Classification of tungsten alloys

Molybdenum-Tungsten Alloys

These are alloys containing both molybdenum and tungsten, including molybdenum-based molybdenum-tungsten alloys and tungsten-based tungsten-molybdenum alloys. These alloys can be formed in any proportion and are complete solid solutions at all temperatures.

Niobium-Tungsten Alloys

These are niobium alloys formed by adding a certain amount of tungsten and other elements to a niobium base. Tungsten and niobium form an infinite solid solution. Tungsten is an effective strengthening element for niobium, but as the amount of tungsten added increases, the ductile-brittle transition temperature of the alloy rises, and the grains grow significantly. Therefore, to obtain high-strength niobium-tungsten alloys, the amount of tungsten added must be appropriately controlled, and elements that refine the grains and lower the ductile-brittle transition temperature, such as zirconium and hafnium, must be added in appropriate amounts.

Cemented Carbide

Cemented carbide is the most common and important form of tungsten alloy. Unlike the previous tungsten alloys, it is made with tungsten, carbon, and cobalt, and is therefore often called tungsten-cobalt alloy. The most widely used cutting tools in industry are basically cemented carbide tools, so this tungsten alloy is also known as "industrial teeth."