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Introduction
Tungsten wire (also called wolfram wire) is a popular material for use in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. Its high melting temperature and great strength make it an ideal metal for intricate components, and its low cost, zero magnetism, and low thermal expansion make it a vital material for the electronics industry. However, it is most commonly known for its use in winding electrical coils, as it can be tightly bound to retain tension and shape even on small coils. Its ability to withstand high temperatures also makes it a popular choice when manufacturing coils as its winding performance is less likely to be impaired by thermal agitation.
What is Tungsten Wire?
Tungsten wire is an alloy of tungsten and other elements that can vary depending on the intended application. It is a strong, ductile metal that remains stable under temperature and pressure fluctuations, which makes it well-suited for applications related to winding coils. Tungsten wire typically consists of 85-98% tungsten content and can hybridize with other metals, including aluminum, iron, and cobalt, to alter its properties depending on the specific use.
Understanding Tungsten Wire Performance
Overall, tungsten wire’s performance can be broken down into three categories: compressibility, elasticity, and winding performance.
Compressibility – An important factor in the performance of any coil is its ability to be compressed into a tight constriction without breaking when the compression is released. This is known as compressibility, and tungsten wires’ ductility makes them an attractive choice for coil winding as they can be bent, twisted, and compressed without breaking or becoming brittle over time. As a result, tungsten wire is able to retain its shape and resist heat better than other types of wire.
Elasticity – The elasticity of tungsten wire refers to its ability to resist tension and recoil or snap back into position once pressure is released. This property ensures that tungsten wire-wound coils are as close to perfect as possible, with winding that is as even as possible. This makes tungsten wire a popular choice for smaller, precision coils where there is less room for variation.
Wind Performance – Winding performance refers to how tungsten wire behaves when it is being wound up into coils. Tungsten wire is well-suited for winding because it can easily “die away” or wrap itself tightly around a core without slipping or becoming loose. Its low thermal conductivity also helps ensure that the winding performance will not be affected by heat.
Benefits of Using Tungsten Wire
Tungsten wire is an excellent choice for coil winding because of its superior mechanical properties and reliable performance. In addition to its high strength and compressibility, tungsten wire has a number of other benefits including:
- Low Cost – Tungsten wire is a comparatively cost-effective material when compared to other types of wire, making it ideal for larger production runs.
- Resistance to Corrosion – Tungsten wire is resistant to the corrosion caused by moisture and humidity, making it a very durable material.
- High Strength – Tungsten wire has a higher tensile strength than other types of wire, making it highly resistant to both compression and tension.
Conclusion
Tungsten wire is an attractive material for use in winding coils due to its superior properties and reliable performance. Its high melting temperature, great strength, and low cost make it an ideal choice for both small- and large-scale production runs, while its low magnetic properties and thermal conductivity ensure that coils can be wound without risk of them being adversely affected by heat. Tungsten wire is also highly resistant to corrosion, making it both durable and reliable. All in all, tungsten wire is an excellent choice for coil winding applications.
