The Metallurgy of Tungsten Heavy Alloys
Tungsten Heavy Alloys (WHA) parts are manufactured from very fine, high purity metal powders – typically tungsten, nickel, and iron. The blended metal powder is compacted under high pressure (up to 30 ksi) to form a specific shape that is very close to the geometry of the final part. WHA can subsequently be subjected to post sinter heat treatment and mechanical deformation to increase tensile properties and create directional micro-structures.
Why Use Tungsten Heavy Alloys
Tungsten Heavy Alloys (WHA) provides a unique combination of density, mechanical strength, machinability and corrosion resistance. These versatile materials provide distinct advantages when compared to alternate high density materials, as seen in the table below.
| Material | Density (g/cc) | Tensile Strength | Stiffness | Machinability | Toxicity | Radioactivity | Cost |
| WHA | 17.0-19.0 | Moderate | High | Excellent | Low | None | Moderate |
| Lead | 11.4 max. | Very low | Very low | Very low | High | None | Low |
| Uranium | 18.7-18.9 | Moderate | Medium | Special | High | Present | High |
ASTM B777: Tungsten Heavy Alloy Standard
ASTM B777 is a standard established for Tungsten Heavy Alloys (WHA). The Tungsten Heavy Alloys were categorized into four classes. Each class represents a percentage amount of Tungsten.
| ASTM B777 Classification | Percent Tungsten (W) Alloy |
| Class 1 | 90 % |
| Class 2 | 92.5 % |
| Class 3 | 95 % |
| Class 4 | 97.5 % |
Typical Applications of Tungsten Heavy Alloys
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