Densalloy SD185 Tungsten Heavy Alloy

Topics Covered

Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Other Designations
Fabrication
     Machinability
     Welding
     Cold Working
Applications

Introduction

WHA alloys are manufactured by powder metallurgy and are known as Densalloys commercially. These alloys are grouped into four classes, 1-4. Among these, classes 1-3 are divided into magnetic and non-magnetic types, while class 4 is soley magnetic. WHA alloys having a magnetic permeability greater than 1.05 are classified as magnetic alloys.

SD185 is a WHA alloy belonging to Class 4 with a magnetic permeability of 2.5-3. The magnetic permeability of this alloy is higher than 1.05, hence it is considered magnetic. The tungsten content of this alloy is 97% and the rest is composed of iron and nickel. The standard forms in which the alloy is available are pressed and sintered billet, sintered near net shape, sheet and plate.

This datasheet will look into the chemical composition, properties and applications of Densalloy-SD185.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of Densalloy SD185 is given in the following table.

Physical Properties

The following table discusses the physical properties of Densalloy SD185.

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of Densalloy SD185 are tabulated below.

Other Designations

Some of the designations used to denote Densalloy SD185 are listed below:

• MIL-T-21014D
• ASTN B777-87

Fabrication

Machinability

SD185 alloy is easily machinable into complex shapes using common metal cutting and shaping tools. A suitable coolant should be used while machining this alloy.

Welding

These alloys cannot be welded due to the vast difference in the welding and binder phase.

Cold Working

This alloy can be cold worked by the process of swaging.

Applications

Densalloy SD185 is used in the following applications:

• Radiation shielding
• Aircraft counter balances
• Racing weights
• Boring bars
• Ordnance applications
• Well lodging.