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Tungsten uses

Cemented Carbides (Hardmetals)

Cemented carbides represent a group of hard and wear resistant refractory composites in which hard carbide particles are bound together or are “cemented” by a ductile and tough binder matrix. Although the term “cemented carbide” is still widely used, mainly in English-speaking countries, they are even better known internationally as hardmetals. Hardmetals combine the high hardness and strength of the tungsten carbide (WC) with the toughness and plasticity of a metallic binder (Co, Ni, Fe). About 60 % of the tungsten production worldwide is consumed by hardmetals. more>>

Tungsten in Steel

Tungsten as a carbide forming element contributes to the increased hardness and wear resistance and by grain refining also to higher toughness. more>>

Special Applications

The high temperature properties as well as the high density are responsible for the use of tungsten in various tungsten based alloys. The high hardness and high temperature properties of the respective tungsten carbides make them an important component in steels, stellites, superalloys and diamond tools. more>>

Lamp Industry

Tungsten filaments illuminated the world since the beginning of the 20 th century and do it still today. Tungsten electrodes are used for gas discharge lamps. more>>

Electronic & Electrical Industry

Due to tungsten’s outstanding high temperature properties and electron emission characteristics it finds very widespread uses in various devices. But also some tungsten compounds and composite materials are of importance in this field. more>>

Chemical Applications

Tungsten compounds are in use as various catalysts, pigments, paints, lubricants etc. more>>

Other Applications

Tungsten metal plays an important role in vacuum metallizing and in substituting poisonous lead and tungsten oxides in smart windows and optical glasses. more>>