Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Tungsten

Tungsten (W) is a high-criticality refractory metal with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Tungsten is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Tungsten span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Cemented carbide cutting tools — Tungsten plays a vital role in cemented carbide cutting tools, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Armor-piercing ammunition — Tungsten plays a vital role in armor-piercing ammunition, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Industrial drilling equipment — Tungsten plays a vital role in industrial drilling equipment, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Electrical contacts and filaments — Tungsten plays a vital role in electrical contacts and filaments, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Radiation shielding — Tungsten plays a vital role in radiation shielding, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Tungsten is cemented carbide cutting tools, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is armor-piercing ammunition, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Tungsten in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of high and a supply risk rating of high, the demand trajectory for Tungsten is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. Its inclusion on the USGS critical minerals list underscores the strategic importance of securing stable supply for domestic industries. The European Union has similarly recognized its importance through inclusion on the EU Critical Raw Materials list. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.