Tungsten carbide is a composite material formed by combining tungsten with carbon atoms. It is a dense metal used in everything from common household products to industrial equipment. However, the use of tungsten carbide is limited by its unique attributes, making tungsten an indispensable, naturally occurring, and rare metal on Earth.
Tungsten carbide is highly dense and hard, making it a perfect material for numerous industries. This informative article highlights the top 5 industrial applications of tungsten carbide.
Industrial Alloys
One of the best uses of a tungsten carbide metal is in creating industrial alloys. These alloys are engineered by combining two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, to enhance desirable physical and chemical properties. Thus, by altering the base metal’s atomic structure, these alloys provide superior strength, durability, and corrosion resistance.
Industrial alloys are used in electronics, construction projects, industrial gears, and even in aeronautical equipment. They are engineered to have specific properties, such as strength or heat resistance, that are necessary for each product’s intended use.
Tungsten carbide-based alloys are typically the preferred choice for construction materials and tools. However, about 17% of tungsten carbide is used to produce these industrial alloys.
Construction Industry
Construction work is done with hard tools and equipment, which are used to dig and remove hard surfaces without compromising the overall structural integrity. This is where tools made of tungsten carbide offer greater strength and toughness, enabling them to withstand the stresses of most structural materials.
For example, materials like cement and asphalt are difficult to cut with standard equipment because they require durable, high-strength blades. Tungsten carbide is commonly used in construction tools such as saws and drill bits because it is almost unbreakable.
The Milling Industry
According to online statistics, the global machine tools and cutting tools industry consumes approximately 35% to 45% of all tungsten carbide. In the milling industry, particularly for drilling applications, tungsten carbide typically accounts for 85% to 94% by weight, reflecting the highest use of tungsten in milling.
It is often used for mill inserts and end mills and can be easily molded to remain tough and strong. The milling industry uses tungsten carbide for its properties, including reliability, hardness, and durability.
Surgical Tools Production
With many uses in the manufacturing of construction and industrial tools, tungsten carbide is also used in the production of surgical tools. Tungsten carbide is used in manufacturing surgical tools because it enhances their performance and is corrosion-resistant.
Furthermore, its ability to be sharpened while maintaining hardness makes tungsten carbide well-suited for the surgical industry. This property also contributes to the tools’ longevity and strength.
Jewelry Industry
Tungsten carbide has begun to be used to make jewelry that lasts for years. However, if cut, crafted, and polished well, tungsten carbide jewelry can look as awesome as traditional jewelry. With its scratch resistance and durability, it is also one of the more affordable options compared to gold and silver jewelry.
Due to its durability, tungsten carbide has taken the jewelry industry by storm. The market is already saturated with tungsten carbide necklaces, earrings, and rings.
