Metal powders · W
Tungsten Metal Powder (W)
Hydrogen-reduced tungsten metal powder in four standard Fisher grain-size bands, supplied to diamond tool, electrical contact and high-density alloy manufacturers in 36 countries.
About Tungsten metal powder
Tungsten metal powder is the reduced metallic form of tungsten, produced by passing tungsten oxide through a hydrogen atmosphere at controlled temperature. The reduction schedule is what sets the final grain size: a slower, cooler profile yields the fine 1.5–3 µm powders used in hot-pressed diamond segments, while a hotter, longer profile grows the coarse 12–15 µm powders used where flow and packing density matter more than sintering activity.
Because grain size and apparent density move together through that process, they cannot be specified independently. Our four standard grades pair F.S.S.S. bands of 1.5–3, 4–6, 8–10 and 12–15 µm with apparent densities of 2.5, 3.4, 5.1 and 6.2 g/cc respectively. Selecting a grade is therefore a decision about both sintering behaviour and die-fill behaviour at once.
All grades are held to W min. 99.85% with oxygen max. 0.06%. Oxygen is the specification that most often decides whether a powder performs: residual oxide on the particle surface interferes with wetting in metal-matrix systems and with densification during sintering, which is why it is stated on every certificate rather than left to a typical value.
Specifications
| Average particle size (F.S.S.S.) | 1.5–3 | 4–6 | 8–10 | 12–15 µm |
|---|---|
| Apparent density | 2.5 | 3.4 | 5.1 | 6.2 g/cc |
| Tungsten (W), min. | 99.85 % |
| Oxygen (O), max. | 0.06 % |
| Typical impurities | Fe, Mo, Cu, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn — max. limits stated per CoA |
| HS code | 8101.94 |
Specifications can be tailored to order. Confirm your target values with us before placing an order and we will state honestly whether they are achievable.
Choosing an F.S.S.S. grade
Finer powder sinters at a lower temperature and holds diamond more tightly, but flows poorly and shrinks more. Coarser powder fills dies consistently and shrinks less, at the cost of sintering activity. Most buyers settle on a grade by working backwards from their press cycle.
1.5–3 µm (2.5 g/cc)
Hot-pressed diamond segments where matrix retention and low sintering temperature matter most.
4–6 µm (3.4 g/cc)
General-purpose diamond tooling and Cu-W blends — the usual starting point when a process is being qualified.
8–10 µm (5.1 g/cc)
Electrical contacts and infiltrated parts, where packing density and dimensional stability lead.
12–15 µm (6.2 g/cc)
Counterweights, shielding and filler applications that are driven by bulk density rather than sintering.
Applications
Diamond segments and core bits
Tungsten raises the wear resistance of the metal matrix so it erodes at a rate matched to the diamond, keeping fresh grit exposed. Finer F.S.S.S. grades are usual here because they consolidate at hot-pressing temperatures without over-shrinking around the diamond.
Electrical contacts and Cu-W connectors
Pressed and infiltrated tungsten skeletons give copper-tungsten contacts their arc-erosion resistance while copper carries the current. Consistent apparent density is what keeps the skeleton's porosity — and therefore the final copper fraction — inside tolerance.
Counterweights and radiation shielding
Tungsten's density of 19.25 g/cm³ makes it the practical non-depleted-uranium choice for balance weights and shielding. These applications buy on bulk density and price per kilogram, so the coarse grades are normal.
High-density alloys and fillers
W-Ni-Fe and W-Ni-Cu heavy alloys, induction shielding and polymer-loaded fillers all start from metal powder. Grain size here is chosen to suit the mixing and consolidation route rather than a sintering target.
Quality control
- Fisher sub-sieve sizer (F.S.S.S.) grain size on every lot
- Apparent density by Scott volumeter
- Chemistry and impurity scan against the agreed maximum limits
- Oxygen determination reported on the certificate of analysis
- Third-party test certificates available on request
Manufactured under an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system.
Packaging and export
Packed in sealed steel drums under nitrogen or vacuum to prevent surface oxidation in transit, which matters over the six to eight week sea-freight legs typical for European and North American orders. Standard drum sizes and palletised configurations are confirmed at order.
Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of analysis and certificate of origin are supplied as standard with every export shipment.
Tungsten metal powder — frequently asked questions
What F.S.S.S. grain sizes are available?
Four standard bands: 1.5–3, 4–6, 8–10 and 12–15 µm, with apparent densities of 2.5, 3.4, 5.1 and 6.2 g/cc respectively. Custom grain-size targets can be agreed for larger orders — share the application and we will confirm feasibility and lead time.
What purity do you guarantee?
Tungsten min. 99.85% with oxygen max. 0.06%. Individual impurity maxima for Fe, Mo, Cu, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn are stated on the certificate of analysis issued with each lot.
Can I specify grain size and apparent density independently?
Not freely. Both are set by the same hydrogen reduction schedule, so they move together across our four standard grades. If your process needs a combination outside those pairings, send the requirement and we will tell you honestly whether it is achievable.
How is the powder protected during export shipment?
Sealed steel drums under nitrogen or vacuum. Tungsten powder picks up oxygen from humid air, and the fine grades have the surface area to do it quickly, so the seal is what keeps the oxygen figure on the certificate meaningful when the drum is opened.
What is the HS code for export documentation?
Tungsten powders fall under HS heading 8101.94. We supply the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of analysis and certificate of origin as standard.
Tungsten metal powder export destinations
Country-specific specifications, logistics and compliance notes for this product: