Tungsten rod
Explanatory expressions explain inexplicable truths. Kozma Prutkov.
Advantages
Tungsten rod is made from the most refractory of known metals, tungsten's melting point is +3422°C. It does not lose hardness even when heated, has good thermal conductivity, a minimum thermal expansion coefficient, high resistance to thermal creep, high modulus of elasticity, exceptional electrical resistance. When heated to red heat and then cooled, tungsten rod does not lose its strength - this property is called red resistance. These bars are resistant to corrosion and to aggressive gas and liquid media, including at high temperatures. The demand of modern industry for such products has been constant for many years.
Disadvantages
Tungsten is a rare element of the earth's crust. Difficulties in its extraction and processing due to its exceptional properties have an impact on the production costs. At normal temperatures, it is a hard metal, and it is not ductile enough. In addition, tungsten electrodes are very heavy. The specific gravity of W is the same as that of gold - 19.3 grams per cc.
Production
The technological ductility of W is low at normal temperature, so tungsten rods are produced by heat treatment under pressure. First, a billet is made by powder metallurgy - the so-called stack. Then it is heated and forged on a rotary forging machine to Ø 2 - 3 mm... Such bars are usually supplied in straight sections.
Application
Tungsten rod is indispensable for the production of parts operating in extreme conditions of high temperatures and considerable loads in metal processing, impact and rotary drilling, in metallurgy, machine building, industrial chemistry, military-industrial complex. It is used for alloying of tool steels, manufacturing of mandrels of piercing mills, dies, pressstamps. Such a rod is used in glass production as melting electrodes and stirrers for glass melting. Thin tungsten rods are used for welding both heat-resistant and low-alloy steels. Tungsten wire is widely used in electrical engineering.
Table 1. Tungsten electrodes in pouches for argon-arc welding
| Electrode brand | alloying additives | Note |
|---|---|---|
| WC-20 (gray | 1.8-2.2% cerium dioxide | Stainless, acid and heat resistant steels and metals (tungsten, niobium, nickel, tantalum, titanium and their alloys, copper, bronze, silicon bronze. |
| WL-20 (blue) | 1.8-2.2% lanthanum dioxide | Thin plate joining, high-alloy steel, surfacing on molds, valves, cutting aluminum, bronze, copper and high-alloy steels. |
| WT-20 (red) | 1.8-2.2% thorium dioxide | Welding current is constant. Easy arc ignition Form stability at high currents. Long life. |
| WZ8 (white) | 0.8% zirconium dioxide | AC welding of critical joints. Easy ignition and arc stability. The alternative to pure tungsten. |
| WP (green) | Pure W without alloying agents | AC welding of Al, Mg and their alloys. Satisfactory arc ignition capability. Long enough service life. |
| WY-20 (dark blue). | 1.8-2.2% yttrium oxide | DC welding of the most demanding joints. Easy ignition of the arc, long service life. |
Buy at the best price
Evek GmbH always has a wide range of high quality tungsten rod and tungsten wheel in stock at a price that will satisfy any customer. We offer good conditions for wholesale and retail customers. If necessary, you will be consulted by our experienced managers. All products are certified. Quality is guaranteed by strict compliance with technological norms of production. Delivery - in the shortest possible time. In the case of bulk orders we provide discounted prices.