Metals & alloys · Refractory & special metals
Tungsten heavy alloy (W–Ni–Fe)
A liquid-phase-sintered composite containing a high volume fraction of tungsten particles in a ductile nickel–iron matrix, combining very high density with machinability.
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01
Overview
- Material class
- Metals & alloys
- Category
- Refractory & special metals
- Family
- Tungsten Heavy Alloy
- Product forms
- Powder/feedstock
Composition
| Constituent | Min | Max | Typical | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | 90 | 97 | 93 | |
| Ni | 2 | 7 | 4.5 | |
| Fe | 1 | 4 | 2.5 |
02
Properties and conditions
Engineering properties
| Property | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 17.0–18.6 | g/cm³ | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Elastic modulus | 300–360 | GPa | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Yield strength | 550–1000 | MPa | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Tensile strength | 750–1100 | MPa | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Elongation | 3–25 | % | grade/heat treatment dependent |
| Radiation attenuation | high | density driven |
Conditions
Representative supplied condition
Condition not fully specified in the source record.
03
Processing and use
Processing
- Sintering atmosphere and post-sinter heat treatment control matrix toughness.
- Nickel/iron ratio changes strength and magnetic response.
Applications
- Counterweights
- Radiation collimators
- Kinetic-energy penetrators
- Vibration dampers
Selection considerations
- Density and ductility must be balanced; brittle intergranular fracture can occur after contamination.
- Use controlled machining for heavy components.
Open in an analysis tool
04
Standards and related materials
Standards and designations
| System | Designation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM | B777 | |
| AMS | 7725 / 7729 | selected grades |
05
Sources and context
Sources
- ASTM B777Existing reference
- USGS tungsten commodity summaryExisting reference
- U.S. Department of Energy critical materials programStrategic reference
Confirm the applicable specification, product form and condition before using values for design or procurement.
Supply and sustainability
Tungsten concentrate and powder supply are geographically concentrated; qualified powder metallurgy is specialized.
Tungsten has strong recycling incentives from tooling and heavy-alloy scrap.
Strategic context
High-density structural and shielding material for defence, aerospace balancing and radiation systems.
Critical inputs: Tungsten, Nickel
Basis: EU Critical Raw Materials Act (2024); USGS 2025 Critical Minerals List; US DOE Critical Materials Assessment (2023)