Tungsten Alloys Properties

tungsten alloy mechanical physical properties specifications chemistry

Tungsten Alloys are produced with a high Tungsten content ranging from 90% to 97% by weight. Below are the physical and mechanical properties of Tungsten Alloys we supply.

Tungsten Alloys are commonly referred to as Tungsten Heavy Alloys (WHA).  ASTM B777-15 defines four different classes for this alloy which are differentiated by their nominal densities.

These alloys are supplied as either magnetic or non-magnetic depending on the use of either Iron or Copper as a binder. The magnetic variation uses Iron as the binder. If non-magnetism is needed, Copper is used as a binder. EFINEA stocks Tungsten Alloys under the name EF 17. It is named for its specific gravity, which is a nominal 17 g/cc as specified in ASTM B777-15 as Class 1.

We also can source Class 2 (17.5 g/cc), Class 3 (18 g/cc), Class 4 (18.5 g/cc).  Call us at 1-800-628-6268 if you require these densities.

Tungsten Heavy Alloys (WHA) have particularly high density which:

  1. absorbs radiation and can be a more environmentally friendly alternative to Lead as a shield.
  2. makes it the ideal material for a wide range of applications found in aerospace, automotive, medical engineering and construction industry.
  3. are used for vibration damping in machine tools.

Benefits of Tungsten Heavy Alloys

  • High density of 17.0 to 18.5 g/cc (similar to pure Tungsten)
  • Better machinability compared to pure Tungsten
  • Inexpensive to manufacture complex products and components
  • High vibration absorption and excellent rigidity
  • High absorption capacity for X-rays and gamma rays
  • Harmless to the health and environment

For an EFINEA Tungsten Alloys data sheet, or any other Refractory Metals & Alloys data sheets, please go to the Data Sheets section in our Technical Library.

Tungsten Heavy Alloys (WHA) Typical Properties

EFI GradeEF17EF175EF18EF185
ASTM B777-15Class 1Class 2Class 3Class 4
Nominal % Tungsten9092.59597
Nominal Density g/cc*17.0017.5018.0018.50
Minimum* Ultimate Tensile Strength UTS (ksi)110110105100
Minimum* Elongation %5532
Modulus of Elasticity (ksi)45,00048,00050,00052,000
*See ASTM B777-15, Table 1 for actual density range

*Note: Non-magnetic compositions (N) conforming to EF17, EF175 and EF18 shall have minimum properties of 94 ksi minimum ultimate tensile strength. Minimum elongation shall be 2% on EF17 and EF175 and 1% on EF18.

Tungsten Heavy Alloys (WHA) Typical Physical Properties

EFI GradeEF17NEF17EF175NEF175EF18NEF18EF185
Class 1Class 1Class 2Class 2Class 3Class 3Class 4
MagnetismNon-MagneticMagneticNon-MagneticMagneticNon-MagneticMagneticMagnetic
NilSlightNilSlightNilSlightSlight
Densityg/cc171717.517.5181818.5
Lbs/in30.620.620.630.630.650.650.67
Composition W, Ni, Cu W, Ni, Fe W, Ni, Cu W, Ni, Fe W, Ni, Cu W, Ni, Fe W, Ni, Fe
Source: ASTM B777-15

Tungsten Heavy Alloys (WHA) Specifications

ASTM B777-15AMS 7725CSAE-AMS T-21014

For additional information on specifications of the materials distributed by EFINEA, please visit the websites of the international organizations that develop and publish technical standards: ASTM International and ASM International.