2025.01.06
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Special Feature : Delivering to the world the material of possibilities - TUNGSTEN Vol.1
Tungsten is the primary raw material in carbide tools, which are used to cut and cut out materials. The term might not sound familiar. However, similar to iron, copper, and aluminum, tungsten is a material full of potential that is indispensable for industries that are familiar to us, such as automotive, aircraft, and medical.
Mitsubishi Materials Group aims to become a leading company in tungsten products recognized by the world by enhancing resource circulation and expanding the possibilities of tungsten through the development of new technologies and advancements in recycling.
Mitsubishi Materials Group aims to become a leading company in tungsten products recognized by the world by enhancing resource circulation and expanding the possibilities of tungsten through the development of new technologies and advancements in recycling.
Tungsten ore
The origin of the name “tungsten” comes from the Swedish word for heavy stone (tung sten). Tungsten is not only heavy but also extremely hard and resistant to heat. Tungsten, which has a number of functions, is utilized in various fields around us as the unsung hero in manufacturing.
The origin of the name “tungsten” comes from the Swedish word for heavy stone (tung sten). Tungsten is not only heavy but also extremely hard and resistant to heat. Tungsten, which has a number of functions, is utilized in various fields around us as the unsung hero in manufacturing.
Uses for tungsten
Carbide tools, which are manufactured with tungsten, are used in machining, in which hard metals are cut and reshaped. In particular, they are essential for processing metal parts. For example, they are used for machining engines and transmissions for automobiles, as well as jet engines for aircraft, both of which are familiar to us.
Engines and transmissions for automobiles
Jet engines for aircraft
In addition to carbide tools, tungsten is also used as a material for familiar objects. For example, it is used as a material for wiring in computers and smartphones, as well as for balancing golf clubs, taking advantage of its weight.
Material for wiring in computers and smartphones
Weight leveraged as a material for balancing golf clubs
Possibilities of Tungsten
Tungsten is used in various aspects of society, often behind the scenes.
But why is tungsten chosen out of all materials?
Let’s explore its features and strengths.
But why is tungsten chosen out of all materials?
Let’s explore its features and strengths.
Resistance Weighs to temperatures of 3,000°C or more
Tungsten is a metal that is resistant to heat. It boasts one of the highest melting points among metal materials, at approximately 3,400°C. On the other hand, iron, which is familiar to us, melts at around 1,500°C, highlighting tungsten’s superior heat resistance in comparison. Tungsten is used in cutting tools as it can withstand heat of 800°C or more, which is generated during machining due to the extreme stresses placed on the tools.
Hardness ranked second to diamond
Tungsten is an extremely hard metal. Diamond is the hardest material in the world, but in comparison to diamond being a 10 on the Mohs scale, which measures hardness, tungsten’s hardness follows that at 9. When combined with carbon, it becomes even harder. For example, the hardness of quartz is 7, opal is 6, and glass is 5, so it’s easy to understand the hard- ness of tungsten when looking at the Mohs scale.
2.5x as much as iron
Tungsten is an extremely heavy metal. Among metal materials, gold, the heaviest metal, has a relative density of 19.32, whereas the relative density of tungsten is 19.30. For example, the relative density of iron is 7.85, so tungsten is around 2.5x heavier. Utilizing this weight, tungsten is used in golf clubs and fishing sinkers.
An extremely heat resistant metal! Tungsten powder
The Environment Surrounding Tungsten
Tungsten is promising for its possibilities in various industries throughout the world, so demand is expected to increase, but it’s also a material for which procurement risks are increasing. Let’s explore its market size and reserves.
Market size of tungsten
The market size of tungsten is often represented in weight. In 2022, the global estimated market size of tungsten powder and tungsten carbide powder was approximately 100,000 tons, approximately 60% of which is for carbide tools. In the Medium-term Management Strategy FY2031, our goal is to increase the supply of tungsten by around 30%, primarily for electronic components. This is driven by the growing demand for generative AI, the increasing demand for xEV batteries, and the forecasted need for metal additive manufacturing.
Global tungsten reserves
Approximately 50% of tungsten reserves are located in China. China is also relied on to supply 85% of the world’s tungsten. Against this backdrop, it is crucial to mitigate the risk of being unable to procure tungsten due to future global conditions. Mitsubishi Materials Group is aiming for a recycled raw material ratio of 80% or more for the manufacture of carbide tools by 2030.
