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In the vast array of industrial projects going on all around the world, some of the most commonly used materials are metals. These not only help build everything from steel girders for bridges to tiny screws for eyeglasses, but also make up most of the machines and equipment used to make the products. Although steel still stands as the most commonly used metal for industry, there are two other less-known options that play important roles. They both have characteristics that outstrip steel in numerous ways.
Tungsten
Tungsten is one of three metals that are called refractory. This means they only melt at high temperatures, resist corrosion of all types, and are difficult to wear out or deform in any way. Obviously, these properties are extremely useful in many applications. The more possible wear and distortion a piece of a machine may go through, the less useful it is for the long term.
Most of these characteristics come from the atomic density that the metal elements have. High levels of density is the primary benefit of tungsten metal, although it also has low vapor pressure and only melts at very high temperatures. Its density makes it efficient at shielding against radiation.
Other uses include wear-resistant parts in vehicles, military equipment, and aircraft. Since it has considerable weight when compared to size, tungsten is sometimes used as ballast or counterweights. Tungsten crucibles get used to melt high-heat metals and produce sapphire crystals.
Common Tungsten Alloys
Tungsten heavy alloy, which incorporates nickel and iron or copper, has a greater weight compared to size than tungsten alone. It is therefore used as shields for X-rays instead of lead, and in the petroleum industry. Since copper conducts electricity so well, this combination is frequently used for hard-wearing electrodes.
Molybdenum
Produced by compacting and sintering MO in powder form, this metal offers exceptional strength for many applications. It stays strong and ductile at high temperatures as well. The density of the metal allows its use in radiation shielding for medical purposes among others. It usually comes in various rods, sheets, and blocks as well as molybdenum foil.
Common Molybdenum Alloys
One of the specialty alloys with molybdenum as its base is called TZM. It is named for the titanium and zirconium it’s created from. This metal has all the strength of its base with added heat resistance. TZM parts are most frequently used in vacuum furnaces that can reach temperatures of 2000+ degrees Fahrenheit.
Other metals that are combined with molybdenum for particular purposes include tungsten, copper, and rhenium. These are used for molten zinc manufacturing, electrical circuit board creation, and building rocket engine parts respectively.
These two common metal types and their alloys help across a multitude of industries every day. Their strength and heat resistance allows them to be used for manufacturing, processing, and building of everything from petroleum products to synthetic gemstones. The common alloys of tungsten and molybdenum expand their uses considerably. With added properties, many more possibilities open up. As metallurgical technology marches on, even more uses and benefits may emerge.
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