The Ultimate Tungsten Guide For Metal Fabricators
Tungsten is a metal that has some pretty interesting characteristics. It has one of the highest melting points of any metals and has the highest tensile strength. If you're looking to incorporate it into your fabrication projects, consider this guide.
Type
When you're considering tungsten as a material choice for your fabrication projects, there are predominantly two choices. These include tungsten and tungsten carbide. Which one you go with will depend on several factors.
Tungsten tends to scratch more easily and thus won't remain a shiny metal. That's something to consider if you're working on projects that need to remain aesthetically pleasing. Tungsten does not cost as much as tungsten carbine, though.
Tungsten carbide is the more durable of the two and contains nickel. This unique composition keeps the metal from changing colors, no matter what elements it's exposed to.
Condition
Like any other metal, you can purchase tungsten new or used. If you're on a strict budget, used tungsten pieces are the best option. They will not cost as much, and a lot of times, you can find quality pieces that will suit the function you have in mind for them. Just make sure you thoroughly examine each piece, making sure it's structurally sound.
However, if you don't have any budget restrictions, getting new tungsten ensures your materials are in flawless condition. You, therefore, don't have to spend as much time examining them in person. New tungsten metals are ideal if you plan on using them to support other structures that weigh a lot.
Supplier
The quality of your tungsten metal is largely dependent on who you buy from. As such, you need to think carefully about which tungsten supplier you end up ordering from. Ideally, you want them to be part of the Better Business Bureau. This organization ensures their members abide by safe and ethical practices.
You also need to decide whether you want to order from local suppliers or online suppliers. The former is less risky as you can actually visit their scrap metal yard and inspect the tungsten pieces yourself. However, working with online suppliers can save you time and allows you to easily compare tungsten prices.
The unique properties of tungsten will continue making it a popular material for metal fabricators. To get the most out of this metal, though, you need to be strategic with how you purchase it. Only then will this metal work perfectly for the projects you have in mind.