Tungsten (W), also known as Wolfram, is a heavy metallic element. Tungsten is derived from the Swedish words tung sten meaning heavy stone. It has the highest melting point of all metals and a density of 19.25g/cm3, which makes it one of the heaviest metals. Tungsten is usually mined underground and found primarily in scheelite and wolframite ore.
Cemented carbides (hardmetals) are made by cementing tungsten monocarbide grains in a cobalt or nickel alloy binder matrix by the process of liquid phase sintering. This produces a material which combines the hardness and strength of metallic carbides with the toughness and plasticity of metal alloy.
Cemented tungsten carbide is used to provide wear protection on the surfaces of machinery and tool parts and in the production of PCD (polycrystalline diamond) and synthetic industrial diamonds. It is utilised in drilling, tunnelling, mining, trenching, exploratory and agricultural applications.
HMI offers a range of tungsten carbide products for various applications. Contact us to discuss your tungsten carbide requirements.