Tungsten Copper Block

Tungsten copper block is made by the material of tungsten and copper, the manufacturring process is pressed tungsten at high temperature, and then infiltrating with copper.
The physical properties of both tungsten and copper make them not mutually soluble, meaning that one cannot be combined with the other, similar to the way oil and water will not mix. The alloy is made by dispersing the particles of one metal into a matrix or crystallized pattern of another. This makes tungsten copper's "micro-structure" or molecular shape that of a metal matrix composite and not of a true alloy.
Tungsten copper is a copper and tungsten alloy that is used to conduct heat and electricity. Tungsten copper consists of 10 to 50 percent of its weight in copper and the remaining portion is made out of tungsten. The lower the copper content, the higher its density and hardness is.
Tungsten copper block advantage.Tungsten Copper Block (WCu80) remains some good characters of tungsten and copper with good high-temperature endurance, reliable electronic arc burning & corrosion endurance, high specific gravity and strong intensity. Tungsten copper block could be used as contacts of high or medium voltage switcher, radiator of electronic components, electronic emission materials, welding electrodes, home appliance and spare parts for clocks.
Tungsten copper block applications: Tungsten copper block could be widely used in the fields of machinery, electric power, electron, metallurgy, aviation and spaceflight. We used HIP molding plant - high temperature sintered tungsten matrix - copper-impregnated technology, can produce copper for 6-50% of the various pieces of large or profiled, the tungsten-copper alloy material we produced has characteristics of high-density, high thermal conductivity, high strength and hardness, low resistivity, low thermal expansion coefficient and easy machining etc, and has excellent performance in areas of the burning arc of resistance, anti-welded and corrosion resistance.

Tungsten Copper EDM and ECM

Tungsten copper products are usualy used as electrodes in EDM & ECM. The characteristics of the tungsten and copper make the products excellent EDM electrode materials. Tungsten copper alloy have excellent wear resistance, good material removal rates and the ability to retain good detail. They are particularly suited for machining Tungsten Carbides as other electrode materials may be inadequate. Tungsten copper is used for ECM electrodes because it conducts high current & resists deformation & abrasion from the high velocity movement of the electrolyte. Tungsten copper alloy is manufactured by the press, sinter, and infiltrate process; adhering to strict quality checks every step of the way. You can rely on the quality of our tungsten composites to provide consistent, homogeneous materials that yield high and even burning rates.
EDM is a machining method primarily used for hard metals or those that would be impossible to machine with traditional techniques. One critical limitation, however, is that EDM only works with materials that are electrically conductive. EDM or Electrical Discharge Machining, is especially well-suited for cutting intricate contours or delicate cavities that would be difficult to produce with a grinder, an end mill or other cutting tools. Metals that can be machined with EDM include hastalloy, hardened tool-steel, titanium, carbide, inconel and kovar.
EDM is sometimes called "spark machining" because it removes metal by producing a rapid series of repetitive electrical discharges. These electrical discharges are passed between an electrode and the piece of metal being machined. The small amount of material that is removed from the work piece is flushed away with a continuously flowing fluid. The repetitive discharges create a set of successively deeper craters in the work piece until the final shape is produced.

What Is Tungsten Copper Used For?

Properties
Tungsten copper materials conduct heat efficiently without the excessive expansion that would present problems when mounted to other materials. Copper by itself has high thermal expansion properties, making it unsuitable for such applications unless combined with a material such as tungsten.
Powder Form
Tungsten and copper do not form an alloy because their melting temperatures are very different. The composite material is instead made by mixing metal powders. They are then heated and injected into a mold for heat-sink manufacture.
Heat Sinks
Heat sinks are used to conduct heat away from computer chips and integrated circuits, preventing thermal damage. Depending on the electronic device, heat sinks come in different sizes and shapes. Tungsten-copper composites, with copper content (by weight) of 15 to 20 percent, are often used to make heat sinks.

Tungsten Copper Electrode

Tungsten copper electrode is combined by tungsten and copper, which owns the properties of tungsten and copper. Tungsten copper electrode have good resistance to arc erosion, mechanical wear, contact welding and good conductivity. When switching with moderate contact arcing, the tungsten copper electrode with a high copper content may give the lowest erosion. As arcing severity increases, the tungsten copper with the higher refractory content withstand arc erosion better. Tungsten copper electrode is also used as arcing edges of selector switchblades in transformer tap changers.
Tungsten copper electrode is a good use of high-purity tungsten metal powder and high purity characteristics of the plasticity of copper powder, the advantages of high conductivity, the static pressure molding, high temperature sintering, melting refined copper from the process of composite materials. Tungsten copper electrode owns arc off a good performance, good thermal conductivity, thermal expansion of small, high-temperature non-softening, high-intensity, high-density, high hardness.

Platypus Minerals farming into Pilbara Tungsten Copper Heat Sink

Platypus Minerals is farming into the E45/3326 tenement in the East Pilbara, Western Australia, that hosts the Gobbos tungsten copper heat sink.
Gobbos is a strongly defined Archaean copper-porphyry prospect marked by coincident geological, geochemical and geophysical signatures on the northern flank of the McPhee Dome in the Pilbara Craton with copper mineralisation initially identified in 1966.
Costean sampling in 1987 yielded 13 metres at 4.28% copper, 110ppm molybdenum and 81 grams per tonne silver while prior surface sampling returned up to 41%, 29 ounce per tonne silver and 0.6% molybdenum from gossan.
The copper-molybdenum mineralisation is contained within a 1.5 kilometre by 1 kilometre copper-in-soil anomaly.
Despite being recognised since the early 1970s the most prospective targets have yet to be drilled.
Gobbos is a relatively simple exploration target that is effectively drill-ready, pending routine due dilligence, including mapping and verification of past sampling results.
E45/3326 also contains the Cyclops Nickel Prospect.
This is defined by four distinct helicopter-borne VTEM nickel anomalies within basement ultramafic rocks beneath outcropping basalts and shales.
These anomalies potentially represent massive sulphide deposits and would require confirmation by ground based surveys ahead of drilling.
Platypus is earning up to a 75% interest in the permit, which hosts the Gobbos Copper Prospect, by sole funding up to $1 million in exploration expenditure from Gondwana Resources.
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What is tungsten copper alloy block

Tungsten copper alloy block is an alloy that is made by pressing tungsten or tungsten carbide, sintering the pressed tungsten at a high temperature, and then infiltrating it with copper. Sintering is a metallurgic process by which a metallic powder is made into a coherent mass by heating without melting.

The physical properties of both tungsten and copper make them not mutually soluble, meaning that one cannot be combined with the other, similar to the way oil and water will not mix. The alloy is made by dispersing the particles of one metal into a matrix or crystallized pattern of another. This makes tungsten copper's "micro-structure" or molecular shape that of a metal matrix composite and not of a true alloy.

What is tungsten copper alloy rod

Tungsten copper alloy rod is a combination of tungsten and copper. Tungsten copper alloy rod also called copper tungsten alloy rod. Tungsten copper alloy rod combines the excellent properties of tungsten and copper, such as high density, high thermal conductivity, strength and rigidity, low electric resistivity and thermal expansion coefficient, electric-erosion resistance, etc. For their excellent properties, tungsten copper alloy rods are widely used as switch contacts of high voltage electrical equipment, throat gasket of rocket, electrodes in electric spark and EDM etc.
Tungsten copper alloy is the composite of tungsten and copper, which own the excellent performances of tungsten and copper, such as heat-resistant, ablate-resistant, high-intensity, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Tungsten copper alloy is easy to be machined. Tungsten copper alloy is used widely in such industries as engine, electrical power, electron, metallurgy, spaceflight and aviation.

Tungsten Copper Alloy Rod for Welding Electrode

Tungsten copper alloy rod, a combination of the advantages of tungsten and copper, high temperature resistance, electric arc ablation, high intensity, than the major, conductive, thermal conductivity, and ease of machining, and it has features such as cold sweating, as with tungsten’s high hardness, high melting point, anti-adhesion characteristics, often used to do welding electrode. Tungsten copper alloy rod combines the properties of both metals, resulting in a material that is heat-resistant, ablation-resistant, highly thermally and electrically conductive, and easy to machine.

Tungsten copper is widely used as high-pressure, super-hydraulic switch and circuit breaker contact, protection ring for electric upsetting anvil block of material, conductive arc welding, plasma cutting nozzles, welding machines, welding head for welding , roll welding wheels, electrode and the point of sealing gas Mao spark electrodes, spot welding, butt welding materials.

How Tungsten Copper Competes in Global Markets

Introduction to Global Tungsten Copper Material Consumption

In CY 2013 Paumanok Publications, Inc. estimates that approximately four million pounds (avoirdupois weight) of tantalum materials will be consumed in the global market, a low point in both the supply and demand for this unique and important metal. At the point of sale, more than half of the tantalite is converted into engineered powder, while the majority of the remainder is sold as metallurgical products and a small amount is consumed in fine chemicals for laboratory and special industrial usage (according to Paumanok estimates).

Competition Among Industries for Tungsten Copper Metal

Competition for tantalum by industry can be intense because of its narrow supply chain, of the four million pounds consumed in 2013, about 50% of demand will be dictated by the electronics industry; primarily in the form of anode for capacitor and in the form of semiconductor targets which are sputtered to form a diffusion layer for use in the semiconductor manufacturing process. The remaining 50% of tantalum demand comes from industries that are niche and fragmented but collectively quite significant; and include alloy additives, industrial processing, cemented carbides, fine chemicals and some additional specialty product lines.

The Challenging Supply Chain

Over the past 36 months, key hard and soft rock mining operations for tantalite have been either idled or permanently closed in Australia, Canada, Mozambique and Ethiopia; leaving the majority of demand to be satisfied by artisanal sources in South America and Central Africa; from recycled metal or from existing stockpiles throughout the supply chain. This scenario creates a balanced supply chain, only in weak economic conditions, however, any sudden upturn in the global economy, an upturn impacting both the professional electronics markets and the metallurgical end-use segments, would place a strain on the supply chain, and upset the delicate supply/demand balance currently in place. Any supply chain disruption resulting from an increase in demand from an improving global economy would create competition for tantalum among the following end-use market segments.

Health Risk from High Tungsten Copper Levels

A study conducted by scientists at the University of Exeter in the UK suggests that high levels of tungsten in the body could double the risk of suffering a stroke.

Published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, the research used data from the US based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, analysing information for 8614 participants aged between 18 and 74 over a 12 year period.

Higher tungsten levels were found to be strongly associated with an increase in the prevalence of stroke, independent of typical risk factors. The findings show that tungsten could be a significant risk factor for stroke in people under the age of 50.

Recent years have seen a significant increase in the demand and supply of tungsten, which is commonly used in consumer products such as mobile phones and computers, as well as a number of industrial and military products. During its production, small amounts of the metal can be deposited in the environment, eventually making their way into water systems and onto agricultural land. 

"Whilst currently very low, human exposure to tungsten is set to increase,” said lead author of the research, Dr Jessica Tyrrell, of the University of Exeter medical school's European Centre for Environment and Human Health.

Copper tungsten projects in Tasmania

Elementos is now set to advance exploration activities in Tasmania, with a placement to strategic investors priced at $0.02, which will raise $1.3 million.
The funds will be allocated to the Cleveland tin-copper and tungsten projects, which includes the environmental permitting process which is scheduled to be completed in December 2013 for the mine de-watering and tailings retreatment project.
The placement will also allow for the Pre-Feasibility Study to redevelop the underground tin-copper mine, and acquisition payments for the remaining 50% interest in the Cleveland project exploration license.
The Cleveland project area covers the northern margins and metamorphic aureole of the Meredith Granite, which is part of a suite of Devonian granites which are associated with numerous world class tin deposits in the province.
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Resources makes new tungsten copper discoveries at Jervois

KGL Resources has intersected significant widths of near-surface copper mineralisation from exploration drilling at the Jervois copper-silver-gold project in the Northern Territory.

KGL Resources is aiming to increase the overall scale of the potential multi-metal mining project at Jervois as part of a Pre-Feasibility Study currently being undertaken.

The latest discoveries were made at the Rockface and Morley prospects.

Highlights from Rockface include: 9 metres at 1.21% copper, 4.1g/t silver, 0.03g/t gold from 105 metres; and - 24 metres at 1.47% copper, 3.5g/t silver, 0.04g/t gold from 160 metres.

The Rockface results are very significant in that the intersections are wide, near surface and between two large chargeability anomalies. Mineralisation is outcropping at surface.

Importantly, mineralisation remains open at depth and along strike.

The 2,000 metre drilling campaign intersected copper at the targeted Rockface and Morley Prospects, with the results including significant high grade, near surface intervals and the presence of copper in what is a 2 kilometre long IP anomaly.

Jervois current hosts an Indicated and Inferred Resource of 13.5 million tonnes at 1.3% copper and 25.8g/t silver for 170,415 tonnes copper and 11.6 million ounces silver at a (0.5% copper cutoff), and 69,000 ounces gold, 26,000 tonnes lead and 22,000 tonnes zinc.

Simon Milroy, managing director

“We are delighted with the first results from our exploration program at Jervois, focusing on previously undrilled targets Rockface and Morley.

"The results justify our strategy of seeking to increase the already substantial Resource base at Jervois for the current Feasibility Studies."

KGL is now preparing further drilling to follow-up along strike both to the east and west of the recent intersections, with the program to also target the strong IP anomaly located on strike and 200 metres east to the recent intersections.

Morley

Two holes were drilled at Central Morley to test for mineralisation associated with the recently identified IP anomaly.

Hole KJC002 was the shallower of two holes drilled in the central portion of Morley that intersected: 2 metres at 0.96% copper, 3g/t silver, 0.02g/t gold from 57 metres. Further down this hole at the 77 metre mark, a 2 metre wide zone of tungsten mineralisation was intersected at 0.55% tungsten.

Adding further interest to Jervois, historical drilling at the project have intersected zones of tungsten mineralisation that are often associated with the copper mineralisation and the potential of tungsten to generate additional by-products is being assessed as part of the Pre-Feasibility Study.

Analysis

KGL Resources is currently trading at close to cash-backing, with a market cap. of just $12 million and cash of $10.6 million at the end of September.

A sale of the Murchison gold project, currently on care and maintenance, is an asset with a defined gold resource and valution which would further increase the company’s cash reserves and underpin its under-valuation.

Which is underscored by the resource at Jervois which hosts an Indicated and Inferred Resource of 170,415 tonnes copper, 11.6 million ounces silver 69,000 ounces gold, 26,000 tonnes lead and 22,000 tonnes zinc.

The resource can only increase as the company continues to intersect broad zones of plus 1% copper mineralisation.

In terms of catalysts, KGL is working toward completing the Pre-Feasibility Study in the first half of 2014, which subject to the result, will be followed by a full Feasibility Study.

Peru's copper tungsten, silver, zinc production rise

Peru's metallic mineral production in July posted an increase in copper, silver, zinc and molybdenum, while gold, lead, tin, iron ore and tungsten fell, the mines and energy ministry reported.

Copper output rose 13.7% to 124,961t on gains at Glencore Xstrata's Tintaya-Antapaccay mine, Antamina and Buenaventura's El Brocal unit, the ministry said in a report posted on its website. Production fell at Southern Copper down 4%, and Freeport McMoRan's Cerro Verde (-7%).

Zinc (113,152t) and silver (306,056kg) output were also up compared to the year-ago month by 4.8% and 1.9%, respectively, the ministry said. Molybdenum rose 11% to 1,688t.

Gold output fell 4.2% to 442oz, while iron ore dropped 6.8% year-on-year to 575,144t as production dropped at Peru's only iron ore mine, operated by Chinese-owned Shougang. Lead fell 6% to 22,033t.

Tin production at Minsur slid 1% to 1,872t in July, while tungsten production was down 91% due to the suspension of the country's only tungsten mine, Malaga's Pasto Bueno due to an accident last year.

Through the first seven months of 2013, Peru's copper (+4.3%), zinc (+7.6%), lead (+2.4%), silver (+1.4%) and iron ore (+12.1%) production rose, while gold (-10.7%), tin (-14.7%) and molybdenum (-11.5%) were down.

Minerals account for approximately 60% of Peru's total exports.

Minerals permit surprises locals--Tungsten Copper

A 20sq km block at Kauri Mountain near Whangarei Heads is the latest area in Northland to fall under the blanket of a minerals exploration permit.

New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZPM) has granted an exploration permit on 2026ha from the northern end of Ocean Beach to Awahoa Bay (south of Taiharuru Bay, or McGregors Bay).

The grab-bag permit issued to Hauraki Gold Ltd on October 8 covers minerals including gold, lead, copper, silver, tungsten, nickel, ironsand, iron, aluminium, zinc, magnesium, and tin.

The list also includes the rare, hard, corrosion resistant metal tantalum, several rare earths used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and other manufacturing.

Zac Smith, whose waterfront land along the Kauri Mountain end of Ocean Beach is completely swallowed in the permit, first read about it on the internet. Mr Smith said he is not happy about the process which had excluded landowners.

"They've never been near me, no letter, no permission, and I can't do anything about it legally," he said.

Some other local landowners were unaware of the permit's existence until contacted by the Advocate.

Murray Jagger knew nothing about the latest development but said talk of minerals exploration had been floating around for "many, many years". Various forms of mining had taken place in the distant past with local sites still named accordingly, such as Copper Mine, he said.

Mr Jagger said he was not overly concerned at the idea of low impact exploration but would like more information on the plans.

New Whangarei District councillor and chairman of Bream Head Conservation Trust, Greg Innes had also known nothing about the permit. Mr Innes said the land in question fell outside the Bream Head trust's area but was within the Whangarei Heads Landcare Forum's scope.

New Zealand registered Hauraki Gold was set up in 2009. One director, David Cole, who lives in Colorado, USA, is also a director and the chief executive of Canadian trading company Eurasian Minerals.

Hauraki Gold is a totally owned subsidiary of EMX New Zealand (BVI) Inc.

Tungsten-Copper-Machining

The principal Tungsten/Copper alloys contain from 2% to 45% copper by weight. The addition of copper increases the thermal conductivity of the alloy while reducing the hardness and modulus of rupture.
The machining and grinding characteristics of tungsten/copper alloys are similar to those of hard grey cast iron. Being non-porous, standard water soluble coolants may be used if desired, but are not required. Each machine shop usually has its individual machining or grinding practice and, therefore, the information presented should be considered as a guide only.
Tool: Carballoy, grade 883 or equivalent. Grind tools with 0 deg. rake, 8-12 deg. clearance, and .010" to .025" nose radius. The nose radius can increase with the size of the work. For fine finish, stone small flat on tool parallel to work. Suggest resting stone on work when honing tool.
Turning & Boring: Roughing, approximately .030" deep and .020" per revolution feed. Finishing, .002" to.005" depth of cut and .001" to .002" per revolution feed. Turning speed, 300-500 surface feet per minute. Do not use lubricant or coolant.
Shaping: Tool Speed: 43" per minute for Tungsten-Copper 25% alloy.
Depth of Cut: .030"
Feed: .020" per stroke
Milling: Drilling High Speed steel drills and taps may be used.
Through Tapping: Holes are recommended. Material must be firmly held. Hand feed-lubricant and cutting oil acceptable.
Rough Grinding: Is best done with 80 grit resin bonded wheels of medium hardness; .015" per pass on Tungsten-Copper 25% alloy. Use water or water soluble oil coolant.
Joining: Material may be silver brazed, or copper brazed in a hydrogen atmosphere.
We hope the preceding information will be helpful.

Tungsten Copper Alloy

Midwest Tungsten Service specializes in high quality tungsten copper alloys. We stock alloy as rod, bar, plate and sheet. MTS will custom machine parts to your specifications.

Tungsten copper alloy

Advantages

High arc resistance combined with good electrical conductivity

High thermal conductivity

Low thermal expansion 

Applications

Contacts in high voltage breakers and vacuum interruptors

Electrodes in spark erosion cutting equipment

Heat sinks in electronic devices

Electrodes for resistance welding

Tungsten Copper Machining

The principal Tungsten/Copper alloys contain from 2% to 45% copper by weight. The addition of copper increases the thermal conductivity of the alloy while reducing the hardness and modulus of rupture.

The machining and grinding characteristics of tungsten/copper alloys are similar to those of hard grey cast iron. Being non-porous, standard water soluble coolants may be used if desired, but are not required. Each machine shop usually has its individual machining or grinding practice and, therefore, the information presented should be considered as a guide only.

Tool: Carballoy, grade 883 or equivalent. Grind tools with 0 deg. rake, 8-12 deg. clearance, and .010" to .025" nose radius. The nose radius can increase with the size of the work. For fine finish, stone small flat on tool parallel to work. Suggest resting stone on work when honing tool.

Turning & Boring: Roughing, approximately .030" deep and .020" per revolution feed. Finishing, .002" to.005" depth of cut and .001" to .002" per revolution feed. Turning speed, 300-500 surface feet per minute. Do not use lubricant or coolant.

Shaping: Tool Speed: 43" per minute for Tungsten-Copper 25% alloy.

Depth of Cut: .030"

Feed: .020" per stroke

Milling: Drilling High Speed steel drills and taps may be used.

Through Tapping: Holes are recommended. Material must be firmly held. Hand feed-lubricant and cutting oil acceptable.

Rough Grinding: Is best done with 80 grit resin bonded wheels of medium hardness; .015" per pass on Tungsten-Copper 25% alloy. Use water or water soluble oil coolant.

Joining: Material may be silver brazed, or copper brazed in a hydrogen atmosphere.

Tungsten Copper Heat Sinks

They are composites of tungsten and copper. By adjusting the content of tungsten, we can have its coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) designed to match those of materials such as ceramics (Al2O3, BeO), semiconductors (Si), and metals (Kovar), etc.

Our products are widely used in applications such as optoelectronics packages, Microwave Packages, C Packages, Laser Submounts, etc.

Advantages

High thermal conductivity

Excellent hermeticity

Excellent flatness, surface finish, and size control

Semi-finished or finished (Ni/Au plated) products available

Copper Tungsten is one of the most popular refractory metal based heat sink materials offered today. With the new off-the-shelf system, we are able to offer standard products with a short lead-time at extremely competitive rates.

Copper Tungsten Alloys-Refractory Metal Composites

Eagle refractory metal composite materials are a combination of tungsten or tungsten carbide combined with copper or silver. The manufacturing process is to press the refractory (tungsten or tungsten carbide), sinter the pressed compact at a high temperature, and infiltrate with copper or silver. All this is done under very closely controlled conditions. The result is a relatively hard materials with superior arc and wear resistance, high physical properties at elevated temperatures, and good electrical and thermal conductivity.

Copper Tungsten and Tungsten Carbide Copper

Mi-Tech Metals’ copper tungsten alloys are commonly used in EDM electrodes and other electrical and electrical/thermal applications. They are also used for facing and inserts for flash and butt welding dies, projection welding electrodes, seam welding bearing inserts and facing for electro-forming and electro-forging dies.

Although they are somewhat more difficult to machine, tungsten carbide copper materials provide high mechanical properties and excellent resistance to erosion. They are commonly used in oil devices to protect the contact from oxidation.

To learn more about which copper tungsten alloy is best for your application, refer to the composite properties chart or contact a Mi-Tech Metals professional.

Note: Our CW70E, CW75 and CW80 materials are readily available in various stocked sizes of rods and flat bars.

What Is Tungsten Copper Used For

Properties
Tungsten-copper materials conduct heat efficiently without the excessive expansion that would present problems when mounted to other materials. Copper by itself has high thermal expansion properties, making it unsuitable for such applications unless combined with a material such as tungsten.
Powder Form
Tungsten and copper do not form an alloy because their melting temperatures are very different. The composite material is instead made by mixing metal powders. They are then heated and injected into a mold for heat-sink manufacture.
Heat Sinks
Heat sinks are used to conduct heat away from computer chips and integrated circuits, preventing thermal damage. Depending on the electronic device, heat sinks come in different sizes and shapes. Tungsten-copper composites, with copper content (by weight) of 15 to 20 percent, are often used to make heat sinks.

Tungsten Copper Fabrication & Machining

Diamond Ground Products is an expert in the field of fabricating and machining tungsten-copper. With their state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff, DGP offers unmatched quality and capability at the lowest prices. DGP provides precise and consistent parts from low volume prototype to high-volume production and from the simplest rods to complex fabrications with the strictest tolerances.
Tungsten-Copper is a high-performance material for the manufacture of parts, and is characterized by:
High thermal conductivity
Low thermal expansion
High wear resistance
Excellent electrical conductivity
Common Tungsten Copper Applications include:
Resistance welding
Heat sinks
Electrical discharge machining
Electro-chemical machining
Electrical contacts
Contact Diamond Ground Products to see which material is right for your application and to get your FREE quote today.

Why Copper Tungsten?

If you've been reading the past few posts on the use of Copper Tungsten for Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) electrodes, you know by now that the success of the process is largely influenced by both workpiece and electrode material properties.
Accordingly, choosing an electrode material ultimately depends on its ability to interact productively with your workpiece material, as well as on your particular production goal (e.g., cost savings? surface finish? improved wear resistance?).
There are several common metrics for measuring the success of your EDM production job:
EWR (electrode wear ratio),
MRR (material removal rate) and
Ra (surface finish).
So far we've discussed how copper tungsten can improve EWR both because of its innate structural integrity as derived from both Copper and Tungsten, and because of its resistance to DC Arcing--a common EDM related frustration.
This post is all about Material Removal Rates. MRR, or cutting speed, is largely dependent on the interaction between material properties and machining parameters.
Material Properties of Copper Tungsten
Copper with its excellent thermal conductivity, is the portion of the CuW composition that drives cutting speed. This begs the question: "Why not use a pure Copper electrode then?" The answer is that Electrolytic (pure) copper poses enormous challenges in manufacturability and wear rates. But, as you may have guessed, alloying it with Tungsten improves both conditions dramatically producing a better overall performance.
Interestingly, the addition of Tungsten to Copper often generates a recast layer, commonly referred to as "black layer," during the EDM process which can actually improve wear resistance. However the additional build up slightly lowers thermal conductivity and ultimately reduces the MRR.
EDM Process Parameters to Improve MRR
Because EDM is a thermal process one would logically infer that increasing thermal conductivity will increase MRR. But material removal rate is only one of three interdependent variables listed above. In reality, it's a bit more of a "Goldilocks" problem; there is a "just-right" solution where conductivity is high enough to improve cutting rates, but not so high as to leave the spark gap empty of heat. The material lends itself to a kind of process parameter sweet spot that can produce on spec parts, incredibly efficiently. And luckily, there are many really smart people who have developed empirical models for determining process parameters, as they relate to material properties.
And more crucially, studies have shown that thermal conductivity, alone, does not influence MRR, but the combination of copper tungsten's thermal conductivity and peak current does--the direct correlation being a stronger, more impactful spark makes for fast (albeit not pretty) material removal. (Note: Just increasing peak current without also increasing conductivity, compromises surface finish because of the more explosive, uneven burn.) More specifically, the influence of thermal conductivity is realized only in conjunction with peak current.
To find out more about Copper Tungsten and why you might choose for your EDM related applications, download our free white paper!

Tungsten Copper Alloy

Tungsten Copper is one of numerous metal alloys sold by American Elements under the tradename AE Alloys?. Generally immediately available in most volumes, AE Alloys? are available as bar, Ingot, ribbon, wire, shot, sheet, and foil. Ultra high purity and high purity forms also include metal powder, submicron powder and nanoscale, targets for thin film deposition, and pellets for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) applications. American Elements produces to many standard grades when applicable, including Mil Spec (military grade); ACS, Reagent and Technical Grade; Food, Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Grade; Optical Grade, USP and EP/BP (European Pharmacopoeia/British Pharmacopoeia) and follows applicable ASTM testing standards. Typical and custom packaging is available. Primary applications include bearing assembly, ballast, casting, step soldering, and radiation shielding.
Tungsten (W) and molecular weight, atomic number and elemental symbolTungsten (atomic symbol: W, atomic number: 74) is a Block D, Group 6, Period 6 element with an atomic weight of 183.84. The number of electrons in each of tungsten's shells is [2, 8, 18, 32, 12, 2] and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2. Tungsten Bohr Model The tungsten atom has a radius of 139 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 210 pm. Tungsten was discovered by Torbern Bergman in 1781 and first isolated by Juan José Elhuyar and Fausto Elhuyar in 1783. In its elemental form, tungsten has a grayish white, lustrous appearance.Elemental Tungsten Tungsten has the highest melting point of all the metallic elements and a density comparable to that or uranium or gold and about 1.7 times that of lead. Tungsten alloys are often used to make filaments and targets of x-ray tubes. It is found in the minerals scheelite (CaWO4) and wolframite [(Fe,Mn)WO4]. In reference to its density, Tungsten gets its name from the Swedish words "tung" and "sten," meaning heavy stone. For more information on tungsten, including properties, safety data, research, and American Elements' catalog of tungsten products, visit the Tungsten Information Center.
Copper Bohr ModelCopper (Cu) atomic and molecular weight, atomic number and elemental symbolCopper (atomic symbol: Cu, atomic number: 29) is a Block D, Group 11, Period 4 element with an atomic weight of 63.546. The number of electrons in each of copper's shells is 2, 8, 18, 1 and its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d10 4s1. The copper atom has a radius of 128 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 186 pm. Copper was first discovered by Early Man prior to 9000 BC.In its elemental form, copper has a red-orange metallic luster appearance. Elemental Copper Of all pure metals, only silver has a higher electrical conductivity.The origin of the word copper comes from the Latin word 'cuprium' which translates as "metal of Cyprus." Cyprus, a Mediterranean island, was known as an ancient source of mined copper. For more information on copper, including properties, safety data, research, and American Elements' catalog of copper products, visit the Copper Information Center.

Tungsten Copper Dart

Today's standard material of tungsten barrel is Tungsten-Nickel-Iron. Tungsten is a very dense material, so darts with a considerable weight can be made quite slim. However, before the tungsten revolution darts were mainly made of brass.   Not only has the density of tungsten and anti-corrosion, while a brass color, copper tungsten darts has become the best choice for many people.
Tungsten copper dart is a much softer material. To show the color of brass, they generally with about 70%~80% Tungsten content. Some darters, especially old-timers, like the grip of these darts as the metal surface develops microscopic pits after they have been thrown for a while. Tungsten copper dart has become much less common in recent years, with Nickel/Tungsten darts becoming the primary type of high-density darts.
To make the game of darts successful there is dart equipment involved. It includes dartboards, shafts, dart, barrels, flights and other accessories. Today, there are many companies that manufacture dart equipment with international standards. The dartboard used internationally is also called a “clock face” dartboard, and it is made of rope fiber that is compressed under tremendous pressure. The surface is made smooth and screen-printed with different types of color combinations. Lastly, with the help of wires and stapled rings, it is given radial movement. Darts or barrels are cylindrical, pointed equipments that are thrown by hand onto the dartboard.
There are different types of material that darts are made of. They are brass, tungsten/silver, copper, etc. Usually, three darts make a set. Flights are the tails or wings of the darts that help to stabilize the movement. These flights are made of different material like soft and hard flights, and nylon and dimplex or ribtex flights. Shafts support the body of the darts and can be made of plastic, composite, spinning and solid aluminum shafts. The dartboard and darts are hard-core dart equipment, whereas, the shafts and the flights are dart accessories.

Tungsten Copper Dart Barrel

Tungsten copper dart is made of the material of tungsten copper alloy. Tungsten copper alloy has the features of tungsten and copper ,which is a very dense material and it has a good machinability, so it is a good choice to make as a slim tungsten cooper dart to give user a safe and easy grip. The tungsten copper dart barrel is the main part of a tungsten copper dart. When we are speaking of "buying a (new) dart" we mean getting a new dart barrel. Nowadays barrels are available in almost every possible shape, with a wide selection of knurl or rings on the surface for a comfortable and safe grip.
Because of technical difficulties with manufacturing 100% tungsten dart barrels are not available. All "tungsten" darts you can buy are in fact made of tungsten alloys, actually now a dart made of tungsten copper alloy is becoming more and more popular among all kinds of the customers and many manufacturers.
We are specializing in supplying all kinds of tungsten copper dart barrels. We can offer various range of tungsten copper barrels, including W-Ni-Fe, W-Ni-Cu, W-Ni-Cu-Fe, etc. Also we own mature technique of surface grinding and centre-less processing. We can also manufacture darts according to customers' specific designs.

Profiting from misery in Katanga

I have just left Katanga in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where my colleague Lisa Tassi and I were following up on Amnesty International’s work on mining and human rights in the region.
In some ways this is easy to do. Besides mining – mostly of copper and cobalt – precious little happens in southern Katanga. But two very different methods are employed to extract these minerals. Industrial mining, involving large multinational companies, is managed from air-conditioned offices and carried out with heavy equipment; small-scale artisanal mining is frequently done in sweltering heat by men (and in some cases boys under the age of 18) working with basic tools.
Artisanal mining can be a desperate business. On top of suffering harsh work conditions, many creuseurs – meaning “diggers”, as the miners are known locally – are ruthlessly exploited by traders who buy from them along a largely opaque supply chain. In theory the state has some oversight of the system, but the reality is quite different.
Earlier this year Amnesty International published a report exposing the horrendous conditions at an artisanal mining site in Katanga called Tilwezembe. One of the things we tried to unravel on our return visit is where minerals from sites such as Tilwezembe actually end up. Traders are key to that process.
But the supply chain to take the minerals mined by creuseurs out of Katanga is complex.  It operates with virtually no oversight, and no meaningful paper trail to enable minerals to be tracked from source to export.
Katanga’s mineral traders include individuals who buy and sell as well as separate trading companies, some of which also process ore. In some cases, creuseurs work at mine sites controlled by these trading companies. The state (or the state mining company, Gécamines) gives these companies control, but seems to impose few safeguards. And so the creuseurs working the site – often through a deal between the trader and an artisanal mining cooperative – are obliged to sell directly to the trading company, with no system in place to ensure they get a fair price.
Creuseurs, who may work underground for many hours each day, regularly report that they feel cheated by this system where they have to take what they are offered with no way to challenge the traders. Because they must survive, they have no choice but to accept these unfair terms of business.
There is also very little done to ensure safety at the artisanal mine sites, and every year scores of creuseurs are killed or seriously injured. Although SAESSCAM – the government agency charged with training and assisting artisanal miners – is generally present at these sites, it has insufficient resources and limited power.
We have been trying this last week to find out what happens to the copper and cobalt that is mined in such terrible conditions. Much of it goes to China, but who buys it and can we talk to them? The answer is no, because Katanga’s byzantine trading pipeline makes it almost impossible to track ore as it changes hands from an artisanal mine site to a trader to a processor and on to export, let alone track it to the final destination.
In Kolwezi, a centre for much of the copper and cobalt trade, we visited a depot where dozens of traders (Congolese and foreign) buy from creuseurs who arrive with sacks of minerals on bikes. Some of the creuseurs tell us that no questions are asked here – they bring, they sell; no-one who buys from them knows where the ore comes from. They do not, themselves, have any way to measure the concentration of the ore they have mined. And so they accept the price. But they tell us that here, at least, they are free to offer their ore to a range of traders and sell to the highest bidder.
By contrast, creuseurs working on sites controlled by trading companies face a monopoly. One man we met at the Kolwezi depot told us he worked on a site controlled by a trader and had smuggled out some ore to sell at the depot, as the price on site was too little for the hours of work and he felt he was not getting a fair deal.
We talked to some of the buyers at one of the depot’s many trading stalls – in this case a group of Chinese and Congolese who had erected a makeshift desk, and had a scale, a calculator and a box of cash. They were none too happy to see us, and they politely – but firmly – evaded our queries about where the ore comes from and goes to. It comes from all over Katanga and goes to various processing companies, they say. There is no paperwork that we can see – and when we ask about a paper trail, the traders will not answer.
The traders sell to others inside Katanga where the ore is processed (or not) before being sent out of the country, often by the truckload across the Zambian border. Export paperwork gets filled out and filed, but by this stage in the process the origin of the minerals has already been obscured.
The life of a creuseur is harsh. The Congolese authorities can – and must – do more to protect people from exploitative and harmful working conditions. But those who buy the ore along the supply chain can also make a difference, if they insist on knowing from which sites the ore or minerals come and the conditions on site and the conditions under which it continues to be traded. Key questions need to be asked and information verified. However, this kind of due diligence is impossible if there is no proper recording and oversight, and if traders can buy and export without anyone being able to tell if the minerals are extracted in appalling conditions.
In other parts of the DRC, including the Kivus, Maniema and northern Katanga, a system has been put in place for tracing tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, and building documentation. If it can be done in these areas, then why not extend the programme to Katanga’s cobalt and copper sector?
Efforts to ensure fair work conditions for creuseurs have to take account of the fact that there is practically no other livelihood on offer to many Katanga residents. The answer is not to prevent artisanal mining but to make it a safer and fairer business until longer-term solutions are found.

Tungsten Copper Machining

The principal Tungsten/Copper alloys contain from 2% to 45% copper by weight. The addition of copper increases the thermal conductivity of the alloy while reducing the hardness and modulus of rupture.
The machining and grinding characteristics of tungsten/copper alloys are similar to those of hard grey cast iron. Being non-porous, standard water soluble coolants may be used if desired, but are not required. Each machine shop usually has its individual machining or grinding practice and, therefore, the information presented should be considered as a guide only.
Tool: Carballoy, grade 883 or equivalent. Grind tools with 0 deg. rake, 8-12 deg. clearance, and .010" to .025" nose radius. The nose radius can increase with the size of the work. For fine finish, stone small flat on tool parallel to work. Suggest resting stone on work when honing tool.
Turning & Boring: Roughing, approximately .030" deep and .020" per revolution feed. Finishing, .002" to.005" depth of cut and .001" to .002" per revolution feed. Turning speed, 300-500 surface feet per minute. Do not use lubricant or coolant.
Shaping: Tool Speed: 43" per minute for Tungsten-Copper 25% alloy.
Depth of Cut: .030"
Feed: .020" per stroke
Milling: Drilling High Speed steel drills and taps may be used.
Through Tapping: Holes are recommended. Material must be firmly held. Hand feed-lubricant and cutting oil acceptable.
Rough Grinding: Is best done with 80 grit resin bonded wheels of medium hardness; .015" per pass on Tungsten-Copper 25% alloy. Use water or water soluble oil coolant.
Joining: Material may be silver brazed, or copper brazed in a hydrogen atmosphere.
We hope the preceding information will be helpful.

Tungsten Copper Composite

Tungsten based composites are strong refractory metal materials manufactured by a strictly controlled process involving pressing, sintering and infiltrating with copper or silver. They are highly resistant to heat, electric arc, wear and deformation at high temperature welding, flash butt and spot welding. They also have excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. The properties of Tungsten composites are related to the copper/silver-to-Tungsten ratio. If the Tungsten content improves, the electric arc and wear resistance will increase while the thermal and electrical conductivity, on the contrary, reduce.
Due to their unique properties, Tungsten based composites are widely used where the combination of good electrical and/or thermal conductivity and low thermal deformation is necessary, for example:
In electric resistance welding as electrical contacts or heat sinks.
In electrodes for electrical discharge machining (EDM) and electrochemical machining (ECM).
CuW50 and CuW55 have the lowest Tungsten contents. They are both good switching and contact materials for oil filled devices. CuW55 is also used for arcing contacts in oil circuit breakers and arcing edges of selectors and switchblades in transformer tap changers.
CuW65 and CuW70 are used as contact materials in severe arcing applications including gas, oil and some air circuit breakers. They are also used for arcing edges on selectors and reversing switch blades.
CuW75 and CuW80 are used as contact materials under extreme arcing conditions. Applications include arcing contacts in gas and oil circuit breakers, contactors and transformer tap changers, arcing plates and arc runners in power switching equipment.
CuW85 and CuW90 have the highest Tungsten content. They are used as contact materials where resistance to contact welding, sticking and arc erosion are critical. They also provide satisfactory heat and current interruption capabilities. Typical applications are power vacuum switches and high power spark gap electrodes, etc..

Tungsten Copper Alloy

Tungsten Copper is one of numerous metal alloys sold by American Elements under the tradename AE Alloys™. Generally immediately available in most volumes, AE Alloys™ are available as bar, Ingot, ribbon, wire, shot, sheet, and foil. Ultra high purity and high purity forms also include metal powder, submicron powder and nanoscale, targets for thin film deposition, and pellets for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) applications. American Elements produces to many standard grades when applicable, including Mil Spec (military grade); ACS, Reagent and Technical Grade; Food, Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Grade; Optical Grade, USP and EP/BP (European Pharmacopoeia/British Pharmacopoeia) and follows applicable ASTM testing standards. Typical and custom packaging is available. Primary applications include bearing assembly, ballast, casting, step soldering, and radiation shielding.
Tungsten is a Block D, Group 6, Period 6 element. The number of electrons in each of Tungsten's shells is 2, 8, 18, 32, 12, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2. In its elemental form tungsten's CAS number is 7440-33-7. The tungsten atom has a radius of 137.pm and its Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Tungsten is considered to be only mildly toxic. Tungsten has the highest melting point of all the metallic elements and was first commercially used in incandescent and fluorescent light bulb filaments, and, later, in early television tubes. The first imaging equipment involved X-ray bombardment of a tungsten target. In January 2013, Kansas State University researchers demonstrated a new nanolayer synthesis method by quickly and efficiently creating layers of tungsten disulfide with structural similarity to graphene, making them a potentially cost-effective nanomaterial for use in lithium-ion batteries in the future. Tungsten expands at nearly the same rate as borosilicate glass and is used to make metal to glass seals. It is the primary metal in heating elements for electric furnaces and in any components where high pressure/temperature environments are expected, such as aerospace and engine systems. Tungsten is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, andcompounds as submicron and nanopowder. Tungsten is found in the minerals wolframite, scheelite, ferberit and hübnerite and was first discovered by Fausto and Juan Jose de Elhuyar in 1783. In reference to its density, Tungsten gets its name from the swedish words tung and sten meaning heavy stone. See Tungsten research below.
Copper is a Block D, Group 11, Period 4 element. The number of electrons in each of Copper's shells is 2, 8, 18, 1 and its electronic configuration is [Ar] 3d10 4s1. In its elemental form copper's CAS number is 7440-50-8. The copper atom has a radius of 127.8 .pm and its Van der Waals radius is 140.pm. Copper is an essential trace element in animals and plants, but in excess copper is toxic. Due to its high electrical conductivity, large amounts of copper are used by the electrical industry for wire. Of all pure metals, only silver has a higher electrical conductivity. Recent research reveals that diluted magnetic semiconductors can be produced using Copper. Copper is also resistant to corrosion caused by moisture, making it a widely used material in pipes, coins, and jewelry. Copper is often too soft for its applications, so it is incorporated in numerous alloys. For example, brass is a copper-zinc alloy, and bronze is a copper-tin alloy. Copper sulfate (CuSO4· H2O), also known as blue vitrol, is the most well-known copper compound. It is used as an agricultural poison, an algicide, and as a pigment for inks. Cuprous chloride (CuCl) is a powder used to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). Copper cyanide (CuCN) is often used in electroplating applications. Copper is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.9999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Copper was first discovered by Early Man. The origin of the word copper comes from the Latin word 'cuprium' which translates as "metal of Cyprus". Cyprus, a Mediterranean island, was known as an ancient source of mined copper. See Copper research below.

Copper Tungsten Alloy

Copper tungsten alloys are commonly used in EDM electrodes and other electrical and electrical/thermal applications. They are also used for facing and inserts for flash and butt welding dies, projection welding electrodes, seam welding bearing inserts and facing for electro-forming and electro-forging dies.
Although they are somewhat more difficult to machine, tungsten carbide copper materials provide high mechanical properties and excellent resistance to erosion. They are commonly used in oil devices to protect the contact from oxidation.

Applications of Tungsten Copper Composites

Copper tungsten alloys are used where the combination of high heat resistance, high electrical and/or thermal conductivity, and low thermal expansion are needed. Some of the applications are in electric resistance welding, as electrical contacts, and as heat sinks. As contact material the alloy is resistant to erosion by electric arc. Tungsten copper alloys are also used in electrodes for electrical discharge machining and electrochemical machining.
The CuW75 tungsten copper alloy, with 75% of tungsten, is widely used in chip carriers, substrates, flanges and frames for power semiconductor devices. The high thermal conductivity of copper together with the low thermal expansion of tungsten allows thermal expansion matching to silicon, gallium arsenide, and some ceramics.
Copper Tungsten alloy with 70-90% of tungsten is used in liners of some specialty shaped charges. The penetration is enhanced by factor 1.3 against copper for homogeneous steel target, as both the density and the break-up time are increased. Tungsten powder based shaped charge liners are especially suitable for oil well completion. Other ductile metals can be used as binder in place of copper as well. Graphite can be added as lubricant to the powder.
The manufacturing process of Tungsten copper alloy is to press the refractory (tungsten or tungsten carbide), sinter the pressed compact at a high temperature, and infiltrate with copper. All of this is done under very closely controlled conditions. The mechanical and physical properties of Tungsten copper alloy vary with composition. The thermal and electrical conductivity increase with the amount of copper, while the hardness, strength, and resistance to mechanical wear increase with the amount of tungsten or tungsten carbide. The application determines the material choice.

Tungsten Copper EDM and ECM

Tungsten Copper EDM and ECM
Our tungsten copper composites are used worldwide for electrical discharge machining (EDM) and electrochemical machining (ECM) electrodes. All composite material is manufactured by the press, sinter, and infiltrate process; adhering to strict quality checks every step of the way. You can rely on the quality of our tungsten composites to provide consistent, homogeneous materials that yield high and even burning rates
Tungsten copper alloys are used worldwide for EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) and ECM (Electrochemical Machining) electrodes. All material is manufactured by the press, sinter, and infiltrate process. Virgin tungsten powders are used, resulting in a consistent homogeneous material giving high and even burning rates. Tungsten copper is used in plunger/sinker applications where intricate definition is required, especially in tungsten carbide.

The Characteristics of Tungsten Copper Alloy

The machining and grinding characteristics of tungsten alloy are similar to those of hard grey cast iron. Being nonporous, standard water soluble coolants may be used if desired, but are not required. Each machine shop usually has its individual machining or grinding practice and, therefore, the information presented should be considered as a guide only.
Tool: Carballoy, grade 883 or equivalent. Grind tools with 0 deg. rake, 8-12 deg. clearance, and .010" to .025" nose radius. The nose radius can increase with the size of the work. For fine finish, stone small flat on tool parallel to work. Suggest resting stone on work when honing tool.
Turning & Boring: Roughing, approximately .030" deep and .020" per revolution feed. Finishing, .002" to.005" depth of cut and .001" to .002" per revolution feed. Turning speed, 300-500 surface feet per minute. Do not use lubricant or coolant.
Shaping: Tool Speed: 43" per minute for Tungsten Copper 25% alloy.
Depth of Cut: .030"
Feed: .020" per stroke
Milling: Drilling High Speed steel drills and taps may be used.
Through Tapping: Holes are recommended. Material must be firmly held. Hand feed-lubricant and cutting oil acceptable.
Rough Grinding: is best done with 80 grit resin bonded wheels of medium hardness; .015" per pass on Tungsten Copper 25% alloy.
Use water or water soluble oil coolant.
Joining: Material may be silver brazed, or copper brazed in a hydrogen atmosphere.
Copper Tungsten alloy is the composite of Tungsten and Copper, which own the excellent performances of Tungsten and Copper, such as heat-resistant, ablate-resistant, high-intensity, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. It is easy to be machined. It is used widely in such industries as engine, electrical power, electron, metallurgy, spaceflight and aviation. Using CIP formation, sintered tungsten skeleton and infiltrating copper (silver) technology, large size and special shape products of tungsten-copper (silver) composites with 6-90 percent of copper are produced, such as electric contacts, electrode, refractory parts, heat sinks and parts of rocket, We can also produce sheet material, tubing, plate and other small products by mould pressing, extrusion pressing and MIM.
Tungsten copper alloys are used where the combination of high heat resistance, high electrical and/or thermal conductivity, and low thermal expansion are needed. Some of the applications are in electric resistance welding, as electrical contacts, and as heat sinks. As contact material the alloy is resistant to erosion by electric arc. WCu alloys are also used in electrodes for electrical discharge machining and electrochemical machining.
The CuW75 alloy, with 75% of tungsten, is widely used in chip carriers, substrates, flanges and frames for power semiconductor devices. The high thermal conductivity of copper together with the low thermal expansion of tungsten allows thermal expansion matching to silicon, gallium arsenide, and some ceramics. Other materials for this applications are CuMo alloy, AlSiC, and Dymalloy.

Copper Tungsten Alloys - Refractory Metal Composites

Copper Tungsten Alloys - Refractory Metal Composites
Eagle refractory metal composite materials are a combination of tungsten or tungsten carbide combined with copper or silver. The manufacturing process is to press the refractory (tungsten or tungsten carbide), sinter the pressed compact at a high temperature, and infiltrate with copper or silver. All this is done under very closely controlled conditions. The result is a relatively hard materials with superior arc and wear resistance, high physical properties at elevated temperatures, and good electrical and thermal conductivity.

Electrical Contact materials

Electrical contacts are subjected to extreme mechanical and thermal stresses during operation. For fractions of a second, temperatures rise to several thousand degrees as a result of the arcing. Only Tungsten Copper materials will stand these high temperature & aberration.
Tungsten Copper material has good resistance to arc erosion, mechanical wear, contact welding and good conductivity. They are usually selected for oil, gas, air or vacuum, devices. The contact surfaces will oxidize when switched in air. These press-sinter-infiltrate materials should only be considered for arcing surfaces in air when used as arcing tips, arc plates and arc runners. When switching with moderate contact arcing, the Tungsten Copper with a high copper content may give the lowest erosion. As arcing severity increases, the Tungsten Copper with the higher refractory content withstand arc erosion better. Tungsten Coppers are also used as arcing edges of selector switchblades in transformer tap changers.

Tungsten Copper Heat Sink Resistance Welding

The high physical and mechanical properties, as well as the thermal and electrical conductivity, of refractory metal composites make these materials very suitable for die inserts and electrode facings, flash and butt welding dies, and hot upsetting. They can also solve heat balance problems
JBNR developed CuW75 to be used extensively in thermal mounting plates, chip carriers, flanges, and frames for high-power electronic devices. As a copper tungsten material, it’s a composite, so both the thermal advantages of copper and the very low expansion characteristics of tungsten can be utilized.
The combination of these two materials results in thermal expansion characteristics similar to those of silicone carbide, aluminum oxide, and beryllium oxide, used as chips and substrates. Because of its thermal conductivity and expansion characteristics, it works well in densely packed circuits.

Tungsten Copper

Tungsten Copper alloy is the composite of Tungsten and Copper, which own the excellent performances of Tungsten and Copper, such as heat-resistant, ablate-resistant, high-intensity, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. It is easy to be machined. It is used widely in such industries as engine, electrical power, electron, metallurgy, spaceflight and aviation. Using CIP formation, sintered tungsten skeleton and infiltrating copper (silver) technology, large size and special shape products of tungsten-copper (silver) composites with 6-90 percent of copper are produced, such as electric contacts, electrode, refractory parts, heat sinks and parts of rocket, We can also produce sheet material, tubing, plate and other small products by mould pressing, extrusion pressing and MIM.

Copper Tungsten Alloys--Refractory Metal Composites

Copper Tungsten Alloys--Refractory Metal Composites
Eagle refractory metal composite materials are a combination of tungsten or tungsten carbide combined with copper or silver. The manufacturing process is to press the refractory (tungsten or tungsten carbide), sinter the pressed compact at a high temperature, and infiltrate with copper or silver. All this is done under very closely controlled conditions. The result is a relatively hard materials with superior arc and wear resistance, high physical properties at elevated temperatures, and good electrical and thermal conductivity.

Tungsten Copper Alloy

Midwest Tungsten Service tungsten copper alloys are the perfect choice where high density, high thermal conductivity, or low thermal expansion are important. Electrical contacts, heat sinks, and resistance welding electrodes are all applications where MTS tungsten copper alloys can do the job. Check the options and properties below to determine which of our alloys is best suited to your needs. Most sizes and shapes can be supplied with short lead times. We can also manufacture parts from these materials to your speci

Advantages:
• High arc resistance combined with good electrical conductivity
• High thermal conductivity
• Low thermal expansion
Applications:
• Arc contacts and vacuum contacts in high/medium voltage breakers or vacuum interruptors
• Electrodes in electric spark erosion (EDM) cutting machines
• Heat sinks for passive cooling of electronic devices
• Electrodes for resistance welding

Thermal conductivity of tungsten copper composites

Thermal conductivity of tungsten copper composites
As the speed and degree of integration of semiconductor devices increases, more heat is generated, and the performance and lifetime of semiconductor devices depend on the dissipation of the generated heat. Tungsten–copper alloys have high electrical and thermal conductivities, low contact resistances, and low coefficients of thermal expansion, thus allowing them to be used as a shielding material for microwave packages, and heat sinks for high power integrated circuits (ICs). In this study, the thermal conductivity and thermal expansion of several types of tungsten–copper (W–Cu) composites are investigated, using compositions of 5–30 wt.% copper balanced with tungsten. The tungsten–copper powders were produced using the spray conversion method, and the W–Cu alloys were fabricated via the metal injection molding. The tungsten–copper composite particles were nanosized, and the thermal conductivity of the W–Cu alloys gradually decreases with temperature increases. The thermal conductivity of the W–30 wt.% Cu composite was 238 W/(m K) at room temperature.
We present the temperature dependence of the thermophysical properties for tungsten–copper composite from room temperature to 400 °C. The powders of tungsten–copper were produced by the spray conversion method and the W–Cu alloys were fabricated by the metal injection molding. Thermal conductivity and thermal expansion of tungsten–copper composite was controllable by volume fraction copper.

Tungsten Carbide Copper

Tungsten Carbide Copper

Back to Tungsten

Tungsten carbide composites can be used as dies and anvils in electrical upsetting.

Tungsten Copper Carbide is a refractory Tungsten-based composite obtained by the process of pressing, sintering and infiltrating. The Tungsten content ranges from 50% to 70% by weight. This strong material has good mechanical properties and is highly resistant to arc erosion in contact welding. It is mainly used in oil devices to protect the contact from oxidation.

CuWC50 and CuWC56 grades have excellent resistance to mechanical wear and are mainly used for electrical contacts. CuWC50, with higher copper content and electrical conductivity, is used in heavy duty contactors and transfer switches. CuWC56, higher in strength, is used where high impact forces may be encountered and greater wear resistance is desired, such as tap changers and arcing contacts in oil breakers.
Due to its high hardness and strength, CuWC70 is used in more severe electrical upsetting and electro forging applications.

Tungsten-Copper Composite

Tungsten-Copper Composite

Tungsten based composites are strong refractory metal materials manufactured by a strictly controlled process involving pressing, sintering and infiltrating with copper or silver. They are highly resistant to heat, electric arc, wear and deformation at high temperature welding, flash butt and spot welding. They also have excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. The properties of Tungsten composites are related to the copper/silver-to-Tungsten ratio. If the Tungsten content improves, the electric arc and wear resistance will increase while the thermal and electrical conductivity, on the contrary, reduce.

Due to their unique properties, Tungsten based composites are widely used where the combination of good electrical and/or thermal conductivity and low thermal deformation is necessary, for example:

In electric resistance welding as electrical contacts or heat sinks.
In electrodes for electrical discharge machining (EDM) and electrochemical machining (ECM).

Copper Tungsten Applications

CuW alloys are used where the combination of high heat resistance, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and low thermal expansion are needed. Some of the applications are in electric resistance welding, as electrical contacts, and as heat sinks. As contact material the alloy is resistant to erosion by electric arc. WCu alloys are also used in electrodes for electrical discharge machining and electrochemical machining.
The CuW75 alloy, with 75% of tungsten, is widely used in chip carriers, substrates, flanges and frames for power semiconductor devices. The high thermal conductivity of copper together with the low thermal expansion of tungsten allows thermal expansion matching to silicon, gallium arsenide, and some ceramics. Other materials for this applications are CuMo alloy, AlSiC, and Dymalloy.
Alloy with 70-90% of tungsten is used in liners of some specialty shaped charges. The penetration is enhanced by factor 1.3 against copper for homogeneous steel target, as both the density and the break-up time are increased. Tungsten powder based shaped charge liners are especially suitable for oil well completion. Other ductile metals can be used as binder in place of copper as well. Graphite can be added as lubricant to the powder.

Tungsten Copper Alloy Description

Tungsten copper alloy is consisting of tungsten and copper, copper content of 10% to 50%. made of powder metallurgy alloy. It has good electrical and thermal conductivity, good high temperature strength and a certain plasticity. At high temperatures, such as above 3000 ℃. The copper alloy is liquid evaporates,absorbs heat, reducing the surface temperature. Therefore, these materials are also known as metallic sweat material. Tungsten copper alloy have a wide purpose, mainly used to manufacture anti-arc ablation of high-voltage electrical switch contacts and the rocket nozzle throat insert, rudder and other high temperature components, and also used for EDM electrode, high temperature moldsand other thermal conductivity and high temperature performance required to usethe occasion. Fine selection of tungsten copper tungsten, copper powder, refine dart soak sintering process, can withstand the high stress of nearly 2,000 high moderate, high melting point, high hardness, anti-burning and good anti-adhesion, electrical erosion product surface finish high, high precision, low loss. Tungsten copper is widely used as high-pressure, super-hydraulicswitch and circuit breaker contact, protection ring for electric upsetting anvil block of material, conductive Tsui automatic submerged arc welding, plasma cutting nozzles, welding machines, welding head for welding , roll welding wheels,electrode and the point of sealing gas Mao spark electrodes, spot welding, butt welding materials.

Main Sizes of tungsten copper:
Copper tungsten Rods: Dia(10-60)mm x (150-250)mm
Copper tungsten Spare bars: (12 x 12)mm (45 x 45)mm x 350mm

Copper tungsten alloy is the composite of Tungsten and Copper, which own the excellent performances of Tungsten and Copper, such as heat-resistant, ablate-resistant, high-intensity, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Tungsten copper alloy is easy to be machined. Tungsten copper alloy is used widely in such industries as engine, electrical power, electron, metallurgy, spaceflight and aviation. Using CIP formation, sintered tungsten skeleton and infiltrating copper (silver) technology, large size and special shape products of tungsten copper composites with 6-90 percent of copper are produced, such as electric contacts, electrode, refractory parts, heat sinks and parts of rocket, We can also produce tungsten copper alloy sheet material, tubing, plate and other small products by mould pressing, extrusion pressing and MIM.

Copper Tungsten alloy combines the properties of both metals, resulting in a material that is heat-resistant, ablation-resistant, highly thermally and electrically conductive, and easy to machine.

Commonly used copper tungsten alloy contains 10 to 50 wt. % of copper, the remaining portion being substantially all tungsten. The typical properties of the alloy depend on its composition. The alloy with less wt.% of copper has higher density, higher hardness and higher resistivity. The typical density of CuW90 alloy, with 10% of copper, is 16.75g/cm3 and 11.85g/cm3 for CuW50 alloy. CuW90 has higher hardness and resistivity of 260 HB kgf/mm2 and 6.5 µΩ.cm than CuW50.

Refractory Metal Composites

Eagle refractory metal composite materials are a combination of tungsten combined with copper or silver. The manufacturing process is to press the refractory (tungsten or tungsten copper), sinter the pressed compact at a high temperature, and infiltrate with copper or silver. All this is done under very closely controlled conditions. The result is a relatively hard materials with superior arc and wear resistance, high physical properties at elevated temperatures, and good electrical and thermal conductivity.

Tungsten-Copper-Machining

The principal Tungsten/Copper alloys contain from 2% to 45% copper by weight. The addition of copper increases the thermal conductivity of the alloy while reducing the hardness and modulus of rupture.
The machining and grinding characteristics of tungsten/copper alloys are similar to those of hard grey cast iron. Being non-porous, standard water soluble coolants may be used if desired, but are not required. Each machine shop usually has its individual machining or grinding practice and, therefore, the information presented should be considered as a guide only.
Carballoy, grade 883 or equivalent. Grind tools with 0 deg. rake, 8-12 deg. clearance, and .010" to .025" nose radius. The nose radius can increase with the size of the work. For fine finish, stone small flat on tool parallel to work. Suggest resting stone on work when honing tool.
Roughing, approximately .030" deep and .020" per revolution feed. Finishing, .002" to.005" depth of cut and .001" to .002" per revolution feed. Turning speed, 300-500 surface feet per minute. Do not use lubricant or coolant.

Tungsten Copper Sheet (75-90WCu)

Copper tungsten is very popular used in the EDM, since it has both tungsten and copper's character so it has very good wear resistance. Our copper tungsten plate for EDM is made by vacuum infiltration technology. Which has very good physical and mechanical properties.  Our copper tungsten plate has below advantage:  1 Maturity press- sinter- infiltration process without any porosity issue.  2 high electrical conductivity get rapid cutting speed