Copper Tungsten Alloys

Class 10 copper tungsten’s ratio strikes a balance that most other electrode materials fail to replicate. It is genuinely heat-resistant, yet malleable enough for forming and machining, has high electrical and thermal conductivity, and has a low thermal expansion coefficient that keeps electrode geometry stable over long production runs. It’s the go-to whenever chromium copper starts to deform, and Class 11 is just a bit too much.

Class 11 Copper Tungsten contains 25% copper and 75% tungsten. Like Class 10, it has superior wear resistance and strength and good thermal and electrical conductivity. However, it is harder than Class 10 and used in applications that require moderate pressure. Common uses include projection welding electrodes, flash and butt welding electrodes, light upsetting and seam welding bushings, and spot welding low conductivity steels. It is also widely used in chip carriers, substrates, flanges, and frames for power semiconductor devices.

Class 12 Copper Tungsten contains 20% copper and 80% tungsten. Stronger than Class 10 and 11 Copper Tungsten, it is commonly used in heavy duty projection welding electrodes, electro-forming and -forging electrode facings for upsetting studs and rivets, and cross wire welding. IT is also used in the liners of some specialty shaped explosive charges for the defense and oil and gas industries.

Tungsten has the second highest melting point of all elements. It is extremely dense and has low ductility. It is commonly used in cross wire welding copper and brass, resistance brazing, and welding of braided copper wire. It is also has many non-welding applications, such as filaments for incandescent light bulbs, x-ray filaments and targets, and penetrating projectiles.

Dispersion Strength Copper contains copper and aluminum oxide, giving this metal electrical and thermal conductivity similar to copper but greater strength and resistance to softening at high temperatures. DSC electrodes are particularly useful when welding metallic coated metals, such as galvanized steel and terne plate. In its electrical applications, DSC is used in incandescent lamp lead wires.