Very hard and dense, tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal.  It is able to withstand tremendous force at elevated temperatures, is highly resistant to corrosion and offers good thermal and electrical conductivity. Tungsten metal is the hardest of the refractory metals, while tungsten carbide is one of the hardest known substances.

Recent developments surrounding electroplating have opened new doors for metals like tungsten and nickel.  This is because chrome plating, which is best known for its durability and corrosion resistance, has faced recent scrutiny with respect to its effects on the environment.  Plating that combines nickel-tungsten alloys is known “to be even more durable than chrome”¹ and is more environmentally friendly.  The nickel-tungsten alloy can be used to coat products such as shock absorbers, print roll and many electronic applications, including plug-in connectors for portable electronics. 

Uses:

• Light-bulb and vacuum-tube filaments
• Electrodes
• High-performance alloys
• Tool-and-die manufacturing
• Welding equipment
• Electroplating

Pricing: US$14,685/t  (WO3  ore, as at February 23, 2010)
Pricing: US$212/mt  (APT tungstate, as at March 2, 2010)

Additional Information:

• International Tungsten Industry Association (http://www.itia.info/)
• US Geological Survey, tungsten home page (http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/tungsten/)
• Natural Resources – Commodity Reviews (http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/mms-smm/busi-indu/cmy-amc/com-eng.htm)

1. Christopher Schuh. "New Nickel-Tungsten Alloy that is Not Only safer than Chrome but Also More Durable." May 19, 2009 (http://www.azonano.com/news.asp?newsID=11591)