Tungsten Heavy Metal Alloy Suppliers (ASTM B 777)

Tungsten Heavy Metal Alloy Properties and Appearance

Heavy Tungsten Alloy (WHA) is composed of tungsten, nickel, and iron. It is it is commonly used for counterweights, shielding for radiation and military uses such as shells and bullets. The density is approximately 1.7 times that of lead, making it an ideal material for applications where weight is a major concern and one of the densest materials known. It belongs to the refractory metals group and is a heavy, dense metal. WHA has a silvery-grey color, similar to that of pure tungsten with a fine-grained microstructure, which gives it its high strength and density and it can be polished to a lustrous finish. Tungsten is a rare element with the symbol W (for Wolfram) and atomic number 74.

Tungsten heavy metal alloys are produced with a nickel-iron or nickel-copper matrix produced by powder metal and sintering processes. It is resistant to corrosion from most chemicals and environments. WHA has a tensile strength stronger than most other alloys and can be machined into complex shapes using conventional machining techniques although it is important to note that when exposed to temperatures exceeding 500 °C there will be a drop off in strength within an atmosphere. For high temperature applications, molybdenum or pure tungsten may be alternatives.

Heavy Metal Tungsten Alloy Applications

Heavy Tungsten Alloy is a versatile material with high density, strength and machinability. It is also non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making it a safe and sustainable choice for many applications, for example:

• Counterweights for a variety of applications, such as aircraft, spacecraft and automobiles to balance rotating parts
• Radiation shielding for medical, industrial and military applications to protect from harmful radiation.
• Sporting goods such as golf club weights and fishing weights.
• Military ordnance such as bullets, shells, and armor-piercing rounds.

WHA is used in a variety of other applications, such as electrical contacts, heat sinks, and laboratory equipment.

Tungsten Heavy Metal Alloy Formats Supplied

Our tungsten heavy metal alloy is manufactured to ASTM B-777 specification. Vulcan Metal Group supplies tungsten heavy metal alloy in cube, rod, ballast, bar, billet, sheet, plate, wire and powder. Custom machined and finished parts supplied to print. Please contact us for more information on how Vulcan Metal Group can help you.