High Density Tungsten Powder

Tungsten powder with high density finds extensive use across industrial, military, and technology applications. This guide provides comprehensive information on the properties, production, applications, suppliers, and costs of high density tungsten powder.

Introduction to High Density Tungsten Powder

High density tungsten powder is a fine particulate form of tungsten metal known for its:

• Very high density up to 19.3 g/cm3
• High strength and hardness properties
• High temperature resistance
• Thermal/electrical conductivity
• Applications requiring high mass and durability
• Use in alloys, composites, radiation shielding, and more

With density almost twice that of lead, tungsten makes an ideal material for applications requiring weight, compact size, kinetic energy, and vibration damping. This guide details the different types, production methods, properties, applications, suppliers, costs, and other considerations for high density tungsten powder.

Types of High Density Tungsten Powder

Tungsten powder is available in different compositions and forms categorized by:

High Density Tungsten Powder Types

Type	Description
Pure tungsten	Over 99.9% W, impurities like C, O, N, Fe
Tungsten heavy alloys	W with Ni, Fe, Cu, Co
Tungsten carbide	WC powder
Nanoscale tungsten	Ultrafine particle size under 100 nm
Spherical tungsten	Near-perfect rounded particle shape
Chemically reduced tungsten	Irregular morphology, high oxygen
Milled tungsten	Flattened/folded particles from milling

• Pure tungsten provides the highest density but can be brittle. Alloying improves toughness and workability.
• Tungsten carbide boosts hardness and wear resistance significantly.
• Specialty grades like spherical and nano powder offer enhanced properties.
• Production method determines powder characteristics optimal for certain applications.

Production Methods for High Density Tungsten Powder

Tungsten powder can be produced through various techniques:

Tungsten Powder Production Methods

Method	Description
Hydrogen reduction	Reduction of tungsten oxide using hydrogen
Thermal decomposition	Heating tungsten oxide in hydrogen atmosphere
Plasma atomization	Melted tungsten atomized using plasma torch
Electrode induction melting	Melted tungsten stream broken into droplets
Chemical reduction	Using reducing agents like ammonia on tungsten oxide
Mechanical milling	Ball milling tungsten into fine powder

• Hydrogen reduction and thermal decomposition of tungsten oxide are common commercial production routes.
• Plasma atomization generates fine spherical powders suitable for additive manufacturing.
• Chemical reduction methods like ammonia can produce high purity powder.
• Mechanical milling via ball milling can grind tungsten into fine particle sizes.
• Alloy tungsten powder is produced by mixing elemental or prealloyed powders.
• Secondary processing like vacuum sintering, annealing, spraying, etc. further tailors powder qualities.

Properties of High Density Tungsten Powder

The unique properties of tungsten originate from its high atomic mass and make it ideal for demanding applications:

High Density Tungsten Powder Properties

Property	Value
Density	19.25 g/cm3
Melting point	3422°C
Thermal conductivity	173 W/mK
Electrical resistivity	5.5 μΩ-cm
Tensile strength	550-700 MPa
Elastic modulus	400 GPa
Poisson’s ratio	0.28
Thermal expansion	4.5 x 10<sup>-6</sup>/K

• Highest melting point of all metals. Retains strength at high temperatures.
• Extremely high density provides excellent mass within a compact footprint.
• Good thermal and electrical conductivity.
• High elastic stiffness. Resists deformation under load.
• Alloying with Ni, Fe, Co, Cu can optimize combinations of strength, ductility, and density.
• Powder shape, size distribution, and processing conditions affect final part properties.

Applications of High Density Tungsten Powder

The unique properties of high density tungsten powder make it suitable for the following key applications:

High Density Tungsten Powder Applications

Industry	Uses
Defense	Kinetic energy penetrators, ammunition, radiation shielding
Automotive	Tire studs, weights, vibration damping
Aerospace	Radiation shielding, counterweights
Electronics	Electrical contacts, heat sinks, sputtering targets
Medical	Radiation shielding, probes, surgical tools
Sports	Golf club weights, darts, fishing lures
Industrial	Drill bits, cutting tools, wear parts

• Penetrators: Tungsten alloys make extremely dense kinetic energy projectiles for armor piercing ammunition.
• Radiation shielding: Tungsten’s density provides effective shielding from X-ray and gamma radiation in medical and defense sectors.
• Vibration damping: The high mass efficiently damps vibrations in machinery and vehicles.
• Electrical contacts: Tungsten’s conductivity and resistance to arcing is leveraged in switches, relays, and more.
• Heatsinks: High thermal conductivity enables heat dissipation in electronics.
• Wear parts: Extreme hardness resists wear even at high temperatures in cutting tools.

Global Suppliers of High Density Tungsten Powder

Some major companies supplying various grades of high density tungsten powder include:

High Density Tungsten Powder Suppliers

Company	Headquarters
Wolfram Company	Austria
HC Starck	Germany
Xiamen Tungsten	China
JX Nippon Mining & Metals	Japan
Midwest Tungsten	USA
GTP	USA
H. Cross Company	USA
TaeguTec	South Korea

• Leading suppliers have expertise in specialized production methods for high purity and advanced tungsten powder.
• Custom alloys, particle size distribution, morphology, coatings, and other specifications can be provided.
• A global supply chain and distribution network enables serving diverse markets.
• Smaller regional manufacturers also supply tungsten powder tailored for local industry needs.

Cost Analysis of High Density Tungsten Powder

As a rare metal, tungsten powder commands higher pricing than common metals like steel or copper powder:

Cost Drivers for High Density Tungsten Powder

• Purity levels and chemistry
• Particle shape and size distribution
• Purchase volumes
• Production process complexity
• Raw tungsten prices
• Supplier margins and location

Tungsten Powder Price Ranges

Type	Price Range
Pure tungsten, standard grade	$40-100 per kg
High purity tungsten	$150-250 per kg
Tungsten heavy alloy powder	$50-150 per kg
Nanoscale tungsten powder	$200-2000 per kg

• Higher purity levels increase cost. Specialty grades command a premium.
• Smaller particle sizes and spherical morphology are more expensive to produce.
• Large volume purchases can lower per-unit cost significantly.
• Location factors like transportation, import duties affect final pricing.
• Fluctuating supply-demand dynamics for raw tungsten impact pricing.

Standards and Certifications

Key standards applicable to tungsten powder composition, quality, and manufacturing include:

• ASTM B772: Standard Specification for Tungsten Base Powders
• ISO 18323: Specification for wrought tungsten
• ASTM B939: Radiation exposure testing of tungsten
• AMS 7999: Spherical tungsten powder specification
• ISO 9001: Quality management system certification
• REACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals compliance in the EU

Factors to consider when purchasing:

• Supplier ISO 9001 certification and ASTM/ISO compliance
• Composition analysis and lot test certificates
• Industry-specific certifications as required
• Regulatory compliance for geographical regions

Tungsten vs. Depleted Uranium Comparison

Tungsten vs. Depleted Uranium Powder

Parameter	Tungsten	Depleted Uranium
Density	19.25 g/cm3	18.9 g/cm3
Radioactivity	Non-radioactive	Low-level radioactive
Toxicity	Moderate	High from heavy metal toxicity
Cost	High	Low
Production	Conventional mining and processing	Byproduct of nuclear enrichment
Applications	Broad range	Restricted applications
Availability	Readily available	Limited supply

• Tungsten has slightly higher density than depleted uranium.
• It offers non-radioactive, cost-effective high density compared to radioactive depleted uranium.
• Tungsten has lower environmental and health risks during material handling.
• Higher cost but easier availability makes tungsten attractive for commercial applications.
• Depleted uranium use faces regulatory restrictions and public perception issues.

Key Takeaways on High Density Tungsten Powder

• With density of 19 g/cm3, tungsten makes an extremely heavy and compact material.
• Major production routes are hydrogen reduction and thermal decomposition of tungsten oxides.
• Key applications leverage density for radiation shielding, projectiles, vibration damping, electrical contacts.
• Alloying with Ni, Co, Fe improves toughness and workability compared to pure tungsten.
• Leading mining and powder metallurgy companies offer various powder grades.
• Cost is higher than standard metals but lower than rare earths or precious metals.
• Compliance with international standards ensures suitability for industrial uses.

FAQs

Q: What is high density tungsten powder used for?

A: Main uses are radiation shielding, kinetic energy penetrators, counterweights, tire studs, electrical contacts, heat sinks, and vibration damping leveraging its very high density.

Q: Is tungsten powder toxic?

A: Tungsten powder is not highly toxic but inhalation of fine powders can pose a respiratory hazard requiring protective measures during handling.

Q: What is the difference between tungsten and tungsten carbide powder?

A: Tungsten carbide (WC) powder is extremely hard and wear resistant. Tungsten metal powder has higher toughness and thermal/electrical conductivity.

Q: How is tungsten powder made?

A: Major production methods are direct hydrogen reduction, thermal decomposition, plasma atomization, chemical reduction, and mechanical milling of tungsten oxides to tungsten powder.

Q: Why is high density tungsten used in military applications?

A: The extreme density makes tungsten ideal for armor piercing kinetic energy penetrators that rely on momentum transfer and resistant radiation shielding.

Q: What are some examples of tungsten alloys?

A: Common alloys include tungsten-nickel-iron, tungsten-nickel-copper, and tungsten-silver used when easier machining and forming is required.

Q: Is tungsten environmentally hazardous?

A: Tungsten metal itself has relatively low environmental risks but processing of ores and dust inhalation require proper controls and personal protection.

Q: What is nano tungsten powder?

A: Nano tungsten powders have ultra-fine particle sizes under 100 nm (0.1 microns). Nanostructure enhances strength, reactivity, sintering, and other properties.

Q: Is tungsten powder flammable or explosive?

A: Like most metals, tungsten powder itself is not flammable or explosive under normal conditions. But fine dust when mixed with air can pose a fire or explosion risk requiring precautions.

Q: Where is tungsten primarily mined?

A: China accounts for over 80% of global tungsten mine production, followed by Russia, Canada, Bolivia, Austria, and Portugal as leading producers.

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