Tungsten Properties
The Properties That Make Tungsten the Material of Choice When Requirements Are Extreme
Tungsten is specified when designs demand compact mass, stability, durability, and performance in harsh environments. It is used across defense, aerospace, energy, industrial manufacturing, and technical systems because its combination of properties enables outcomes that are difficult to achieve with lighter materials.
Tungsten Properties at a Glance
| Property | Value (pure tungsten) |
|---|---|
| Density | 19.25 g/cc (0.696 lb/in³) |
| Melting point | 3,422°C (6,192°F), the highest of all metals |
| Thermal conductivity | ~173 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | ~4.5 µm/m·°C |
| Young’s modulus | ~411 GPa |
Density and Mass Efficiency
Tungsten heavy alloys pack substantial mass into a compact volume, enabling smaller counterweights, compact inserts, and dense shapes that support stable, predictable mass properties.
How Density Translates into Real Outcomes
Tungsten heavy alloys retain strength and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures, making them suitable for components exposed to sustained heat where standard steels begin to lose performance.
Mechanical Strength, Hardness, and Wear Behavior
Tungsten offers strong mechanical performance and high hardness, supporting durability in demanding environments.
How this impacts part selection:
- High density (19.25 g/cc): maximum mass in minimal volume for counterweights, ballast, and radiation shielding.
- Highest melting point of all metals (3,422°C): reliable service in extreme-temperature environments such as crucibles and high-heat fixtures.
- Low thermal expansion: dimensional stability as temperature changes, supporting tight-tolerance assemblies.
- High stiffness and hardness: wear resistance and rigidity under sustained load.