Wolfram steel, also known as tungsten steel, is a high-strength alloy used in many industrial and military applications. The spelling of "Wolfram" comes from the German word for tungsten, "Wolfram." In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "Wolfram" would be /ˈwɒlfrəm/. The spelling of "steel" is straightforward, with a pronunciation of /stiːl/. Together, the words form the crucial composition of one of the strongest and most durable metals in the world.
Wolfram steel, also known as tungsten steel or high-speed steel, is a type of alloy that is primarily composed of iron, carbon, and tungsten. It is commonly used in industrial applications where a high level of hardness, durability, and heat resistance is required.
Wolfram steel derives its name from the German term "wolfram," which refers to tungsten, an essential element in this alloy. Tungsten provides the steel with its distinctive characteristics, making it exceptionally hard and resistant to wear and tear. This makes it suitable for cutting tools, drills, and saw blades, where the material needs to withstand high temperatures and maintain its edge sharpness for extended periods.
The carbon content in wolfram steel plays a crucial role in enhancing its hardness and strength. Usually, the carbon content is between 0.6% and 1.5%, ensuring an impressive level of toughness while preserving its ability to be heat-treated.
The properties of wolfram steel make it ideal for applications in the manufacturing, construction, and machinery industries. It offers exceptional machining capabilities, allowing it to be shaped into various tools and components. Furthermore, its resistance to heat, including high-speed cutting, friction, and abrasion, makes it suitable for use in harsh environments.
Overall, wolfram steel is a specialized alloy renowned for its hardness, wear resistance, and high-temperature performance. Its unique composition and exceptional properties make it an indispensable material in numerous industrial settings, ensuring long-lasting and efficient tools capable of withstanding demanding working conditions.
The word "wolfram" is derived from the German term "Wolframit" or "volphram". It was first discovered by miners in the medieval times who noted that it was difficult to smelt and often interfered with the extraction of tin in tin mines. Therefore, it was initially seen as a nuisance and called "wolf rahm" or "wolf cream" in German, with "wolf" meaning "wolf" and "rahm" meaning "cream". This name referred to the rock-like nature of the mineral and how it impeded the flow of molten tin, reminiscent of the way cream separates from milk.
Over time, the spelling evolved, and it came to be known as "wolfram" or "volphram".