Introduction
Tungsten Heavy Alloy (WHA) is a high-density tungsten alloy (W-Ni-Fe/W-Ni-Cu), a sintered powder metallurgy material. High density, radiation shielding, lead replacement. Supply tungsten alloy counterweights, medical collimators, aerospace balance weights, and custom CNC-machined parts per ASTM.
FANMETAL is a leading ISO-certified manufacturer of high-quality Tungsten Heavy Alloys (W-Ni-Fe & W-Ni-Cu). With over 20 years of powder metallurgy expertise, we supply standard and custom tungsten alloy components compliant with ASTM B777 and AMS-T-21014. Density ranges from 16.5 to 18.8 g/cm³ to meet your precise engineering needs.
What Is Tungsten Heavy Alloy
Tungsten Heavy Alloy (WHA), also called High-Density Tungsten Alloy, is a tungsten-based composite material made by powder metallurgy sintering. It uses tungsten as the main matrix, with nickel, iron, or copper added as binder metals to improve toughness and machinability.
✅ Tungsten content: 85% – 97% by weight (wt%) Two main commercial grades:
W-Ni-Fe (Tungsten Nickel Iron)
– good ductility & machinability, general-purpose grade
W-Ni-Cu (Tungsten Nickel Copper)
– non-magnetic & corrosion-resistant, for precision medical / electronics applications
Pure tungsten is brittle and hard to machine. By adding binder metals, WHA keeps tungsten’s ultra-high density while gaining better workability.
Image: The microstructure exhibits a classic equiaxed tungsten grain structure uniformly dispersed within a ductile binder matrix. This optimal morphology ensures high density and superior mechanical strength.
Key Properties & Benefits
01.
🏋️♂️Engineered High Density (Up to 18.75 g/cm³)
With a density nearly twice that of steel and 60% heavier than lead, our tungsten heavy alloys concentrate maximum weight in the smallest possible footprint. This exceptional mass-to-volume ratio allows aerospace and automotive engineers to design compact, high-efficiency counterweights and balance bars without compromising spatial limitations.
02.
🛡️Advanced Radiation Shielding (Non-Toxic Alternative to Lead)
Due to their superior linear attenuation coefficient, Fanmetal's W-Ni-Fe and W-Ni-Cu alloys absorb harmful X-ray and Gamma-ray radiation far more effectively than traditional materials. Unlike lead, our alloys are completely non-toxic, eco-friendly, and highly machinable, making them the industry standard for multi-leaf collimators and medical imaging shielding.
03.
🦾High Tensile Strength & Impact Resistance
Engineered to survive extreme mechanical stress, our alloys exhibit a tensile strength reaching up to 1050 MPa combined with high hardness (24 - 36 HRC). They resist deformation, chipping, and catastrophic brittle fracture under intense cyclical dynamic loading, which makes them ideal for demanding components like heavy-duty bucking bars and oil well logging tools.
04.
🌡️Low Thermal Expansion Coefficient
They maintain dimensional integrity under severe thermal fluctuations. With a very low coefficient of thermal expansion (4.0-5.5 × 10⁻⁶/K) and excellent thermal conductivity, they eliminate the risk of thermal fatigue or distortion. This guarantees structural predictability and longevity in high-temperature electronics and die-casting mold inserts.
Standard Grades & Technical Specifications
Standard |
Grade |
Hardness (HRC) |
Elongation (%) |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
Density (g/cm³) |
Compressive Strength (MPa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM B777 | Class 1 | 28–32 | ≥8.0 | ≥900 | 18.5–18.7 | ≥1800 |
| ASTM B777 | Class 2 | 33–37 | ≥6.5 | ≥950 | 18.7–18.9 | ≥1950 |
| ASTM B777 | Class 3 | 38–42 | ≥5.0 | ≥1000 | 18.9–19.1 | ≥2100 |
| ASTM B777 | Class 4 | 43–47 | ≥3.5 | ≥1050 | 19.1–19.3 | ≥2250 |
| AMS-T-21014 | Class 1 | 27–33 | ≥7.5 | ≥890 | 18.4–18.8 | ≥1780 |
| AMS-T-21014 | Class 2 | 32–38 | ≥6.0 | ≥940 | 18.6–19.0 | ≥1920 |
| AMS-T-21014 | Class 3 | 37–43 | ≥4.5 | ≥990 | 18.8–19.2 | ≥2080 |
| AMS-T-21014 | Class 4 | 42–48 | ≥3.0 | ≥1040 | 19.0–19.4 | ≥2230 |
Product Forms & General Parameters
| Product Form | Available Size Range | Standard Grade | Typical Tolerance | Common Machining Options | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round Bar | Dia 3 mm ~ 150 mm, Length up to 1000 mm |
Class1~Class4 (W-Ni-Fe / W-Ni-Cu)
|
±0.05 mm | Turning, grinding, drilling | Counterweights, radiation shielding, penetrator blanks |
| Plate / Sheet | Thickness 2 mm ~ 80 mm, Max 400×400 mm | ±0.08 mm | Milling, wire EDM, surface grinding | Shielding blocks, fixture inserts, vibration dampers | |
| Square / Rectangular Block | 5×5 mm ~ 300×300 mm | ±0.10 mm | EDM, CNC machining, tapping | Medical shielding, industrial counterweights | |
| Disc / Ring | OD 10 mm ~ 300 mm, ID ≥3 mm | ±0.06 mm | Turning, boring, lapping | Rotary balance weights, collimators | |
|
Sphere / Ball |
Dia 1.9 mm ~ 100 mm, precision grading available |
Standard ±0.02 mm; precision ±0.005 mm |
Sintering, precision grinding, mirror polishing, plating |
Precision counterweights, fishing sinkers, instrument balancing, valve precision balls, vibration damping | |
|
Fasteners (Bolts, Screws, Nuts) |
M3 ~ M20, custom thread & length per drawing |
Thread tolerance 6g/6H, dimension ±0.03 mm |
CNC turning, thread rolling, precision tapping, surface passivation |
High-strength fastening, vibration-resistant assembly, aerospace fixture, precision instrument connection |
|
| Custom Near-Net Shape | As per customer drawing | Drawing specified | Sintered blank + finish machining | Aerospace parts, defence components |
Our Current Products
Common Applications
When selecting tungsten-based materials for industrial components, engineers consider factors such as density, temperature resistance, mechanical properties, and machinability. Both tungsten heavy alloys and pure tungsten have high density and are used in demanding applications, but their material structures and properties are different.
Aerospace and Precision Counterweights
Helicopter rotors, weights for control surfaces of aircraft, and balancing weights for satellite orientation as well as gyroscope components employ these materials. They allow corrections to the center of gravity in confined spaces and vibration suppression to function effectively.
Industrial Machinery and Motorsports
Balance weights for centrifuges, turbines, and flywheels; balance weights for racing car chassis and wheel hubs; counterweights for sports equipment such as golf clubs, fishing sinkers, and darts. Non-magnetic W-Ni-Cu alloys are available; RoHS/REACH compliant; serve as a substitute for lead counterweights.
Medical Protection Against Nuclear Radiation
Thus, this material is a lead-free shielding material that finds application in radiotherapy multi-leaf collimators, containers used for the storage of isotopes, shields for radionuclide syringes, and shields for some CT and X-ray equipment. They offer a smaller volume for the same shielding efficiency and therefore can be used in place of regular lead.
Downhole Tools for Oil and Gas Exploration
Heavy alloy is suitable for harsh downhole environments. It is manufactured into logging sinker bars, downhole jar weights, and drilling balance components, improving the deployment efficiency of downhole tools under high temperature and high pressure.
Precision Instruments and Optical Platforms
Tungsten heavy alloy vibration-damping weights for optical breadboards, analytical instruments, and semiconductor inspection equipment. High mass in a compact size lowers the center of gravity and absorbs vibration to guarantee precision measurement.
Defense-related dynamic components
High-density and high-toughness heavy alloy for kinetic energy penetrator cores, ammunition balance weights, and weapon inertial components. Excellent impact resistance for rigorous military requirements.
Successful Client Case
Custom Tungsten Alloy Fishing Sinkers for a Premium Dutch Tackle Brand
Project Background
A premium fishing tackle brand from the Netherlands was developing a new lure rig optimized for heavy cover and fast-current waters. Traditional lead weights were too bulky, causing frequent snags and high water resistance, which disrupted the natural action of the lure and reduced strike rates.
Engineering Challenges
The client needed maximum ballast in a compact volume for rapid bottom penetration, alongside a non-toxic high-density lead alternative complying with strict European environmental regulations and featuring a smooth finish for soft plastic baits.
Our Solution: Form Follows Function
We produced 95% W-Ni-Fe Tungsten Alloy bullet and teardrop sinkers. Tungsten is significantly denser than lead, reducing volume by nearly 30% and lowering water drag. Precision manufacturing ensured a smooth finish and perfect integration into setups like the Texas Rig and Neko Rig.
The Result
The sinkers offered superior sink rates, high sensitivity, and full compliance with lead-free regulations, giving the client an early advantage in eco-friendly sports fishing.
P.S. If you would like to learn more, you can search for the keyword "tungsten" directly in our news section. We maintain close contact with our overseas clients, and the feedback we receive from them is authentic and reliable. If you are interested in our products, please feel free to contact us at admin@fanmetalloy.com.
Manufacturing & Processing Flow
Relying on advanced powder metallurgy, we achieve full densification through precision blending, near-net-shape pressing, and liquid phase sintering. Combined with high-precision CNC machining and rigorous quality testing, we provide customized Tungsten Heavy Alloy solutions that deliver exceptional density and superior mechanical performance.
Why Choose FANMETAL
Company profile
As a professional metal component manufacturer serving global overseas clients, FANMETAL stands out from local distributors and ordinary Chinese factories with reliable service capabilities, professional technical support, and standardized production systems. We effectively solve overseas buyers’ core concerns about custom difficulty, quality instability, opaque traceability, and uncertain delivery cycles, delivering high-value metal processing and customized solutions for global procurement.
01
Precision Machining Capability
We support custom metal parts manufacturing and non-standard component processing based on customer drawings and samples. Equipped with advanced precision cutting and machining technology, we can tailor special non-standard metal accessories that are difficult for ordinary distributors to supply, meeting personalized industrial procurement and customized engineering needs of different industries.
02
Senior & Professional Technical Team
Our core technical and R&D team boasts 10-30 years of metal industry experience, with in-depth accumulation in material selection, process optimization, and product quality control. Unlike novice suppliers, our experienced team can quickly optimize production schemes, avoid process errors, and provide professional technical guidance for complex procurement projects.
03
Complete Product Quality Certification
We hold ISO 9001 certification. We provide full batch product traceability reports and an official Mill Test Certificate (MTC) for every order. All metal products support full quality tracking from raw material procurement to finished product delivery, ensuring compliance with international industrial quality standards and customer inspection requirements.
04
Stable Fast Delivery & Reliable Supply Chain
Unlike unstable small factories and local distributors with insufficient inventory, we have standardized production lines and mature supply chain management. We guarantee a stable 25-30 days lead time for standard metal parts, with scientific production scheduling to avoid delivery delays, ensuring customers’ project progress and inventory turnover are not affected.
FAQ
Q: What is the main difference between W-Ni-Fe and W-Ni-Cu alloys, and how do I choose?
A: W-Ni-Fe offers higher tensile strength and ductility, making it ideal for kinetic energy penetrators and structural components. W-Ni-Cu provides superior electrical/thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, perfect for electrical contacts and radiation shielding.
(Tip: Choose W-Ni-Fe for strength; choose W-Ni-Cu for conductivity or non-magnetic requirements.)
Q: Can your tungsten heavy alloy products be CNC machined to custom tolerances?
A: Yes. We specialize in precision CNC machining of sintered tungsten alloys. We can achieve tight tolerances (typically ±0.05mm to ±0.01mm depending on geometry) and complex shapes directly from your drawings.
Q: Which industrial standards do your tungsten heavy alloys comply with?
A: Our materials generally comply with ISO 7736, ASTM B777, and MPIF Standard 35. We can also manufacture according to specific customer specifications or military standards upon request.
Q: What is your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for standard shapes and custom parts?
A: For standard rods/plates, the MOQ is typically low (e.g., 1-5 pieces). For custom-shaped parts, the MOQ depends on the mold complexity but usually starts at 10-50 pieces. Please contact us for specific project assessments.
Q: Do you provide samples for material verification and testing?
A: Yes, we do. We offer sample pieces for material testing and verification. While sample fees may apply initially, they are often refundable upon placing a bulk order.
Q: What is the typical lead time for manufacturing and delivery?
A: Standard stock items ship within 7-10 days. Custom sintered parts typically require 25-30 days for production, depending on quantity and machining complexity. We always strive to meet your project deadlines.
Q: How do you ensure the internal quality and prevent defects in high-density tungsten blocks?
A: We utilize Vacuum Sintering + HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) technology to eliminate internal porosity and ensure uniform density. Every batch undergoes strict Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and density checks before shipment to guarantee zero defects.
We're well-known as one of the leading tungsten heavy alloy manufacturers and suppliers in China. If you're going to wholesale high quality tungsten heavy alloy with competitive price, welcome to get quotation from our factory. Also, customized service is available.
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