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What is Tungsten Fin Stabilized Kinetic Energy Penetrator Ammunition?

A kinetic energy penetrator, which is also known as a KE weapon, is a type of ammunition, like a bullet. Armor piercing fin stabilized kinetic energy penetrator ammunition is a medium caliber round consisting of a fin stabilized long-rod solid penetrator. Fin stabilized kinetic energy penetrator ammunition is the most lethal kinetic energy ammunition, capable of destroying all known tank armour up to direct shooting range. Depleted uranium (DU) weapons are retained by around 20 countries worldwide, primarily as kinetic energy weapon, because it brings so many hazards to the environment. The study found that there is one type of new material related to tungsten is outstanding for ammunition with its high properties, it is a tungsten-based kinetic energy penetrators, which does not have the same political and environmental objections as DU rounds.

Why is Tungsten Fin Stabilized Kinetic Energy Penetrator Ammunition?

While DU doing bad to the environment, other penetrator materials such as chiefly different alloy of tungsten, are a comparable density to DU. Reason that DU is considered to be as effective as a penetrator material is that it combines high strength and density with a type of deformation on impact. However, tungsten material for tungsten fin stabilized kinetic energy penetrator ammunition has a much higher density, which rages from 17.0~18.5g/cm3. Mostly, tungsten content would be most popular at 93%W. Penetrator material is only one among many variables which determine the effectiveness of a kinetic energy round. Although DU appears to be the most effective material, some other materials such as tungsten has a better machinability, which is much easier machined than other material. Also in government documents from DU user states, they are discussing the changes to DU, are considering greater improvements in performance of fin stabilized kinetic energy penetrator ammunition.

Therefore, high properties tungsten fin stabilized kinetic energy penetrator ammunition are required badly for this case as the following advatages:

High hardness 40HRC min. (Regular tungsten material only about 28HRC)
Excellent ultimate tensile strength 1050MPa min. (Regular tungsten material only about 900Mpa)
Non-toxic to the environment (superior to DU core)
Superior machinability

Main Manufacture Process of Tungsten Fin Stabilized Kinetic Energy Penetrator Ammunition

A new type of tungsten that used in penetrator by powder metallurgy routes is welcomed by more and more countries for their national defense. The main matrix is some kinds of tungsten mixed powder added with some other metal powder, such as and also need to be mixed together with some other metal powders such as iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, etc. The other mental powders jus work as the binder to make sure the powder mixed equally. After mixing equally, then the mixture will be move into pressing process, to make it into the rod, brick, plate, tube ring, etc. Then the mixture will be moved into the high-temperature sintering process at least 1400 degree. Then the following steps such as heat treatment, swaging, annealing, etc. are all for make sure the tungsten part with qualified properties, such as hardness, elongation, etc.

If you have any other questions about fin stabilized kinetic energy penetrator ammunition, please feel free to contact us by email: sales@chinatungsten.com or by phone: 86 592 5129696.