper, and tin, with copper taking the lion’s share. In bronze alloys, tungsten provides strength and density darts in rare combinations unavailable in conventional bronze. Tungsten bronze's unique hue and exceptional density find uses in jewelry where weight and luxury are desired. Its toughness and resistance to wear make it an emerging contender in fields such as aeronautics.
Tungsten nickel alloy
Tungsten nickel alloy is a tungsten bedrock nickel alloy where tungsten atoms make up the largest percentage component. Tungsten nickel alloy stands out for its high-density properties, making it ideal in aerospace and nuclear industries for radiation shielding and ballast. Its malleability allows easy machining into complex shapes while still putting up sterling service against high temperatures.
Tungsten is prized for its numerous features, which explains its application in a wide range of industries.
Durability and hardness
Tungsten's nearly unmatched hardness makes it one of the hardest metals in the world. This property stems from its atomic structure, which tightly packs atoms in a rigid formation. Tungston's durability contributes to its extensive use in industries requiring wear-resistant and long-lasting materials. It is commonly used in making cutting tools such as drills, milling machines, lathes, and other rigid, durable, high-end commercial machinery and tools.
Heat and temperature resistance
Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal, ranging at about 6,200 °F (3,400 °C). This exceptional property allows tungsten workpieces to operate under extreme heat without bending, softening, or deforming. Because of this, tungsten is widely used in incandescent light bulbs and electric contacts.
Density
Tungsten is a highly dense metal, leaving it significantly heavier when compared to its size. Its density makes applications in ballast weights for boats, submarines, and even aircraft, providing stability without consuming excessive space. Tungsten's density is also utilized in shielding against radiation in medical and industrial applications.
Chemical properties
Tungsten is a transition metal located in group 6 of the periodic table. It is resistant to corrosion and chemical reactions, even in the presence of acids. This enhances its longevity in harsh environments.
Versatile alloying
Tungsten merges seamlessly with other metals, forming alloys with enhanced strength, flexibility, and usability. Tungsten alloys typically contain nickel, copper, or steel. These alloys are commonly used in aerospace, defence, and medical device manufacture, to mention but a few.
Applications in jewelry
Tungsten's hardness and scratch resistance have made it increasingly popular in men's wedding bands and other jewelry. Tungsten rings and tungsten bracelets are durable, offering a polished finish that endures wear in daily activities.
Tungsten's remarkable blend of properties makes it indispensable across numerous industries.
Industrial manufacturing
Tungsten is applied in producing cutting tools, such as drills and milling machines available in machine tool manufacturing. Its hardness allows easy cutting and shaping of even the toughest materials like steel and granite.
Lighting
Tungsten was once the staple in incandescent light bulbs, where tungsten filaments offered the ability to withstand heat and the emission of light. Although modern lighting alternatives have taken over, tungsten remains invaluable in halogen bulbs that offer brighter, focused lighting.
Aerospace and defence
In these industries, tungsten is applied in counterweights and shielding for missiles and aircraft due to its density and durability. Tungsten shields effectively absorb radiation, thus making it ideal for nuclear applications.
Jewelry
The rising popularity of tungsten rings, especially among men for wedding bands, is attributed to tungsten's hardness and scratch resistance. Tungsten bracelets for women have also garnered wide acceptance. Tungsten's ability to retain polish adds to its aesthetic appeal, making it a durable and attractive choice.
Medical equipment
In medicine, tungsten is applied in high-energy laser systems and as pendants for probes and radiation therapies. Its biocompatibility and density facilitate applications in implants and prosthetics.
Electronics
Tungsten makes contacts, electrodes, and other components in electronic devices. Its resistance properties and ability to operate at elevated temperatures make it pivotal in various electronic applications.
In the market today, tungsten comes in various types and grades, meaning that a buyer has to consider several factors to make the right choice.
Application
Buyers should consider how the tungsten in question is going to be used. For example, tungsten carbide is preferred in cutting tools due to its hardness. Tungsten nickel and tungsten copper, on the other hand, are suitable for radiation shielding due to their densities.
Tungsten composition
Tungsten alloys typically have varying tungsten composition percentages. Buyers should consider the tungsten composition because a higher tungsten composition equals greater density, mechanical strength, and resistance to wear. On the flip side, a lower tungsten composition enhances workability and machinability.
Grade
Just like tungsten comes in varying types, it also comes in various grades, each suitable for a specific application. Tungsten grades are classified according to their alloying elements as well as the percentage of tungsten in the alloy. For example, tungsten jewelry uses must-higher grade tungsten, such as tungsten carbide, for shine and durability. Sharpening tools, such as tungsten for knife making, should be lower grade tungsten.
Purity
In tungsten's industrial applications, purity is a crucial factor. Tungsten for x-ray shielding or aerospace applications, for example, must be of the highest purity possible. On the other hand, less pure tungsten may suffice for applications like some kinds of machining, jewelry making, or cutting tools.
Mechanical properties
Buyers should also consider tungsten's mechanical properties, such as hardness, tensile strength, and elongation percentage. These factors directly affect tungsten's suitability for different applications.
Workability
While tungsten's hardiness is one of its most sought-after properties, workability is still a concern in some applications. To gaps the workability concern, buyers can always go for tungsten alloys rather than tungsten in its pure form.
Tungsten's exceptional density allows it to effectively absorb and shield against x-rays and other forms of radiation. In medical and industrial radiography, tungsten plates and components are used to protect workers and equipment from harmful radiation exposure.
Tungsten doesn't easily combine with other chemical elements. For this reason, tungsten resists tarnishing. Tungsten rings and tungsten bracelets thus maintain their polished and shiny appearance for a considerably long time.
Tungsten's high melting point makes it exceptionally resistant to heat. In addition, tungsten's density and hardness makes it durable, wear-resistant, and versatile, suitable in various applications ranging from lighting and jewelry to cutting tools and aerospace components.
Tungsten is classified as a transition metal. For this reason, tungsten has minimal magnetic properties. Tungsten exhibits weak magnetism, meaning that it is not naturally magnetic. In situations where magnetism is a requirement, tungsten is often alloyed with other magnetic materials like iron or nickel.
Tungsten jewelry is minimally identifiable by its durability and modern appearance. Some types of tungsten jewelry include tungsten rings, tungsten bracelets, and tungsten necklaces.