Copper Tungsten Plate / WCu Alloy Sheet

Tungsten copper (copper tungsten, CuW, or WCu) alloy is a pseudo-alloy of tungsten and copper. As copper and tungsten are not mutually soluble, the material is composed of distinct particles of one metal dispersed in a matrix of the other one. The microstructure is therefore rather a metal matrix composite than a true alloy.

Tungsten-copper alloy plate has a wide range of applications, mainly including:

Heat sinks and thermal base plates:

High power electronics, semiconductor packaging, LED lighting, aerospace, etc.

Application: As a heat sink or heat dissipation base plate, tungsten-copper alloy plate can quickly and effectively export heat out to ensure the stable operation of electronic equipment at a safe temperature and prolong its service life.

Advantage: High thermal conductivity and low coefficient of thermal expansion can effectively reduce thermal stress and improve equipment reliability.

Resistance welding electrode material:

Automotive manufacturing, electronics industry, metal processing, etc.

Application: Tungsten copper alloy plate can be used as a resistance welding electrode to withstand high current and high temperature impacts, ensuring welding quality.

Advantages: Good conductivity, thermal conductivity, wear resistance, and erosion resistance, which can extend the service life of electrodes and reduce failures.

Electro discharge machining (EDM) electrode:

Mold manufacturing, precision parts processing.

Application: As EDM electrode material, tungsten-copper alloy plate can withstand arc impact and ensure machining precision and efficiency.

Advantages: Characterized by good discharge performance and not easy to deform, it is suitable for fine machining.

High frequency induction heater components:

Metallurgical and heat treatment industries.

Application: Tungsten copper alloy plate can be used to make components for high-frequency induction heaters, which can withstand high-frequency currents and high-temperature impacts.

Advantages: High conductivity, high durability, excellent performance in the high-frequency field.

Thermal management components in the aerospace industry:

Space equipment such as rockets and satellites.

Application: As a component that is resistant to high temperatures, high strength, and high thermal conductivity, it ensures the performance of equipment in extreme environments.

Advantage: Able to maintain stable performance in extreme environments such as high temperature, high pressure, and high vacuum.

X-ray tube anode.

Medical, industrial inspection.

Application: As an X-ray tube anode, it can withstand high thermal load to ensure the stable operation of X-ray tube.

Advantage: Good thermal conductivity, can effectively dissipate heat and prolong the life of X-ray tube.

• Aerospace | Thomas Mitchell (USA)

How an aerospace procurement manager sourced 99.97% pure tungsten rods with custom specs and received delivery in half the expected lead time… Read Full Case Study

• Automotive | Marco Rossi (Italy)

How a car modification expert used custom CNC-machined tungsten alloy weights to fine-tune a vintage sports car’s handling—just in time for a major auto show… Read Full Case Study

• Electronics | Dr. Elena Carter (Canada)

How a semiconductor engineer replaced aluminum with MoCu heat sinks, improving thermal performance by 20°C while meeting aerospace-grade standards…  Read Full Case Study

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a copper tungsten (WCu) alloy sheet?

A1: Copper tungsten (CuW or WCu) is a pseudo-alloy, meaning it’s a composite of two immiscible metals: copper and tungsten. It consists of tungsten particles embedded in a copper matrix, combining high strength, high thermal resistance, and electrical conductivity.

Q2: What grades of WCu alloy sheets are available?

A2: FOTMA offers copper tungsten plates in multiple common grades based on tungsten content:

• WCu70 (70% W / 30% Cu)

• WCu75 (75% W / 25% Cu)

• WCu80 (80% W / 20% Cu)

  Higher tungsten content increases hardness and thermal stability, while more copper enhances electrical and thermal conductivity.

Q3: What applications are WCu alloy sheets used in?

A3: These alloy plates are widely used in:

• Heat sinks and thermal spreaders

• High-voltage electrical contacts and switches

• EDM electrodes for mold processing

• Aerospace components

• Plasma and arc erosion-resistant parts

Q4: Can the plates be customized?

A4: Yes. FOTMA supports OEM machining and custom dimensions, including:

• Thickness from 1 mm to 50 mm

• Widths up to 300 mm

• Custom cuts, drilling, surface polishing, and more based on technical drawings

Q5: What are the main performance advantages of WCu plates?

A5: Copper tungsten plates offer:

• High arc resistance

• Excellent dimensional stability at elevated temperatures

• Superior thermal conductivity

• Strong mechanical strength

  These traits make them ideal for demanding environments like aerospace, defense, and power electronics.