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1. Table of Tungsten’s main properties
| Property | Typical value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Density | ~19.3 g/cm³ | Very high |
| Modulus of Elasticity (E) | ~400–410 GPa | Extremely high |
| Tensile strength | ~500–1500 MPa | |
| Hardness (HV) | ~300–600 HV | Very high |
| Thermal conductivity | ~160–180 W/m·K | High |
| Electrical conductivity | ~18–20 MS/m | Moderate |
| Thermal Expansion | ~4–5 ×10⁻⁶ /K | Very low |
| Melting point | ~3420 °C | Extremely high |
| Magnetism | Weakly paramagnetic | |
| Corrosion resistance | Good | |
| Machinability | Very difficult |
2. General description
Tungsten is a transition Metal characterized by its very high Hardness, wear resistance, and extremely high melting point. In horology, it is used almost exclusively for tooling, where its exceptional mechanical properties are particularly sought after.
It is mainly used in the form of Tungsten carbide, a composite Material combining Tungsten and Carbon, offering significantly higher performance than steels traditional for precision machining operations.
3. Tungsten carbide
In horology, Tungsten is mainly used in the form of Tungsten carbide (WC), usually sintered with a metallic binder, often cobalt.
Characteristics:
- Extremely high Hardness
- Very high wear resistance
- Stability of cutting edges
- Relative brittleness (fragile)
4. Applications in Horologist (watchmaker) tooling
Tungsten carbide is used to manufacture many precision tools:
- Gravers → turning and fitting
- Milling cutters → machining of components
- Drills → high-precision drilling
- Cutting inserts
It is particularly suited for machining Materials that are:
- hard (heat-treated steels)
- abrasive
- difficult to machine
5. Advantages and limitations
Advantages
- Very long tool lifespan
- Consistent cutting precision
- Exceptional wear resistance
- Good Temperature resistance
- Reduced tool deformation
Limitations
- Brittleness (fragile)
- Sensitivity to impact
- High cost
- Sharpening difficulty
- Requires suitable machining conditions
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