Tungsten is a strategically important metal. It has high melting point (3410°C), high density (19.26 g/cc) and superior mechanical strength at high temperatures. Tungsten metal is being considered to be used as plasma facing components of fusion reactors (ITER). Tungsten based heavy alloys (WHA) such as W-Ni-Fe and W-Ni-Cu possess distinguished properties with respect to absorbing radiation, mechanical strength and machinability. These are the ideal materials for a wide range of applications, such as in aerospace, the automotive industry, medical engineering and the construction industry. Pure tungsten is also used as an alloying element in various grades of steels and nickel based alloys.

 ADVANTAGES

• Tungsten has high melting point (3410°C), high density (19.26 g/cc), superior mechanical strength at high temperatures, high thermal stability, superior shielding characteristics against gamma radiation, good electrical and thermal conductivity etc.

 APPLICATIONS

• Metal tungsten has wide range of application such as in carbide tools, heavy alloy penetrator for military application, filament as electron source.
• W-Cu alloys for electrical contact applications, diverter plate as plasma facing component of International Thermonuclear Experimental (ITER) etc.
• Tungsten heavy alloy (WHA) D185 is used in radiation shields, and collimators of cancer therapy machine (BHABHATRON) developed by BARC

Tungsten is a strategically important metal. It has high melting point (3410°C), high density (19.26 g/cc) and superior mechanical strength at high temperatures. Tungsten metal is being considered to be used as plasma facing components of fusion reactors (ITER). Tungsten based heavy alloys (WHA) such as W-Ni-Fe and W-Ni-Cu possess distinguished properties with respect to absorbing radiation, mechanical strength and machinability. These are the ideal materials for a wide range of applications, such as in aerospace, the automotive industry, medical engineering and the construction industry. Pure tungsten is also used as an alloying element in various grades of steels and nickel based alloys.

ADVANTAGES

• Tungsten has high melting point, high density, superior mechanical strength at high temperatures, high thermal stability, superior shielding characteristics against gamma radiation, good electrical and thermal conductivity etc.

APPLICATION

• Metal tungsten has wide range of application such as in carbide tools, heavy alloy penetrator for military application, filament as electron source
• W-Cu alloys for electrical contact applications, diverter plate as plasma facing component of International Thermonuclear Experimental (ITER) etc.
• Tungsten heavy alloy (WHA) D185 is used in radiation shields, and collimators of cancer therapy machine (BHABHATRON) developed by BARC.
  

WORKING PRINCIPLE

• Production of Tungsten is achieved by hydrogen reduction of its oxide. Tungsten and Tungsten Heavy Alloy (WHA) are fabricated respectively by hot pressing and liquid phase sintering.
  

RAW MATERIALS

• Raw materials are easily available in the local market.
  

INFRASTRUCTURE

• The hydrogen reduction apparatus comprises of a furnace, Glove box for safe storage of the tungsten powder, planetary ball mill, hydraulic press, high temperature furnaces with vacuum and controlled atmosphere, vacuum hot press & machining equipments etc.

MANPOWER

• The manpower requirements depend on the capacity and the extent of automation. 1 Metallurgist, 1 Chemist & 2 skilled lab technicians are required to start the production.