tungsten-uses

Uses
By far the most important use of tungsten is in making alloys. Tungsten is used to increase the hardness, strength, elasticity (flexibility), and tensile strength (ability to stretch) of steels. The metal is usually prepared in one of two forms. Ferrotungsten is an alloy of iron and tungsten. It usually contains about 70 to 80 percent tungsten. Ferrotungsten is mixed with other metals and alloys (usually steel) to make specialized alloys. Tungsten is also produced in powdered form. It can then be added to other metals to make alloys.
About 90 percent of all tungsten alloys are used in mining, construction, and electrical and metalworking machinery.
About 90 percent of all tungsten alloys are used in mining, construction, and electrical and metal-working machinery. These alloys are used to make high-speed tools; heating elements in furnaces; parts for aircraft and spacecraft; equipment used in radio, television, and radar; rock drills; metal-cutting tools; and similar equipment.
A small, but very important, amount of tungsten is used to make incandescent lights. The very thin metal wire that makes up the filament in these lights is made of tungsten. An electric current passes through the wire, causing it to get hot and give off light. It does not melt because of the high melting point of tungsten.