Tungsten powder is a dense powder metal valued for its very high melting point, hardness, wear resistance and high-temperature strength. This article provides an overview of tungsten metal powders, manufacturing methods, grades, applications and leading タングステン金属粉サプライヤー.
Overview of Tungsten Metal Powder
Tungsten metal powder, also known as tungsten carbide or simply tungsten powder, is composed of microfine particles of pure elemental tungsten metal or an alloy containing tungsten. Key properties include:
- Extremely high melting point of 3422°C
- Density almost twice that of steel
- Hardness close to diamond
- Excellent wear and erosion resistance
Tungsten powder is available in various grades based on purity, chemistry, particle size distribution and morphology. Custom alloys contain cobalt, nickel, iron or copper to enhance properties.
Tungsten Powder Types
| タイプ | 説明 | 特徴 |
|---|---|---|
| 純タングステン | Elemental tungsten 99.9% purity | Highest melting point, density, stiffness |
| Tungsten carbide | Tungsten carbide-cobalt cermet | Extreme hardness and wear resistance |
| Heavy alloys | Tungsten alloys with nickel, copper etc. | High-density ballast applications |
Tungsten Powder Properties
| プロパティ | 純タングステン | 炭化タングステン |
|---|---|---|
| 密度 (g/cc) | 19.3 | 15.63 |
| 融点 | 3422℃ | 2870°C (decomposes) |
| モース硬度 | 7.5 | 8.5-9.5 |
| 強度 (MPa) | 550 | 700-2000 |
タングステンパウダー仕様
Tungsten powder is available in different particle sizes, size distributions, shapes and purity levels based on the production process and final application requirements.
| パラメータ | レンジ |
|---|---|
| 粒子径 | 0.5 – 15 microns |
| タップ密度 | 3-12 g/cc |
| 見かけ密度 | >50% of true density |
| 純度 | 99.9% to 99.995% |
| 酸素含有量 | <100 - 1000 ppm |
| 炭素含有量 | <100 - 500 ppm |
Production Methods for Tungsten Powder
The extreme high temperature properties of tungsten require specialized powder production techniques under inert atmospheres. The main methods include:
1.水素還元
Tungsten ores are reacted with hydrogen gas to produce tungsten powder. It generates irregular angular powders suitable for pressing or additive manufacturing.
2. Thermal Plasma Spheroidization
Irregular tungsten powder feedstock is injected into a thermal plasma jet to create fully dense, spherical powders ideal for additive manufacturing, thermal spray, MIM etc.
3. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
Ultrafine tungsten powders with particle sizes below one micron and high purity levels are produced via tungsten hexafluoride in a CVD reactor.
Tungsten Powder Manufacturing Methods
| 方法 | 粒子形状 | Solid Density | サイズ範囲 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 水素還元 | 不規則、角張っている | 低い | 1～10ミクロン |
| プラズマ球状化 | 球形 | 高い | 10-100 microns |
| Chemical Vapor Deposition | 球形 | ミディアム | 0.05-1 micron |
Applications of Tungsten Metal Powder
The unique properties like high density, hardness, melting point and conductivity make tungsten metal powders suitable for:
エレクトロニクス
- Vibration motor weights
- Mobile device components
- 放射線遮蔽
- 熱管理
軍事・防衛
- 放射線遮蔽
- Kinetic energy penetrators
- Warhead liners
- Aerospace counterweights
自動車
- Tire studs
- Engine and drivetrain components
エネルギー
- Nuclear fuel pellets
- 電気接点
製造業
- Wear resistant tooling
- 高温炉部品
アディティブ・マニュファクチャリング
- ヒートシンク
- 放射線遮蔽
- Aerospace and motorsports
Global タングステン金属粉サプライヤー
The complex production and hazardous handling requirements mean only a few specialist producers manufacture tungsten metal powders globally.
Leading tungsten powder suppliers include:
バッファロー・タングステン
Founded: 1931
Headquarters: Depew, New York USA
- Products: Tungsten powders, parts, and wires
- Production capacity: Not disclosed
- Markets served: Aerospace, medical, electronics, lighting
HC Starck Tungsten Powders
Founded: 1966
Headquarters: Munich, Germany
- Products: Pure tungsten, tungsten carbide, tungsten alloys
- Production capacity: Largest western producer
- Markets served: Automotive, manufacturing, oil and gas, chemicals
Global Tungsten & Powders
Founded: 1997 from Teledyne group
Headquarters: Towanda, Pennsylvania USA
- Products: Pure tungsten, tungsten oxide powders
- Production capacity: Not disclosed
- Markets served: Electronics, lighting, aviation, medical
GuangDong XiangLu Tungsten
Founded: 1997
Headquarters: Ganzhou, China
- Products: Tungsten powder and tungsten products
- Production capacity: Leading Chinese supplier
- Markets served: Automotive, construction, industrial
H.C.スタルク・ソリューションズ
Founded: 1966 as subsidiary of H.C. Starck Group
Headquarters: Newton, Massachusetts USA
- Products: Refractory metal powders including tungsten
- Production capacity: Range of atomizer sizes
- Markets served: Electronics, industrial, medical
Midwest Tungsten Service
Founded: 1983
Headquarters: Willowbrook, Illinois USA
- Products: Tungsten alloys and heavy metal blends
- Production capacity: Small batches
- Markets served: Defense, aviation, energy, motorsports
Nippon Tungsten Co. Ltd
Founded: 1936
Headquarters: Toyama, Japan
- Products: Tungsten powder and mill products
- Production capacity: Not disclosed
- Markets served: Japanese domestic manufacturing
プランゼー
Founded: 1921
Headquarters: Reutte, Austria
- Products: Molybdenum, tungsten mill products and powders
- Production capacity: Leading global consolidator
- Markets served: Electronics, lighting, medical, industrial
Tungsten Powder Pricing
| サプライヤー | 製品 | 粒子径 | 価格 |
|---|---|---|---|
| バッファロー・タングステン | 純タングステン | 1～10ミクロン | $50/lb |
| スタルクHC | Tungsten carbide | 0.5-3 microns | $50/lb |
| Global Tungsten | 純タングステン | 1 micron | $175/kg |
| XiangLu Tungsten | タングステン粉 | 1～10ミクロン | $30/kg |
Tungsten and tungsten carbide powders demand premium pricing due to hazardous production methods and specialized applications. Significant volume discounts apply.
選択 タングステン金属粉サプライヤー
Key factors in selecting a tungsten powder vendor:
技術的専門知識
- Experience handling refractory metal powders
- Staff scientists and engineers that understand applications
- Ability to customize alloys and particles
品質と一貫性
- Stringent quality control procedures
- Documentation and certifications
- Ensure batch-to-batch repeatability
Inventory
- Quickly ship common grades from stock
- Minimum order quantities may apply
価格
- Typical $50-175 per kg for powder
- Larger quantities receive discounted pricing
Hazmat Compliance
- Tungsten powder shipments require DG classification
- Proper labeling, containment and paperwork
Work closely with prospective suppliers and get test samples before committing to understand their capabilities fully.
Tungsten vs. Alternative Powder Metals
Tungsten vs. Tantalum
Similar high melting point but tungsten is harder and has higher wear resistance. Tantalum more ductile and expensive due to rarity. Both used in electronics and alloying applications.
Tungsten vs. Lead
Lead cheaper but toxic while tungsten eco-friendly alternative for weighting applications. Higher strength lead alloys approach tungsten in density. Lead melts easily unlike tungsten’s extreme resistance.
Tungsten vs. Gold
Gold extremely expensive precious metal. Tungsten used since WW1 as heavy substitute for gold electroplating in counterfeiting coins. Similar density allows tungsten to mimic the feel of gold.
Tungsten vs. Depleted Uranium
Depleted uranium ~40% denser but low-level radioactivity limits applications. Tungsten suitable non-hazardous alternative for radiation shielding and defense uses. Cheaper, easier to handle.
Tungsten vs. Platinum
Platinum higher melting point than tungsten but costs thousands per ounce. Tungsten an affordable substitute for high-temperature electrical contacts to replace costly platinum group metals.
よくあるご質問
Q: What is the difference between tungsten metal powder and tungsten carbide powder?
A: Pure tungsten metal powder is elemental tungsten whereas cemented tungsten carbide is a composite of tungsten carbide particles bonded together by cobalt. Carbide grades focus on extreme hardness.
Q: What hazards are associated with tungsten powder handling?
A: Tungsten fine powder can combust spontaneously in air forming explosive mixtures. Strict inert atmosphere protocols are mandatory. Water contact produces volatile hydrogen gas. Respirators required to prevent lung tissue damage.
Q: What particle size tungsten powder is best suited for additive manufacturing?
A: For binder jetting processes, fine tungsten powder from 5-50 microns with spherical morphology and high powder flow is ideal. For laser-based printers, 10-100+ micron powder is commonly used.
Q: What postprocessing is used on additively manufactured tungsten parts?
A: Sintering followed by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) helps achieve maximum density and uniform fine-grained microstructure. Additional heat treatments, machining and finishing may be used per application requirements.
Q: How are tungsten and its alloys joined to other components?
A: Brazing is commonly used to join tungsten parts using silver-based and copper-based alloys. Diffusion bonding and adhesive bonding are alternate methods. Welding requires specialized techniques due to contamination concerns.
