Depending on their shapes, tungsten-based alloys can be categorized into tungsten alloy rods, tungsten alloy blocks, tungsten alloy plates, and tungsten alloy spheres. While their physicochemical properties are generally similar, their applications differ.

The applications of tungsten-nickel-iron alloy as a shielding material in the medical field stems from its unique physical properties, such as high density, good chemical stability, and excellent radiation shielding capabilities. With a density typically ranging from 16.5 to 18.75 g/cm³, its ability to attenuate X-rays, γ-rays, and other radiation is comparable to traditional lead shielding materials. Moreover, it is less prone to fracturing or deforming due to impacts or vibrations, giving it a clear advantage in medical radiation protection scenarios.

Tungsten-nickel-iron alloy, with its unique physical and mechanical properties, demonstrates significant applications value in the field of welding electrodes. When used to manufacture welding electrodes, the high tungsten content (typically over 90%) is the core source of its advantages. Tungsten’s melting point, as high as 3422°C, far exceeds that of most metal materials, enabling the electrode to maintain a stable form in the high-temperature arc environment and preventing excessive wear due to melting. This is crucial for ensuring the continuity of the welding process. The addition of nickel and iron effectively mitigates the brittleness of pure tungsten, providing the electrode with a certain degree of plasticity and toughness, making it less prone to cracking during processing, installation, and use, while also enhancing its electrical conductivity to ensure stable arc generation and energy transfer.

Carbon plays a critical role in regulating the microstructure and mechanical properties of tungsten-nickel-iron alloys, with its influence on alloy hardness primarily achieved through altering the microstructure, forming carbides, and modulating interface bonding states.