What Is Tungsten Alloy Shielding Plate?

Tungsten alloy shielding plate is a plate-like structural component primarily composed of tungsten (typically containing 85% to 99% tungsten, with additional elements such as nickel, iron, or copper), used for radiation protection and shielding ionizing radiation (such as gamma rays, X-rays, or neutron radiation). Thanks to its high specific gravity, excellent radiation attenuation performance, heat resistance, mechanical strength, and environmental friendliness, the tungsten alloy shielding plate has become an ideal alternative to traditional lead materials in medical, industrial, nuclear engineering, and scientific fields. Compared to lead, it achieves equivalent shielding effects at a thinner thickness, reducing material usage and equipment weight, while being non-toxic, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for long-term use.

Tungsten alloy shielding plate refers to a flat or thin sheet-like tungsten alloy component manufactured through processes such as powder metallurgy, rolling, or forging, designed to block or attenuate high-energy radiation. Its high density is a core advantage. With tungsten’s density far exceeding that of lead, the shielding plate effectively blocks gamma and X-rays in a smaller volume or thickness, reducing scattered radiation hazards to personnel and equipment. Studies indicate that adding elements like boron or dysprosium can enhance the neutron shielding capability of tungsten alloy shielding plates, making them suitable for complex radiation environments such as nuclear reactors.

The manufacturing processes for tungsten alloy shielding plates include powder metallurgy and 3D printing technology. Powder metallurgy involves mixing high-purity tungsten powder with binders like nickel or iron, followed by pressing, sintering, and heat treatment to form plate-like blanks; this method is suitable for producing large-area, uniformly thick shielding plates at a relatively low cost. 3D printing technology, particularly selective laser melting, has recently been used to produce customized tungsten alloy shielding plates, especially those with complex geometries or embedded structures; this technique enhances design flexibility and is ideal for small-batch, high-precision applications.

Due to its efficient shielding capability and structural stability, tungsten alloy shielding plates are widely used across multiple fields: they serve as linings in medical isotope transport containers, providing extensive shielding; and they are used in reactor shielding layers to block high-energy gamma rays and neutron radiation.

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