Identifying Mysterious Dense Alloy: EDF 32851

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

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a dense metal marked with EDF 32851, found among engineering tools. Participants explore its properties, potential compositions, and applications, focusing on its high density and non-magnetic characteristics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the material's density of 16.97 and compares it to Tantalum, suggesting it is not Tantalum due to its softness.
  • Another participant proposes that the material could be tungsten carbide, citing its common use in drill bits and its density of 15.6.
  • A subsequent reply dismisses tungsten carbide as a possibility, mentioning that the material can be filed and appears to be cast and ground.
  • One participant suggests it must be a tungsten alloy, arguing that other metals with similar density are either too expensive or toxic.
  • Another participant expresses excitement about the possibility of it being a tungsten alloy, referencing a specific material used for boring bars that reduces vibration during machining.
  • A lighthearted comment questions whether the material could be depleted uranium, which is quickly dismissed by another participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the material is likely a tungsten alloy, but there is no consensus on the exact identity or composition of the metal. Multiple competing views remain regarding its classification.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the specific identity of the material, and assumptions about its properties and applications are based on limited information.

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.