Tungsten powder is something most people have never heard of before. What is it, and when was it used? Read on to gain a little history and deeper understanding of what this powder has been used for.
Understanding the History of Tungsten Scrap
Tungsten was discovered in 1781. However, it is was not used as we know today for at least another century and a half. This hard scrap only appears in nature when it is combined with other mineral forms. Typically, these include calcium and iron, but others are used to help make the powder. It’s important to note that at least two of the minerals that make up Tungsten must be of different chemical compositions.
Tungsten Has Different Grades
Don’t assume that one type of Tungsten Carbide powder is the same as any other on the market. Tungsten comes in a variety of different grades, which are used in various ways depending on how hard or soft they are. Be aware when you’re dealing with this type of material, there are many different uses, from powder to Tungsten steel alloy. Whatever the needs of the industry are, Tungsten can be adapted to work in its favor.
Tungsten isn’t as Widely Used as Many People Think
Despite the versatility of this scrap, many people do not use it as much as you’d think. In fact, less than 70% of tungsten powder is used in the United States. The rest is shipped overseas where it’s put to use in other ways. In the case of being sent overseas, it is exported for recycling. This is beneficial, since the scrap isn’t going to waste, and it’s getting good use for someone else’s’ needs. For those that have excess to get rid of, this might be a way to make extra money for something they aren’t using anyway.
Tungsten powder is more interesting than meets the eye. It has been around for many years and is only made naturally when four or more minerals combine together. It comes in varying grades and can be almost as hard as a diamond. It gets used in the US, but it is also shipped out to other countries for recycling purposes.