What's The Difference Between Tungsten and Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten and tungsten carbide are related but distinct materials with different properties and applications. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

1. Composition

Tungsten (W)
- A pure metallic element (atomic number 74) known for its extremely high melting point (3,422°C), density (19.25 g/cm³), and strength.
- Naturally hard but somewhat brittle in its pure form.
Tungsten Carbide (WC)
- A compound made of tungsten and carbon atoms in a 1:1 ratio.
- Typically mixed with a binder (like cobalt or nickel) to improve toughness.

2. Hardness & Strength

Tungsten
- Hard but not as hard as tungsten carbide.
- More ductile than WC, meaning it can deform slightly under stress.
Tungsten Carbide
- Much harder (nearly as hard as diamond on the Mohs scale).
- Extremely wear-resistant but more brittle unless combined with a binder.

3. Applications

Tungsten
- Used in filaments (light bulbs, X-ray tubes), electrodes, and radiation shielding.
- Found in alloys (e.g., high-speed steels) to improve heat resistance.
Tungsten Carbide
- Used in cutting tools (drill bits, saw blades), mining equipment, and industrial machinery due to its hardness.
- Common in jewelry (wedding bands) because of its scratch resistance.

4. Machinability & Workability

Tungsten
- Can be machined with difficulty but is easier to work with than WC.
Tungsten Carbide
- Too hard to machine conventionally—usually shaped by sintering (powder metallurgy).

5. Price

Tungsten is generally cheaper in raw form.
Tungsten Carbide is more expensive due to processing costs but offers superior durability.

Summary

Tungsten = Pure metal, high melting point, used in electrical/industrial applications.
Tungsten Carbide = Harder, wear-resistant compound, used in cutting tools and jewelry.

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