What's The Difference Between Tungsten And Tungsten Carbide?

What's The Difference Between Tungsten And Tungsten Carbide?

 Most people will confuse tungsten and tungsten carbide, as tungsten carbide is the most widely understood form of tungsten available. However, there are some niche use cases for its pure form, and this section will contrast tungsten and tungsten carbide to illustrate how they differ. Below, in Table 1, is shown several mechanical properties of each material, and their comparison should give readers a better idea as to when to implement one material over the other. Note that tungsten carbide (WC) is used for this comparison, but more alloys exist.

Comparison of material properties between tungsten and tungsten carbide

While pure tungsten does not have the toughness of its alloys, tungsten carbide does not have the unique physical properties of its pure form, making these materials equally useful. Understanding what kind of specifications are needed for your project is necessary before choosing between tungsten and tungsten carbide, as they are both specialized for different applications. As always, a conversation with your supplier will provide you with the best knowledge on which to use, or if there is a less expensive option worth consideration.