Tungsten Nickel Copper Alloy Properties & Applications

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Tungsten Nickel Copper Alloy Properties & Applications

Tungsten nickel-copper alloy (W-Ni-Cu alloy) refers to an important group of tungsten-based heavy alloys. It is an alloy in which nickel and copper are added to tungsten and other metal elements are added on this basis. In general, nickel accounts for 6% of the alloy, and copper accounts for 4% of the alloy, which is generally produced by the powder metallurgy method. In this article, let’s take a look at the properties and applications of the tungsten-nickel-copper alloy.

The Physical Properties of the Tungsten-Nickel-Copper Alloy

Tungsten-nickel-copper high specific gravity alloy is a kind of alloy that uses tungsten as the matrix (W content 85-99%) and is added with elements such as Ni, Cu, Co, Mo, Cr, and so on.

According to alloy composition characteristics and uses, it can be divided into W-Ni-Fe, W-Ni-Cu, W-Co, W-WC-Cu, W-Ag, and other main series. Its density is as high as 16.5 ~ 19.0 grams per cubic centimeter, so it is known as a high specific gravity alloy. Its excellent properties are mainly reflected in the following aspects: 

1. High Specific Gravity

In general, the specific gravity of the W-Ni-Cu alloy is 16.5～18.75gram per cubic centimeter.

2. High Strength

The tensile strength of the W-Ni-Cu alloy is 700～1000MPa.

3. Strong Radiation Absorption Ability

The ability of the W-Ni-Cu alloy to absorb radiation is 30-40% higher than that of lead. Compared with the toxicity of lead, this alloy is environmentally friendly.

4. Large Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of the W-Ni-Cu alloy is 5 times that of die steel.

5. Low Thermal Expansion Coefficient

The thermal expansion coefficient of the W-Ni-Cu alloy is small, only 1/2～1/3 that of iron or steel.

6. Non-ferromagnetic 

Compared with tungsten-nickel-iron alloy, tungsten-nickel-copper alloy enjoys a unique anti-interference advantage in the field sensitive to the magnetic environment.

7. In addition, the tungsten-nickel copper alloy has good conductivity, good weldability, and workability.

The Applications of the Tungsten-Nickel-Copper Alloy

In view of the above-mentioned excellent properties of tungsten-nickel-copper high specific gravity alloy, it is widely used in aerospace, aviation, military, oil drilling, medicine, and other fields. 

In addition, because such alloys are non-ferromagnetic and have relatively good electrical and thermal conductivity, they are often used in occasions with special requirements, such as gyroscope rotor and other parts and components of devices and instruments that require working under the magnetic field, and the electrical contacts of high-voltage electrical switches and some electrodes for electrical processing.

Conclusion 

Thank you for reading our article, and we hope you’ve enjoyed it. If you want to know more about tungsten nickel-copper alloy properties and applications, we would like to recommend you to visit Advanced Refractory Metals (ARM) for more information.

Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, USA, Advanced Refractory Metals (ARM) is a leading manufacturer & supplier of refractory metals across the world. It provides customers with high-quality refractory metals and alloys such as tungsten, W-Ni-Cu alloy, molybdenum, tantalum, rhenium, titanium, and zirconium at a very competitive price.