When it comes to tungsten carbide, many people confuse it with tungsten, assuming they are the same material. However, while they share some similarities, they have distinct properties, applications, and compositions. Understanding the differences between tungsten and tungsten carbide is essential, especially for industries like manufacturing, jewelry, and aerospace, where material selection plays a crucial role.
This article provides an in-depth comparison between tungsten and tungsten carbide, covering their properties, applications, and key differences. Additionally, we will examine their advantages and disadvantages, helping you make informed decisions when choosing between the two materials.
What is Tungsten?
Definition and Properties
Tungsten, also known by its chemical symbol W and atomic number 74, is a rare, dense metal with impressive physical and chemical properties. It is one of the hardest metals found in nature and has the highest melting point of any pure metal, at 3,422°C (6,192°F).
Key Properties of Tungsten:
High Melting Point: The highest of all pure metals, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
Density: It has a density of 19.3 g/cm³, which is comparable to gold.
Hardness: Tungsten is relatively hard, but it is brittle in its pure form.
Corrosion Resistance: It has excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
Electrical Conductivity: Although not as conductive as copper, tungsten is used in electrical applications.
Applications of Tungsten
Due to its unique properties, tungsten is widely used in various industries, including:
Electronics: Used in filaments for incandescent light bulbs and vacuum tubes.
Aerospace: Tungsten alloys are utilized in rocket engine nozzles and high-temperature environments.
Medical Industry: Used in radiation shielding and surgical tools.
Jewelry: Pure tungsten is sometimes used in rings but is less common than tungsten carbide.
What is Tungsten Carbide?
Definition and Composition
Tungsten carbide is a compound composed of tungsten (W) and carbon (C). The addition of carbon significantly enhances tungsten's hardness and durability. This material is commonly used in industrial applications due to its extreme hardness, wear resistance, and strength.
Key Properties of Tungsten Carbide:
Hardness: Measured at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, nearly as hard as diamond.
Density: Slightly lower than pure tungsten, around 15.6 g/cm³.
Strength: Much tougher than pure tungsten, making it resistant to breaking or chipping.
Wear Resistance: Highly resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for cutting tools.
Corrosion Resistance: Superior to many metals but can still corrode under extreme conditions.
Applications of Tungsten Carbide
Because of its impressive properties, tungsten carbide is widely used in the following industries:
Cutting Tools: Used in drill bits, saw blades, and machining tools due to its exceptional hardness.
Jewelry: Popular for making durable rings, bracelets, and watches.
Aerospace and Defense: Used in armor-piercing rounds and high-performance aerospace components.
Manufacturing: Employed in molds, dies, and wear-resistant machinery parts.
Differences Between Tungsten and Tungsten Carbide
To better understand the differences between tungsten and tungsten carbide, let's compare them side by side:
| Property | Tungsten | Tungsten Carbide |
| Composition | Pure metal (W) | Tungsten (W) + Carbon (C) |
| Hardness | Mohs 7.5 | Mohs 9 (almost as hard as diamond) |
| Density | 19.3 g/cm³ | 15.6 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 3,422°C (6,192°F) | 2,870°C (5,198°F) |
| Strength | Brittle in pure form | Extremely tough and durable |
| Wear Resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Applications | Electronics, aerospace, medical | Cutting tools, jewelry, industrial parts |
| Corrosion Resistance | High | High but can corrode under extreme conditions |
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
Hardness: Tungsten carbide is significantly harder than pure tungsten, which makes it ideal for cutting tools and high-wear applications.
Strength: Tungsten carbide is tougher and less brittle than tungsten, making it more durable.
Density: Pure tungsten is denser than tungsten carbide, meaning it is heavier for the same volume.
Melting Point: Tungsten has a higher melting point, making it more suitable for extreme heat applications.
Applications: Tungsten carbide is preferred in industries requiring wear resistance and toughness, while tungsten is used where heat resistance is crucial.
Conclusion
Although tungsten and tungsten carbide are often confused, they are distinct materials with different properties and applications. Tungsten is a high-density metal known for its heat resistance, while tungsten carbide is an ultra-hard compound valued for its strength and wear resistance.
If you need extreme hardness and durability, tungsten carbide is the better choice, especially in cutting tools and jewelry. However, if heat resistance and high density are the main requirements, then pure tungsten is the superior option.
MCT supplies high-quality tungsten carbide inserts, tips, and grits. By integrating tungsten carbide into essential machinery parts, such as mulcher teeth, hammer mill hammers, and cultivator knife points, these wear parts offer extended service life, reduce downtime, and improve overall operational efficiency. Please contact MCT directly to get the most suitable wear parts for your machinery!
FAQs
1. Is tungsten carbide better than tungsten?
It depends on the application. Tungsten carbide is harder and more durable, making it ideal for cutting tools and jewelry, while tungsten is better for applications requiring heat resistance.
2. Why is tungsten carbide used in jewelry?
Tungsten carbide is extremely scratch-resistant, making it ideal for rings, bracelets, and watches. It maintains its finish for a long time and is highly durable.
3. How brittle is tungsten compared to tungsten carbide?
Pure tungsten is quite brittle and can shatter under impact, while tungsten carbide is much tougher and more resistant to chipping or breaking.
4. Is tungsten carbide expensive?
While tungsten carbide is more expensive than some metals, it is cheaper than gold or platinum, making it a popular choice for high-quality, durable jewelry.
5. Can tungsten carbide rust?
Under normal conditions, tungsten carbide is highly corrosion-resistant, but it can oxidize in extreme environments or when exposed to harsh chemicals.
6. Which is heavier, tungsten or tungsten carbide?
Tungsten is denser than tungsten carbide, meaning it is heavier per unit volume. However, tungsten carbide is still quite heavy compared to most metals.
7. Can tungsten carbide be scratched?
Since tungsten carbide has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, it is highly scratch-resistant and can only be scratched by materials like diamond or corundum.
