Development of a Non-Magnetic Heavy Metal Alloy for High-Performance Applications

Parmaco AG, a leading Swiss manufacturer, specializes in the refinement of MIM and microMIM® components. Its in-house material development and feedstock production enable the creation of innovative material solutions tailored to meet specific customer and market demands.

Background

Tungsten, with a density of 19.25 g/cm³, is a heavy metal known for its corrosion resistance, high melting point, and high specific gravity. The challenge was to develop a non-magnetic heavy metal alloy with a density exceeding 18 g/cm³ and strong mechanical performance for a customer-specific application. The Metal Injection Molding (MIM) process played a crucial role in this context, as the machining of tungsten is difficult due to its brittleness. MIM not only offers a cost-effective alternative but also allows for the precise and efficient production of tungsten components.

Development Process

The development of the non-magnetic heavy metal alloy began with comprehensive fundamental research to determine the optimal alloy composition. The outcome of this detailed analysis was the W2Ni1Cu alloy. The sintering process was carried out above 1400 °C using liquid phase sintering, achieving a sintered density of approximately 18.5 g/cm³. Liquid phase sintering allows for a homogeneous embedding of tungsten grains in a Ni-Cu liquid matrix, resulting in excellent mechanical properties. Precise control over alloy composition and sintering parameters ensures a stable and reproducible production process.

The developed material meets the requirements for non-magnetism and high density, opening new application possibilities—particularly in high-performance fields such as flywheels and counterweights. In parallel, a magnetic alternative based on a Ni-Fe matrix was developed to expand the range of potential applications.

Applications

The non-magnetic heavy metal alloy is particularly suited for applications where specific weight is a critical factor, such as flywheels and balancing weights. Thanks to its excellent density, thermal resistance, and radiation absorption, the alloy broadens the spectrum of use cases for this unique material.

Conclusion

The successful development of both magnetic and non-magnetic heavy metal alloys with a density of approximately 18.5 g/cm³ underscores Parmaco AG’s innovative strength in MIM technology. These advances open up new opportunities for high-performance applications where specific weight and mechanical performance are of critical importance.