Tungsten Copper Alloy
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This refractory metal composite materials are a combination of tungsten combined with copper or silver. The manufacturing process is to press the refractory, sinter the pressed compact at a high temperature, and infiltrate with copper or silver. All this is done under very closely controlled conditions. The result is a relatively hard materials with superior arc and wear resistance, high physical properties at elevated temperatures, and good electrical and thermal conductivity.
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Tungsten copper alloys are used where the combination of high heat resistance, high electrical and/or thermal conductivity, and low thermal expansion are needed. Some of the applications are in electric resistance welding, as electrical contacts, and as heat sinks. As contact material the alloy is resistant to erosion by electric arc. WCu alloys are also used in electrodes for electrical discharge machining and electrochemical machining.