Elkonite (r) Copper Tungsten-2

Elkonite® is the registered trademark of Sherbrooke Metals used to identify a group of metal compositions whose elements consist basically of the refractory metals tungsten and tungsten-carbide combined with copper. Combinations of these elements produce dense, hard metals of superior wear resistance and strength at elevated temperatures, coupled with good thermal and electrical conductivity. The mechanical and physical properties of the Sherbrooke Metals Elkonite® materials make them particularly suitable as the die inserts and facings for volume projection welding, flash and butt welding, electrical upsetting and electro-forging applications.

Elkonite® Copper-Tungsten is also used successfully as facing on spot welding electrodes where heat balance or mechanical wear resistance is required. The initial premium cost of Elkonite® Copper-Tungsten is offset by lower production cost per weld due to long die life and less electrode dressing time. The high stability of Elkonite® Copper-Tungsten ensures uniform heating and prevents misalignment resulting in a higher quality weld.

· COMPOSITE MATERIAL COMBINING REFRACTORINESS (TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE) WITH HIGH ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

· GOOD WEAR RESISTANCE

· EXCELLENT ARC RESISTANCE

· CAN BE RESURFACED MANY TIMES

· CAN BE BRAZED INTO COPPER PLATENS OR OTHER BACKING MEMBERS

· STRONG AND RIGID

NOTE: All properties shown are typical and should not be used for specifications. *Cu Alloy

Elkonite® 1W3 and Elkonite® 3W3 materials are generally used for flash and butt welding die inserts where higher electrical and thermal conductivity is necessary and where a degree of malleability is desirable. These materials are also used for spot welding (as a radius faced electrode) low conductivity ferrous metals such as stainless steel.

Elkonite® 5W3 material is normally used for light duty projection welding dies where welding pressures are not extreme.

Elkonite® 10W3 material is used for electrode and die inserts in most flash and butt welding dies and for projection welding dies where welding pressures are moderate. It is also used for light electrical upsetting, electro-forging dies and seam welder brushing inserts.

Elkonite® 30W3 material is recommended for volume projection welding dies where pressures involved are relatively high. Electrical upsetting of non-ferrous metals and low carbon steel is usually accomplished by the use of Elkonite® materials as die facings. Cross-wire welding of large diameter wire and rod is accomplished with such Elkonite® materials.

Elkonite® 3W53 and Elkonite® 10W53 are heat treatable grades of Elkonite® materials supplied in the fully heat treated condition. If silver brazed to a die backing then such Elkonite® materials should be heat treated after brazing. These harder grades are used primarily for electro-forging and electrical upsetting dies where temperatures and pressures are relatively high.