Tungsten Powder 2025: Properties, Applications, and Top Suppliers
Overview
Tungsten powder is a high-density refractory metal powder known for its exceptionally high melting point (3422°C), excellent hardness, high wear resistance, and outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity. It is widely used in aerospace, defense, electronics, medical, and additive manufacturing industries.
Tungsten powder is available in pure tungsten and tungsten alloys, and it is produced using reduction, mechanical milling, and atomization techniques to achieve high purity and optimal particle size distribution for various applications.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best tungsten powder for 3D printing and industrial applications, its properties, production methods, and top suppliers in 2025.
Best Tungsten Powder for 3D Printing
Tungsten powder is used in additive manufacturing (AM) for its high-temperature resistance, density, and excellent mechanical properties.
Why Choose Tungsten Powder for 3D Printing?
- Ultra-High Melting Point – Withstands extreme temperatures up to 3422°C.
- Exceptional Hardness & Strength – Ideal for wear-resistant components.
- High Density (19.25 g/cm³) – Used in radiation shielding and high-performance applications.
- Superior Thermal & Electrical Conductivity – Perfect for heat-resistant parts and electronic components.
- Good Printability – Compatible with LPBF, EBM, and DED additive manufacturing processes.
Comparison vs. Other Refractory Metal Powders
| Property | Tungsten | Molybdenum | Tantalum | Niobium | Stainless Steel 316L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 19.25 | 10.28 | 16.65 | 8.57 | 7.99 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 3422 | 2623 | 3017 | 2477 | 1400-1450 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 173 | 138 | 57 | 54 | 16 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | High | Excellent | High | Moderate |
| Cost ($/kg) | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$ |
Tungsten powder provides unmatched high-temperature performance, density, and strength, making it the ideal choice for aerospace, defense, and radiation shielding applications.
Related Products
Alumina Spherical Powder | Al2O3 Powder | Additive Manufacturing | 3D Printing
Aluminum Nitride Spherical Powder | AlN Powder | Additive Manufacturing | 3D Printing
Boron Carbide Spherical Powder | B4C Powder | Additive Manufacturing | 3D Printing
Boron Nitride Spherical Powder | BN Powder | Additive Manufacturing | 3D Printing
How to Choose the Right Tungsten Powder
Selecting the best tungsten powder depends on particle size, purity, and production method.
Key Factors
- Particle Size Distribution – Common sizes: 15-45µm (LPBF, SLM), 45-75µm (DED, Binder Jetting).
- Sphericity – Spherical powders ensure better flowability, higher density, and fewer printing defects.
- Purity – High-purity tungsten (>99.9%) ensures better mechanical and thermal properties.
- Production Method – Reduction, plasma atomization, and mechanical milling affect particle shape and size.
- Application Compatibility – Ensure the powder is optimized for your specific 3D printing or manufacturing process.
Why Choose Heeger Materials Inc. ?
Heeger Materials Inc. is a trusted supplier of high-quality tungsten powder, using advanced reduction, atomization, and mechanical milling techniques to achieve high purity and excellent flowability.
If you need premium tungsten powder, Heeger Materials is an excellent choice.
Top Suppliers in 2025
Finding a reliable supplier is crucial for consistent quality and performance in aerospace, defense, and additive manufacturing.
Leading Suppliers
| Supplier Name | Country | Specialization | Production Methods | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heeger Materials Inc. | USA | 3D Printing Powders | Reduction, Mechanical Milling, Plasma Atomization | Visit Site |
| HC Starck | Germany | Refractory Metal Powders | Reduction, Plasma Atomization | N/A |
| Plansee | Austria | Tungsten & Molybdenum Powders | Reduction, Mechanical Milling | N/A |
| Global Tungsten & Powders | USA | Refractory Metal Powders | Mechanical Milling | N/A |
Why Heeger Materials?
- 40+ years of expertise in powder metallurgy.
- Advanced production processes ensuring high-purity, uniform powders.
- Strong collaborations with research institutes, universities, and aerospace companies.
- Competitive pricing & global distribution.
Looking for premium tungsten powder? Contact us today!
Quality Standards
To ensure high performance and reliability, tungsten powder must meet strict industrial, aerospace, and defense standards. High-quality tungsten powder ensures better printability, enhanced mechanical strength, and long-term durability.
Key Quality Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM B777 | Specification for tungsten heavy alloys used in aerospace and radiation shielding. |
| ASTM B859 | Standard for it used in thermal spraying and coatings. |
| ISO 9001 | Certification for quality management systems ensuring product consistency. |
| AMS 7897 | Aerospace Material Specification for tungsten sheet and powder. |
| RoHS Compliance | Ensures environmental safety by limiting hazardous substances. |
Why Buy Certified Tungsten Powder?
- Ensures Uniform Particle Size & Shape – Essential for additive manufacturing and sintering applications.
- Superior Mechanical Properties – Meets strength, hardness, and thermal stability requirements.
- Minimized Contaminants – Low oxygen and sulfur content ensures high purity.
- Compliance with Aerospace & Defense Regulations – Essential for military and high-performance industries.
At Heeger Materials Inc., we manufacture high-quality tungsten powder that meets ASTM, AMS, and ISO standards, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Cost Analysis
The price of tungsten powder varies based on production method, purity, and market demand.
Factors Affecting Tungsten Powder Cost
- Production Method – Reduction and plasma atomization impact cost and quality.
- Particle Size Distribution – Fine powders (15-45µm) for LPBF are more expensive due to higher processing precision.
- Purity Levels – Lower oxygen and sulfur content increases cost but improves mechanical performance.
- Global Demand & Supply – Prices fluctuate based on industrial consumption and raw material availability.
Price Comparison vs. Other Refractory Metal Powders
| Powder Type | Cost ($/kg) | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Tungsten Powder | 250−250 – 250−600 | Aerospace, defense, additive manufacturing |
| Molybdenum Powder | 100−100 – 100−300 | High-temperature applications, electronics |
| Tantalum Powder | 350−350 – 350−800 | Medical implants, superalloys |
| Niobium Powder | 150−150 – 150−400 | Superconductors, aerospace |
| Stainless Steel 316L | 80−80 – 80−150 | General engineering, medical applications |
Tungsten is more expensive than molybdenum but offers superior density and high-temperature performance, making it a cost-effective choice for military, aerospace, and radiation shielding applications.
Request a custom price quote for bulk orders of tungsten powder.
Particle Size and Shape
The particle size and morphology of tungsten powder play a crucial role in flowability, density, and final part properties.
Why Particle Size Matters
- Fine Powder (15-45 µm) – Best for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and selective laser melting (SLM).
- Medium Powder (45-75 µm) – Used in binder jetting and direct energy deposition (DED).
- Coarse Powder (75-150 µm) – Suitable for metal injection molding (MIM) and thermal spraying.
Spherical vs. Irregular Powder: Which is Better?
| Powder Shape | Characteristics | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Spherical | Excellent flowability, uniform packing, low porosity | 3D printing, SLM, LPBF |
| Irregular | Lower flowability, higher porosity, cheaper production | MIM, Binder Jetting |
Gas-atomized spherical it is preferred for 3D printing due to its superior flowability, density, and reduced defects.
Explore our high-quality spherical tungsten powders.
Production Methods
Different powder production methods impact the particle shape, purity, and cost of tungsten powder.
Comparison of Production Methods
| Production Method | Particle Shape | Purity | Cost | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduction Process | Irregular | High | $$ | Sintering, MIM, Coatings |
| Plasma Atomization | Spherical | Very High | $$$ | 3D Printing, Aerospace |
| Mechanical Milling | Flake-Like | Moderate | $$ | Electrical Contacts, Conductive Coatings |
Plasma atomization and reduction processes are the most widely used methods for tungsten powder, ensuring excellent purity and performance.
Heeger Materials Inc. specializes in high-purity tungsten powder, providing superior quality and consistency.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it used for? | It is used in aerospace, electronics, defense, medical, and industrial applications due to its high-temperature resistance and density. |
| Why is it for 3D printing? | It offers high strength, wear resistance, and radiation shielding, making it ideal for high-performance parts. |
| What is the difference between tungsten and molybdenum powder? | Tungsten is denser and has a higher melting point, while molybdenum is lighter and more ductile. |
| What is the typical particle size for it? | 15-45µm for LPBF, 45-75µm for binder jetting & DED. |
| Where can I buy high-quality tungsten powder? | Heeger Materials Inc. provides premium tungsten powder for industrial applications. |
Conclusion
It is a high-performance refractory metal that delivers exceptional strength, density, and high-temperature resistance. It is widely used in aerospace, electronics, defense, automotive, and additive manufacturing industries.
For top-quality tungsten powder, Heeger Materials Inc. offers high-purity, spherical powders produced using advanced reduction and atomization techniques.
Looking for premium tungsten powder? Contact us today!
