While tungsten is known as one of the most resilient metallic elements in the world, being a refractory metal with the highest melting point, it often needs to be combined with other metals to make the most of its qualities.
For example, copper tungsten or tungsten copper (CuW or WCu) suspends powder in a matrix of copper, combining the strength and heat resistance of tungsten (W) with the electrical and thermal conductivity of copper (Cu).
A range of copper tungsten materials is available, with varying percentages of each element. The more copper, the greater the conductivity, but the lower the erosion resistance – and the more, the greater the hardness and density, but the lower the electrical conductivity.
There are many different uses of copper tungsten that benefit from this combination of properties – so keep reading to learn more about the main characteristics and applications of this alloy.
Copper tungsten properties
The excellent thermal and electrical conductivity and electrical arc resistance of copper makes copper tungsten an ideal alloy for high-voltage electrical contacts, while the low thermal expansion of tungsten means the alloy can resist wear and maintain these properties at high temperatures.
Hard and durable, copper tungsten is also easily machinable, as the increased density of tungsten can prevent the burrs that are often produced when machining softer copper parts – while the copper reduces the wear on tools that can occur when machining tougher parts.
Copper tungsten applications
As a result of the properties mentioned above, copper tungsten is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications. Most commonly, it can be found in microelectronics – including heat sinks and heat spreaders, semiconductors, chip carriers and frames, and electronic housing and packaging.
Copper tungsten is also frequently used in high voltage switches, where electrical alloys need to be lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and able to operate in humid, corrosive, and flammable conditions. This makes it a suitable vacuum contact material in circuit breakers and lightning arresters.
Its ability to withstand heat and resist eroding in the air compared to graphite makes copper tungsten electrodes a great choice for resistance welding and EDM (electric discharge machining) equipment. The alloy is often found in high-voltage discharge tubes and electric spark electrodes.
Additionally, its manufacturability and high resistance to heat and wear make copper tungsten popular in a selection of aviation and military applications – from nose cones, engine nozzles, and rudders in the aerospace sector to munition charge liners and balance weights for armaments.
Obtaining copper tungsten
Copper tungsten can be fabricated in various forms, creating different products to suit different specifications for a broad spectrum of applications. It is widely available in bars, rods, plates, sheets, wires, tubes, and more – in varying sizes as well as shapes.
If you are looking to order copper tungsten parts, or simply parts, you should consult a specialist supplier of refractory metals, whose technical knowledge and experience in providing a diverse selection of metal parts and fittings will enable them to assist you.
