1. Tungsten as an Alloying Element
Tungsten is used in iron and steel as an alloying element, introduced mainly through ferrotungsten, an iron-tungsten alloy. Tungsten is a refractory metal with a very high melting point, and in steel it increases hardness, wear resistance, red hardness and high-temperature strength. It is not added as pure metal but in alloy form, because the alloy dissolves more readily and gives predictable recovery.
2. Effects of Tungsten in Steel
Hardness and wear resistance: tungsten forms hard carbides that resist abrasion.
Red hardness: tungsten steels retain hardness at elevated temperature, which is essential for cutting tools.
Hardenability: tungsten improves the hardenability of the steel.
High-temperature strength: tungsten-bearing alloys retain strength in hot service.
3. Tungsten in Cast Iron
Tungsten is also used in some cast iron grades, especially wear-resistant alloy cast irons for heavy engineering. The tungsten addition increases hardness and wear resistance, supporting components such as rolls, dies and mill liners. The addition level is matched to the wear and temperature requirements of the component.
4. Main Applications
The largest application is tool steel: high-speed steel contains significant tungsten, which gives the cutting tools their hot hardness. Tungsten-alloyed steels are also used in hot-work tooling, wear-resistant parts, armor and specialty engineering components. Ferrotungsten is the standard way to introduce the element.
5. Ferrotungsten Grades and Quality
Ferrotungsten contains about 70 to 80% tungsten, with the balance iron and small amounts of carbon, silicon, sulfur and phosphorus. Buyers should verify the tungsten content and impurity limits, select the size by the addition method, and compare prices on the delivered cost per unit of tungsten. The certificate of analysis should report the full composition per batch.
6. FAQ
Q1: Is tungsten used in iron? Yes, tungsten is added to steel and cast iron through ferrotungsten to improve hardness, wear resistance and high-temperature strength.
Q2: How is tungsten added to steel? Through ferrotungsten, an iron-tungsten alloy containing about 70 to 80% tungsten.
Q3: What does tungsten do in steel? It increases hardness, wear resistance, red hardness and high-temperature strength.
Q4: Where is tungsten steel used? In high-speed steel, hot-work tooling, wear-resistant parts and specialty engineering components.
Q5: Is tungsten used in cast iron? Yes, in wear-resistant alloy cast irons for rolls, dies and mill liners.
Q6: What should buyers check? The tungsten content, impurity limits, size and the certificate of analysis per batch.
