The most obvious difference is that tungsten refers to the individual metal, while tungsten carbide is an alloy of tungsten and carbon, a chemical compound containing tungsten and carbon atoms.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide is often used to make punches as press die tools. Small quantities of other metals such as nickel and titanium might be added for specific properties. Its properties are a high density and a high melting point of about 2900℃, boiling point of 5986℃, a high hardness as well as high performance of electric and thermal conductivity. At normal temperatures, their calorific and other physical stability is outstanding. With a high hardness of about 2500 Vickers hardness and elastic parameters up to 700 Gpa. Tungsten carbide is much harder and tougher than tungsten, so tungsten carbide is used to make cutting tools for machining, and tungsten carbide punches, precision carbide punch, punches and dies for metal stamping, automotive, aerospace, tooling and die industries.
Tungsten
Pure tungsten provides good arc stability for AC sine wave welding, so it is often used as electrode for tungsten inert gas welding. Tungsten metal has been used for over 100 years as filament in electric light bulbs. It is also used as an important additive to steel which enhances its hardness and strength.Tungsten is extracted from two minerals, wolframite, and scheelite. One method of finding Scheelite ore is by its’ability to fluoresce a blue fluorescent color when illuminated with a short wave ultraviolet light.
Tungsten and Steel
The addition of tungsten makes steel stronger. Tungsten increases steel’s hardness and cutting capacity. Tungsten is the primary alloy component in steels used for tools and construction. Steel alloys with tungsten are used for cutting and making metal components. As such, it is important that these steel alloys possess excellent hardness properties over a wide range of temperatures.
