Tungsten Heavy Metal from Admat

Tungsten heavy alloys (WHAs) are often used instead of pure tungsten because they have a significantly higher density and improved mechanical properties. Pure tungsten, often manufactured from powder which is sintered and forged to size is relatively brittle and has a relatively low density compared to other metals, which makes it difficult to work with and limits its applications.

Tungsten heavy alloys are made by alloying tungsten with other metals, such as nickel, iron, copper and molybdenum, which increases its ductility, toughness, and strength. The added metals also increase the density, which makes it ideal for applications where high density and weight are required.

WHAs are primarily used in aerospace, military, and medical applications, as well as in sports equipment and industrial machinery. They are often used to make counterweights, radiation shielding, and other high-density components. These materials also have potential use in the field of nuclear medicine and radiation therapy as a radiation shield.

There are several types of tungsten heavy alloys which Admat supplies, each with unique properties and uses. Some examples include:

  • W-Ni-Fe: This is the most common type of tungsten heavy alloy and is composed of tungsten, nickel, and iron. It has a high density and is used for applications such as radiation shielding and balancing weights.
  • W-Ni-Cu: This alloy has a higher thermal conductivity than W-Ni-Fe and is used in applications that require good thermal conductivity such as heat exchangers and electrical contacts.
  • W-Ni-Mo: This alloy has excellent wear resistance and is used in applications that require wear resistance such as bearings and seal rings.

It’s important to note that the composition and properties of tungsten heavy alloys can be tailored to specific application needs by adjusting the ratio of the elements that are present.

 

Admat’s tungsten heavy alloys are used instead of pure tungsten because they have a higher density, improved mechanical properties and increased ductility, toughness, and strength.

 

TUNGSTEN HEAVY METAL ALLOYS & PROPERTIES

Admat Alloy Name ADM-17 ADM-17M ADM-17.5M ADM-17.7M ADM-18 ADM-18M ADM-18.5M
ASTM-B-777 Class 1 Class 1 Class 2 N/A Class 3 Class 3 Class 4
AMS-T-21014 Class 1 Class 1 Class 2 N/A Class 3 Class 3 Class 4
AMS-7725 Class 1, Type 1 Class 1, Type 2 Class 2, Type 2 N/A Class 3, Type 1 Class 3, Type 2 Class 4, Type 2
MIL-T-21014 Class 1 Class 1 Class 2 N/A Class 3 Class 3 Class 4
Magnetic Properties Non-Magnetic Slightly Magnetic Slightly Magnetic Slightly Magnetic Non-Magnetic Slightly Magnetic Slightly Magnetic
Alloy Composition W 90% W 90% W 92.5% W 93% W 95% W 95% W 97%
Ni 6% Ni 7% Ni 5.25% Balance is Ni 3.5% Ni 3.5% Ni 2.1%
Cu 4% Fe 3% Fe 2.25% Ni / Fe/ Mo Cu 1.5% Fe 1.5% Fe .9%
Density (Grams /Centimeter3) 17 17 17.5 17.7 18 18 18.5
Density (Lbs/Inch3) 0.614 0.614 0.632 0.639 0.65 0.65 0.668
Hardness (Rockwell C) 24 25 26 30 27 27 28
Ultimate Tensile Strength (PSI) 110K 125K 114K 130K 115K 125K 128K
Yield strength .2% offset (PSI) 90K 88K 90K 90K 85K 90K 85K
Elongation (% in 1") 8 14 12 10 7 12 10
Proportional Elastic Limit (PSI) 45K 52K 46K 60K 45K 44K 45K
Modulus of Elasticity (PSI) 40 X 106 45 X 106 47 X 106 53 X 106 45 X 106 50 X 106 53 X 106
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion x 10-6/°C 5.4 4.8 4.6 4.5 4.4 4.6 4.5
Thermal Conductivity (CGS Units) 0.23 0.18 0.2 0.27 0.33 0.26 0.3
Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) 14 10 13 14 16 13 17

For sales contact Admat at (484) 322-2091 or by email at [email protected]