Encyclopedia of Tungsten Copper Rod

Tungsten Copper Rod

Directory

Chapter 1 Overview of Tungsten Copper Rod

1.1 Definition and Basic Concepts of Tungsten Copper Rod

1.2 Development History and Technological Evolution of Tungsten-Copper Composite Materials

1.3 The Status and Role of Tungsten Copper Rod in the Material System

1.4 Research and Application Status of Tungsten Copper Materials at Home and Abroad

Chapter 2 Main Types of Tungsten Copper Rod

2.1 Classification by Tungsten-Copper Ratio

2.1.1 W-Cu 50/50 Tungsten Copper Rod

2.1.2 W-Cu 70/30 Tungsten Copper Rod

2.1.3 W-Cu 75/25 Tungsten Copper Rod

2.1.4 W-Cu 80/20 Tungsten Copper Rod

2.1.5 W-Cu 85/15 Tungsten Copper Rod

2.1.6 W-Cu 90/10 Tungsten Copper Rod

2.1.7 Special Ratio Tungsten Copper Rod

2.2 Classification by Application Field

2.2.1 Tungsten Copper Rod for Electrical and Electronic Applications

2.2.1.1 High-Voltage Switches and Arc Contacts

2.2.1.2 Discharge Electrode and Spark Plug Electrode

2.2.1.3 Semiconductor Packaging and Conductive Connectors

2.2.2 Tungsten Copper Rod for Heat Dissipation and Thermal Management

2.2.2.1 Microelectronics and Integrated Circuit Heat Sinks

2.2.2.2 Laser and High-Power Device Heat Dissipation Substrates

2.2.2.3 Aerospace Cooling Components

2.2.3 Tungsten Copper Rod for Military and Aerospace Applications

2.2.3.1 Electromagnetic Guns and Protective Armor Materials

2.2.3.2 Electrodes and Components for High-Energy Weapons

2.2.3.3 Rocket Nozzle and Propulsion System Components

2.2.4 Tungsten Copper Rod for Machinery and Mold Industry

2.2.4.1 Electrode for Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)

2.2.4.2 Stamping Dies and Wear-Resistant Parts

2.2.5 Tungsten Copper Rod for Medical and Scientific Research Applications

2.2.5.1 Medical Electrodes and Special Probes

2.2.5.2 High-Energy Physics Experiments and Nuclear Industry Applications

Chapter 3 Preparation and Production Technology of Tungsten Copper Rod

3.1 Raw Material Preparation

3.1.1 Preparation and Quality Requirements of Tungsten Powder

3.1.2 Preparation and Characteristics of Electrolytic Copper

3.1.3 Effect of Tungsten Powder Size, Morphology and Purity on the Process

3.2 Forming Process of Tungsten-Based Preform

3.2.1 Pressing (Uniaxial Pressing, Isostatic Pressing)

3.2.2 Sintering Densification (Vacuum or Hydrogen Atmosphere)

3.2.3 Control of Porosity and Connectivity of Preforms

3.3 Vacuum Infiltration Process

3.3.1 Basic Principles of Vacuum Infiltration

3.3.2 Infiltration Furnace Structure and Working Principle

3.3.3 Copper Infiltration Temperature, Vacuum Degree and Infiltration Dynamics

3.3.4 Interface Reaction and Microstructure Evolution During Infiltration

3.3.5 Infiltration Uniformity and Quality Control

3.4 Post-Processing and Machining

3.4.1 Heat Treatment and Stress Relief

3.4.2 Precision Machining and Dimensional Control

3.4.3 Surface Modification and Coating Technology

3.5 Exploration of New Processes

3.5.1 Nano-Tungsten Copper Preform and Ultrafine Copper Infiltration Technology

3.5.2 Combination of Vacuum Infiltration and Additive Manufacturing

3.5.3 High Uniformity and Low Porosity Optimization Process

Chapter 4 Physical and Chemical Properties of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.1 Basic Physical Properties of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.1.1 Density and Specific Gravity of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.1.2 Melting Point and Thermal Stability of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.1.3 Thermal Expansion Coefficient and Thermal Conductivity of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.1.4 Conductivity and Resistivity of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.2 Mechanical Properties of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.2.1 Hardness and Strength of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.2.2 Ductility and Toughness of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.2.3 Wear Resistance and Impact Resistance of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.3 Chemical Properties of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.3.1 Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.3.2 High-Temperature Chemical Stability of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.3.3 Compatibility of Tungsten Copper Rod with Other Metals

4.4 Microstructure and Organizational Characteristics of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.4.1 Crystal Structure and Phase Composition of Tungsten Copper Rod

4.4.2 Distribution Characteristics of Tungsten and Copper Phases

4.4.3 Interface Bonding Mechanism and Microstructure Analysis

4.5 China Tungsten Intelligent Manufacturing Copper Tungsten Rod MSDS

Chapter 5 Main Application Fields of Tungsten Copper Rod

5.1 Electrical and Electronics

5.2 Aerospace and Defense Industry

5.3 Machinery and Mold Industry

5.4 Thermal Management and Heat Dissipation Devices

5.5 Other Application Areas

Chapter 6 Production Equipment and Process Control of Tungsten Copper Rod

6.1 Powder Preparation and Forming Equipment

6.2 Vacuum Sintering and Preform Preparation Equipment

6.3 Vacuum Infiltration Equipment (Core)

6.4 Post-Processing and Machining Equipment

6.5 Testing and Quality Control Equipment

Chapter 7 Quality Inspection and Evaluation Methods of Tungsten Copper Rod

7.1 Appearance and Dimension Inspection of Tungsten Copper Rod

7.2 Physical Properties Test of Tungsten Copper Rod

7.3 Mechanical Properties Test of Tungsten Copper Rod

7.4 Chemical Property Testing of Tungsten Copper Rod

7.5 Microstructure and Structure Analysis of Tungsten Copper Rod

7.6 Comparison of Commonly Used International Testing Standards and Methods

Chapter 8 Standards and Specifications for Tungsten Copper Rod

8.1 China’s National and Industry Standards for Tungsten Copper Rod

8.2 International Standards for Tungsten Copper Rod (ISO, ASTM, IEC, etc.)

8.3 American Standards for Tungsten Copper Rod (ASTM, ANSI, SAE)

8.4 European Standards for Tungsten Copper Rod (EN, DIN, BS)

8.5 Japanese Standard (JIS) for Tungsten Copper Rod

8.6 Comparison and Applicability Analysis of Tungsten Copper Rod Standards

Chapter 9 Performance Optimization of Tungsten Copper Rod

9.1 Effect of Alloy Ratio on Properties

9.1.1 Tungsten-Copper Ratio and Electrical and Thermal Conductivity

9.1.2 Tungsten-Copper Ratio and Mechanical Properties

9.1.3 Tungsten-Copper Ratio and Thermal Expansion Coefficient

9.1.4 Optimization Strategy

9.2 Heat Treatment and Performance Enhancement

9.2.1 Annealing

9.2.2 Solution Treatment and Aging Treatment

9.2.3 Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP)

9.2.4 Notes

9.3 Relationship Between Microstructure and Properties

9.3.1 Tungsten Particle Size and Distribution

9.3.2 Relationship Between Microstructure and Properties

9.3.3 Interface Bonding State

9.3.4 Microstructure Analysis Technology

9.4 Optimization of Wear and Corrosion Resistance

9.4.1 Wear Resistance Optimization

9.4.2 Optimization of Corrosion Resistance

9.4.3 Comprehensive Optimization Case

9.4.4 Notes

Chapter 10 Guide to the Selection and Use of Tungsten Copper Rod

10.1 How to Choose the Right Tungsten Copper Rod

10.1.1 Clarify Application Scenarios and Performance Requirements

10.1.2 Understand the Specifications and Standards of Tungsten Copper Rod

10.1.3 Evaluating Supplier Reliability

10.1.4 Customized Requirements

10.1.5 Cost and Performance Balance

10.1.6 Purchase Process Recommendations

10.2 Storage and Transportation Precautions

10.2.1 Storage Environment

10.2.2 Packaging Requirements

10.2.3 Transportation Precautions

10.2.4 Storage and Transportation in Special Scenarios

10.3 Maintenance and Care During Use

10.3.1 Maintenance During Processing

10.3.2 Maintenance During Operation

10.3.3 Storage and Reuse

10.3.4 Maintenance Records

10.4 Common Problems and Solutions

10.4.1 Surface Oxidation

10.4.2 Arc Erosion

10.4.3 Processing Cracks

10.4.4 Decreased Conductivity

10.4.5 Thermal Expansion Mismatch

10.4.6 Storage Deformation

10.4.7 Case Analysis

Chapter 11 Market and Development Trend of Tungsten Copper Rod

11.1 Overview of the Global Tungsten-Copper Materials Industry Chain

11.2 Market Demand Structure and Application Share Analysis

11.3 Future Development Trend of Tungsten Copper Rod

11.3.1 High Performance and Nanotechnology

11.3.2 Green Preparation and Sustainable Development

11.3.3 Emerging Application Directions

Appendix

A. Glossary

B. References

Chapter 1 Overview of Tungsten Copper Rod

1.1 Definition and Basic Concepts of Tungsten Copper Rod

Tungsten copper rod is a metal-based composite material composed of tungsten (W) and copper (Cu), typically with tungsten as the matrix and copper as the secondary component, produced through a specific process. The copper content of tungsten copper rod is typically between 10% and 50%, with the specific ratio determined by the application requirements. This material combines the high melting point, high hardness, high density, and wear resistance of tungsten with the excellent electrical and thermal conductivity of copper, resulting in unique physical and chemical properties. Due to the significant difference in the melting points of tungsten and copper (tungsten melting point is approximately 3410°C, and copper melting point is approximately 1083°C) and the immiscibility of the two, tungsten copper rod cannot be produced through traditional casting methods. Instead, powder metallurgy technology is typically used, including mixing, pressing, sintering, and copper infiltration.

The basic properties of tungsten copper rod include:

High electrical and thermal conductivity: The high electrical and thermal conductivity of copper gives tungsten copper rods excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, making them widely used in electrical and electronic fields.

High temperature resistance: The high melting point and high temperature strength of tungsten enable tungsten copper rods to maintain structural stability in extremely high temperature environments. Especially above 3000℃, copper will liquefy and evaporate, absorbing a large amount of heat and lowering the surface temperature of the material. Therefore, tungsten copper rods are also called “metal sweating materials.”

Low thermal expansion coefficient: The low thermal expansion property of tungsten makes tungsten copper rod have good dimensional stability in high temperature environment.

High hardness and wear resistance: The high hardness and wear resistance of tungsten give tungsten copper rods excellent mechanical properties, making them suitable for manufacturing wear-resistant parts and molds.

Good arc breaking performance: Tungsten copper rod performs well in high voltage arc environment and is suitable for use as electrical contact material and electrode.

Typical manufacturing processes for tungsten copper rods include powder metallurgy, hot isostatic pressing, and infiltration. Powder metallurgy involves mixing high-purity tungsten powder and high-purity copper powder in a specific ratio, followed by isostatic pressing, high-temperature sintering, and copper infiltration. This method ensures uniformity in the material’s internal structure while optimizing its electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties.

1.2 Development History and Technological Evolution of Tungsten-Copper Composite Materials

The development of tungsten copper composite materials began in the early 20th century. As industry’s demand for high-performance materials increased, tungsten copper alloys gradually attracted attention. The following are the main stages of its development history and technological evolution:

1.2.1 Early Exploration (Early 20th Century to 1950s)

The development of tungsten-copper composites stems from the need for high-performance electrical contact materials. In the early 20th century, the rapid development of the electrical and electronics industries placed higher demands on materials with high conductivity and high-temperature resistance. Since a single metal could not simultaneously meet these requirements, scientists began exploring tungsten-copper composites. Early tungsten-copper materials were primarily produced by mechanically mixing tungsten and copper powders, followed by pressing and sintering. However, due to process limitations, the material’s uniformity and performance stability were poor.

1.2.2 Maturity of Powder Metallurgy Technology (1950s to 1980s)

In the mid-20th century, advances in powder metallurgy technology provided technical support for the development of tungsten-copper composites. Researchers optimized the mixing ratio of tungsten and copper powders, particle size, and sintering process, significantly improving the material’s electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. The introduction of copper infiltration further improved the density and uniformity of tungsten-copper composites. During this period, tungsten-copper materials began to be used in electrical contacts, resistance welding electrodes, and aerospace components.

1.2.3 Introduction of new technologies (1980s to 2000s)

With the advancement of materials science, new preparation processes such as hot isostatic pressing, plasma sintering, and laser sintering have been introduced into the manufacture of tungsten-copper composites. These technologies have significantly improved the density and performance consistency of the materials. For example, hot isostatic pressing, by pressing tungsten-copper powder under high temperature and pressure, can produce high-density tungsten-copper rods suitable for high-precision electronic packaging and aerospace applications. Furthermore, the application of nanotechnology has further reduced the particle size of tungsten and copper powders, improving the material’s microstructure and properties.

1.2.4 Modern Technology and Diversified Applications (2000s to Present)

Since the 21st century, the research and application of tungsten-copper composites has entered a new phase. With the rise of advanced manufacturing technologies (such as additive manufacturing and micro-nanofabrication), the performance of tungsten-copper rods has been further optimized, and their application areas have become more extensive. For example, the introduction of 3D printing technology has enabled the production of complex-shaped components from tungsten-copper composites to meet the specialized needs of the aerospace and nuclear industries. Furthermore, researchers have developed alloy systems with varying tungsten-copper ratios for different application scenarios. For example, high tungsten content (70%-90%) is used for applications requiring high hardness and wear resistance, while low tungsten content (50%-70%) is used for applications requiring higher electrical conductivity.

1.2.5 Future Development Trends

In the future, the development of tungsten copper composite materials will focus on the following aspects:

Green manufacturing: Develop low-energy, low-pollution preparation processes, such as cold spray technology and green powder metallurgy technology.

Performance optimization: By doping with rare earth elements or other trace elements, the mechanical properties and electrothermal properties of tungsten copper materials can be further improved.

Intelligent application: Combined with intelligent manufacturing technology, we develop tungsten-copper composite materials with adaptive properties to meet the needs of next-generation electronic devices and energy equipment.

1.3 The status and role of tungsten copper rod in the material system

In the modern material system, tungsten copper rod, as a high-performance composite material, occupies an important position. Its unique combination of properties makes it indispensable in many high-tech fields. Its main functions include:

1.3.1 Electrical and Electronics Field

Tungsten copper rods, due to their excellent electrical conductivity and wear resistance, are widely used in the manufacture of electrical contact materials, resistance welding electrodes, and electronic packaging materials. For example, in high-voltage switchgear, tungsten copper rods serve as electrical contacts, capable of withstanding high voltages and arc shocks, ensuring the stability and durability of the equipment. In the field of electronic packaging, tungsten copper rods’ low thermal expansion coefficient and high thermal conductivity make them an ideal material for heat dissipation substrates in semiconductor devices.

1.3.2 Aerospace and Defense Industry

The high-temperature strength and wear resistance of tungsten copper rods make them important applications in the aerospace industry. For example, in aircraft engines and spacecraft, tungsten copper rods are used to manufacture high-temperature thermal conductive components and wear-resistant parts, capable of maintaining stable performance in extreme environments. Furthermore, the high density of tungsten copper rods makes them suitable for the manufacture of armor-piercing projectile cores and counterweight components in the defense industry.

1.3.3 Machining and mold manufacturing

The wear resistance and thermal conductivity of tungsten copper rod make it an ideal material for manufacturing cutting tools, stamping dies and die casting molds. For example, in aluminum alloy die casting molds, tungsten copper rod is used as core rod and nozzle, which can significantly extend the service life of the mold and improve product quality.

1.3.4 Nuclear Industry and Energy

In nuclear fusion reactors, tungsten copper rods are used as divertor heat sinks, capable of withstanding the heat loads and particle bombardment in high-temperature, high-pressure environments. Furthermore, tungsten copper rods are used in the manufacture of heat pipes and heat dissipation components, improving the efficiency and lifespan of nuclear power equipment and high-temperature industrial furnaces.

1.3.5 Other areas

Tungsten copper rods are also widely used in friction materials (such as brake pads), chemical equipment (such as corrosion-resistant heat-conducting components) and medical equipment (such as radiation shielding components). Its versatility and high performance make it an irreplaceable position in the material system.

1.4 Research and application status of tungsten copper materials at home and abroad

1.4.1 Current status of domestic research and application

China is the country with the richest tungsten resources in the world and has significant advantages in the research and production of tungsten-copper materials. In recent years, domestic research institutions and enterprises have made important progress in the field of tungsten-copper composite materials:

Research Progress: Domestic universities and research institutions (such as Tsinghua University, Central South University, and the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences) have conducted in-depth research on the preparation, performance optimization, and microstructural analysis of tungsten-copper materials. For example, doping with rare earth elements (such as lanthanum and cerium) has improved the mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of tungsten-copper materials. Furthermore, novel preparation techniques (such as plasma sintering and microwave sintering) have significantly improved the density and performance uniformity of tungsten-copper rods.

Application Status: Domestically, tungsten copper rods are widely used in the electrical power, electronics, aerospace, and machining sectors. For example, high-performance tungsten copper rods are used in electrical contact materials, resistance welding electrodes, and electronic packaging substrates. Various tungsten copper alloy grades (such as WCu10, WCu20, and WCu30) have also been developed in China to meet diverse application needs.

Industrial advantages: China has a complete tungsten industry chain, from tungsten ore mining to tungsten copper rod production, forming strong industrial competitiveness.

1.4.2 Current status of research and application abroad

Foreign countries started early in the research and application of tungsten copper materials, especially in Europe, America and Japan, where the relevant technologies are relatively mature:

Research Progress: The United States, Japan, and Germany lead the way in the preparation and performance optimization of tungsten-copper composite materials. For example, CBMM in the United States has developed high-performance tungsten-copper rods for use in aerospace and defense. Japan, through nanotechnology and precision sintering processes, has produced high-density tungsten-copper materials, which are widely used in semiconductor packaging. German research institutions are focusing on the application of tungsten-copper materials in nuclear fusion, developing tungsten-copper composite materials suitable for divertor heat sinks.

Application Status: Overseas, tungsten copper rods are primarily used in high-precision electronic devices, aerospace components, and nuclear industry equipment. For example, in the United States, tungsten copper rods are used to manufacture satellite radiators and missile components, while Japanese tungsten copper materials are used in high-end electronic packaging and resistance welding electrodes. In Europe, tungsten copper rods are widely used as heat sinks in nuclear fusion research, such as the ITER project.

Technical Features: Foreign companies are placing greater emphasis on the production of high-precision and complex-shaped components in the preparation of tungsten copper materials. For example, the application of additive manufacturing technology enables foreign companies to produce tungsten copper components with complex geometries. Furthermore, foreign companies have advantages in surface treatment technologies (such as gold and nickel plating), which improve the corrosion resistance and conductivity of tungsten copper rods.

1.4.3 Domestic and International Gap and Future Outlook

Although China leads in the production scale and resource advantages of tungsten copper materials, there is still a certain gap between China and foreign countries in high-precision preparation processes, complex component manufacturing, and high-end applications. For example, foreign countries are more advanced in the research and development of nano-scale tungsten copper materials and additive manufacturing technology. In the future, China needs to strengthen research in the following areas:

High-end manufacturing technology: Develop high-precision, complex-shaped tungsten copper component manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing and laser sintering.

Performance optimization: The electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of tungsten copper materials are further improved through doping and new processes.

International cooperation: Strengthen cooperation with international scientific research institutions and enterprises, learn from foreign advanced technologies, and promote the application of tungsten copper materials in the global market.

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