History of Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten is a resilient steel-gray metal, located in many different ores. While the metal was actually discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1781, its many uses weren't discovered until the early decades of the twentieth century. Tungsten carbide has been used in mining and mechanical applications--everything from light-bulb filaments and x-ray tubes to drill bits.
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Discovery
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Scheele discovered a new acid which could be made from an ore called tungstenite--later known as scheelite. In 1783 Jose and Fausto Elhuyar managed to isolate and extract tungsten from the ore.
The Twenties and the Thirties
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Tungsten carbide was used by the German company Osram in place of diamond drawing dies. Cemented carbide was invented and used for the cutting and milling of iron and steel.
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Cobalt, Tantalum and Titanium
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When combined with cobalt, titanium or tantalum, the material was strengthened. This made it very popular for use in cutting, milling and mining drills.
World War II
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During the second World War, tungsten carbide was needed by both sides for its weaponry production. Portugal was valuable due to its supplies of of wolframite ore, a source of tungsten.
Expansion in Production
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Tungsten carbide has become increasingly popular and in high demand throughout the decades, now presently producing up to almost 30,000 tons annually.
The Present Day
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Isostatic pressure sintering, led to the development of tungsten which was even harder than before. Tungsten is used in tools, mining, weaponry and even jewelry.
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