What Are Tungsten Alloys?

Tungsten alloys are created to improve the material’s performance in specific applications. Tungsten on its own is a heavy dense metal known for its high melting point and toughness. But mixing it with nickel, iron, copper, or rhenium can tweak tungsten’s traits to fit specific needs.

Common Types of Tungsten Alloys

W-Ni-Fe Alloy (Tungsten-Nickel-Iron)

• High Density (17–18.5 g/cm³): Useful for radiation shielding and counterweights.
• High Strength & Ductility: Better than pure tungsten due to the Ni-Fe binder.
• Good Machinability: Can be cut, drilled, and shaped more easily than pure tungsten.
• Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Resists oxidation and chemical degradation.
• High Melting Point: Maintains structural integrity under extreme heat.

W-Ni-Cu Alloy

• High density (16–18 g/cm³) – Useful for counterweights and radiation shielding.
• Non-magnetic – Suitable for sensitive electronic and aerospace applications.
• Good machinability – Easier to process than pure tungsten.
• Moderate strength and ductility – Better than pure tungsten but lower than W-Ni-Fe alloys.

W-Re Alloy

• High Melting Point (W: 3,422°C, Re: 3,186°C)
• Enhanced Ductility (reduced brittleness compared to pure tungsten)
• Superior Creep Resistance (ideal for high-stress, high-temperature environments)
• Excellent Electrical and Thermal Conductivity