Hobbies And Interests
Electronics
Tungsten has the second highest melting point of any element and a low vapor pressure. As a result, tungsten is often used in high temperatures, particularly in electronics. Light bulb filaments, for instance, are made exclusively from tungsten. Tungsten is also used in television light tubes, at electrical contact points on cars and in the heating elements of electric furnaces.
Tools
More than 60 percent of the tungsten used each year in the United States is combined with carbon to create tungsten carbide for tool-making. Tungsten carbide is strong and resistant, making it ideal for use in cutting and wear-resistant tools. These tungsten carbide tools are then employed in drilling, construction, mining, metalworking, and other tasks that require tools that won't easily chip or break.
Jewelry
Because tungsten is extremely hard and scratch-resistant when combined with carbon, it is now used in jewelry making. Tungsten carbide is steel-colored, bright and reflective, making it attractive either on its own (as a wedding band) or as a background material for precious metals or stones. Tungsten can also be combined with titanium or platinum for jewelry-making purposes.
Superalloy Metals
Tungsten can be alloyed or mixed with other metals to create superalloys. Tungsten superalloys are especially resistant to heat and extremely strong, making them useful in the production of turbine engines for jets, energy production, armaments, radiation shields, ballast and resistant coatings.