Tungsten Heavy Metals (WNiFe/WNiCu)

High-Density Alloy with Shielding Capability

Tungsten heavy metal alloys (WSM) offer very high density, strength and dimensional stability. They also provide effective radiation shielding across a wide range of applications.

These alloys consist of tungsten combined with nickel and iron, or nickel and copper. Nickel improves ductility and machinability. Iron adds strength and magnetic properties. Copper increases corrosion resistance.

Compared to pure tungsten, WSM alloys offer significantly better machinability without compromising strength or stability.

Composition of Tungsten-Nickel-Copper

  • 74

    Tungsten

    W

    90% – 95%

  • 28

    Nickel

    Ni

    3.5% – 6%

  • 29

    Copper

    Cu

    1.5% – 4%

Composition of Tungsten-Nickel-Iron

  • 74

    Tungsten

    W

    90% – 97%

  • 28

    Nickel

    Ni

    2.1% – 7%

  • 26

    Iron

    Fe

    0.9% – 3%

Key Properties

  • Density

    At up to 18.5 g/cm³, tungsten heavy alloys achieve 95% of pure tungsten density while remaining machinable. This combination enables complex geometries for radiation shielding and counterweights that cannot be produced from pure tungsten using powder metallurgy.

  • Ductility

    The nickel-iron matrix significantly reduce brittle failure and enables measurable elongation at break. WSM components deform plastically before breaking, which increases safety in critical applications.

  • Magnetic Properties

    WNiFe alloys are ferromagnetic. The combination of high density and magnetic properties enables their use in magnetically guided systems such as damping elements, compact mass components, and precise positioning and holding systems.

  • Corrosion Resistance

    WNiCu alloys often show higher corrosion resistance than WNiFe due to their nickel-copper binder phase, especially in humid or marine environments. This makes them suitable for applications where long-term stability and low surface sensitivity are key requirements.

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Property

Unit

W90NiFe

W90NiCu

W92.5NiFe

W92.5NiCu

W95NiFe

W95NiCu

W97NiFe

Tensile strength (Rm)

MPa

750–1200

750–1400

720–1200

680–1000

Yield strength (Rp0.2)

MPa

517

517

517

517

Elongation at break (A)

%

5–30

5–25

3–15

2–10

Hardness (Rockwell)

HRC

24–32

25–33

25–34

30–35

Density at 20°C

g/cm³

16.85–17.25

17.15–17.85

17.75–18.35

18.25–18.85

Coefficient of linear expansion (20–300°C)

× 10⁻⁶ /K⁻¹

5.8

5.5

5.2

5.0

Thermal conductivity at 20°C

W/(m·K)

70/95

75/100

85/105

90/115

These figures represent minimum values, typical averages or defined tolerance ranges. If your application requires specific material characteristics such as defined thermal stability, increased mechanical strength or enhanced chemical resistance, we will develop a suitable variant in close cooperation with you. Get in touch to discuss your specifications.

Industrial Applications

Typical use cases for WSM in industrial environments

  • Medical Technology

    The high density of tungsten heavy alloys enables compact shielding with high absorption efficiency at minimal component thickness. They are therefore used in radiation protection components for X-ray and CT systems.

  • Aerospace

    Strength, dimensional stability and compact form make these alloys suitable for dynamically loaded mass elements such as counterweights, flywheels and vibration dampers.

  • Automotive Industry

    Their high mass inertia in a compact volume supports the stabilization of mechanical systems. Typical applications include counterweights in crankshafts and thermally loaded structural components.

  • Electronics and Electromechanics

    Thermal conductivity and stability under heat make WSM a good choice for heat sinks, contact interfaces and structural elements in high-power systems.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of a tungsten heavy metal rod involves several essential steps to ensure the desired material properties.

  • 1
    Step 1

    Powder metallurgy

    Tungsten trioxide (WO₃) or tungsten hexafluoride (WF₆) is reduced to pure tungsten powder.

  • 2
    Step 2

    Blending and milling

    The recovered tungsten powder is mixed, either dry or wet, with other metals such as nickel, iron or copper to achieve the desired density and strength.

  • 3
    Step 3

    Pressing

    The metal powder is compacted in molds to form the desired rod shape under high pressure, creating a dense and uniform structure.

  • 4
    Step 4

    Sintering

    The green compacts are first pre-sintered at 1200 to 1500 °C, during which the particles form a metallurgical bond. Final sintering follows at 2400 to 2600 °C, where the metal locally melts and forms a dense microstructure.

  • 5
    Step 5

    Heat treatment

    In some cases, rods undergo additional heat treatment to optimize mechanical properties through annealing, hardening, or tempering processes.

  • 6
    Step 6

    Grinding and polishing

    The sintered rods are ground and polished to achieve a smooth, uniform surface finish.

  • 7
    Step 7

    Quality control

    The entire production process is subject to rigorous quality control to ensure all material specifications are met.

  • 8
    Step 8

    Packaging and shipping

    Heavy tungsten alloy rods are packed using protective materials to prevent damage during transport.

This process ensures that tungsten heavy metal rods develop the material characteristics required for industrial use. These include high tensile strength, dimensional stability under load and combined resistance to wear, heat and mechanical stress.

Talk to Our Material Specialists

In close cooperation with you, we analyse your requirements, provide comprehensive guidance and find the solution that fits your process best.

Contact us