By melting tungsten metal and tungsten monocarbide (WC) together, a eutectic composition of WC and W2C is formed. This melt is cast and rapidly quenched to form extremely hard solid particles having a fine crystal structure. The solids are crushed and classified to various mesh sizes.

Applications

• Hardmetal is the most important usage of tungsten. Its main constituent is tungsten monocarbide WC), which has a hardness close to diamond
• Tungsten mill products are tungsten metal products such as lighting filaments, electrical and electronic contacts, wire, rods, etc

Other applications include chemical uses, mainly in the form of catalysts as well as:

        
• Cemented carbide and high speed steel tools
        
• Television sets
        
• Magnetrons for microwave ovens