Alloying Elements: Tungsten

Tungsten, also known as Wolfram (W), is a hard, heavy transition metal with a color ranging from white to steel-gray. With an atomic number of 74, Tungsten was one of the first alloying elements to be introduced into tool steels. Its ability to improve mechanical characteristics and hardenability makes it a crucial component in many special alloys.

• Increased Hardenability: Tungsten enhances the hardenability of steel, almost reaching the effect of nickel.
• Martensite Stability: It significantly contributes to the stability of martensite at high temperatures, improving thermal resistance.
• Carbide Formation: Like molybdenum, it forms carbides that improve mechanical properties, especially hot wear resistance.
• Substitution with Molybdenum: Although tungsten has similar properties to molybdenum, it has been gradually replaced by the latter in a 1:2 ratio, meaning one part of molybdenum replaces two parts of tungsten.
• Reduced Thermal Conductivity: The presence of tungsten reduces thermal conductivity, necessitating precautions during the heating and cooling of tungsten-containing steels to avoid thermal non-uniformities.

• Complex Geometries and Large Dimensions: The low thermal conductivity can cause temperature non-uniformity, which is why accurate control of heating and cooling is essential to prevent breakages.
• Specific Applications: Tungsten steels are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear resistance and high hot performance.