Identifying Mysterious Dense Alloy: EDF 32851

  • Thread starter Thread starter alan-c
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Alloy
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying a dense metal marked as EDF 32851, which has a relative density of 16.97 and is non-magnetic. The material is suspected to be a tungsten alloy, as it is too dense to be common metals like Tantalum or tungsten carbide. The user notes that the material grinds similarly to unhardened tool steel and is likely used in applications requiring high mass and stiffness, such as boring bars. The link provided points to CMW Inc.'s tungsten alloys, specifically their RD17 material, which aligns with the user's findings.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of material properties, specifically density and magnetic characteristics.
  • Familiarity with tungsten alloys and their applications in machining.
  • Knowledge of high-speed steel and its comparison to other tool materials.
  • Basic machining techniques and tools, including lathes and grinding processes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of tungsten alloys, particularly RD17 from CMW Inc.
  • Explore the differences between tungsten carbide and tungsten alloys in machining contexts.
  • Investigate the machining characteristics of high-density materials and their impact on surface finish.
  • Learn about the identification techniques for unknown metals, including density measurement and magnetic testing.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, machinists, and materials scientists interested in identifying and utilizing high-density metals in engineering applications.

alan-c
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I would like to identify a mysteriously dense metal I have in my possession. I bought a big box of engineering bits, along with a lathe, and found what I thought were High Speed Steel tool blanks which felt very heavy. I worked out the relative density and it is an amazing 16.97. The material is non-magnetic and grinds like silver steel (unhardened tool steel); I haven't tried machining with it. The closest element is Tantalum at 16.7 but it's not that because tantalum is soft.
The only marking on each piece is EDF 32851 and each piece is about 9 x 9 x 155mm.
Any ideas?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Could it be tungsten carbide (density 15.6)? It is often used for drill bits.
 
That was quick- and I never thought of TC. It's not though because it can be filed, although it is quite hard. It appears to be cast then ground to clean up, but not precision ground; this might help as a clue.
 
It basically has to be a tungsten alloy -- any other metal that dense is either too expensive and/or poisonous. So unless someone made a set of platinum drill bits, in which case you are pretty lucky, it's probably one of http://www.cmwinc.com/tungsten-alloys.php , or something like them.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Fantastic! I spent hours searching without finding that. This seems very likely. In the link you provided, their rd17 material is made for boring bars where it's stiffness and high mass reduce chatter -vibration which leaves poor surface finish- when machining deep holes on a lathe. It would explain why this material turned up in a box of assorted engineering bits.
One day I'll get around to trying it out; when I do I'll report back.
 
Can't be depleted uranium can it? ;)
 
I'm not encased in a green glow so I'll stick with the tungsten alloy story.