Tungsten is a metal that has many applications in today’s world. Although it can be considered somewhat new, the benefits of tungsten make it a valuable material in the manufacturing industry. Here are a few basic facts on tungsten’s history and properties.
Have You Heard the Impressive Facts About Tungsten?
Tungsten has a fairly short history compared to other well-known metals. However, its properties have made it a valued material in manufacturing for a number of reasons. Tungsten crucibles, carbides, and alloys are just a few of its major applications.
A Brief History Of Tungsten: Its Discovery and Benefits.
Tungsten was discovered in 1781. Despite being identified as a new element over 230 years ago, it took about 150 years to be actively applied to an industry. The first American patent featuring tungsten was submitted in 1847 by Robert Oxland, an engineer. More patents were submitted by other professionals over the years. The first actual product with tungsten components was in 1904 for lightbulbs.
Where Is Tungsten Found? Is It Man-Made Or Created?.
Tungsten actually only occurs naturally when four other minerals forms are present, namely calcium, iron, and manganese. Tungsten ores are found in one of two types of chemical configuration: wolframite and scheelite. These deposits are only found in metamorphic rocks. Studies have revealed that for 1,000 kilograms of Earth’s crust, only 1.25 grams is tungsten.
The Advantages of Tungsten In Manufacturing.
Tungsten is preferred in a few manufacturing industries for its many benefits. It has a density twice that of steel. In fact, on the Moh’s hardness scale tungsten carbides fall just behind diamonds. It has a score between 8.5 and 9, with the scale going up to 10 for diamonds.
Tungsten has a melting point of 6,170 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the highest for all pure metals, the highest tensile strength at 1,510 mega-pascals, as well as the lowest vapor pressure. This features are what makes tungsten crucibles a favored manufacturing tool.
Tungsten is a metal that is used in many products. For example, tungsten crucibles can be found in both electronic components and in growing sapphires. This remarkable element has a bright future in manufacturing due to its natural properties.
