Tungsten is a heavy, dense, grayish-white metal with a high melting point and many unique properties: 
Symbol and atomic number: Tungsten's symbol is W and its atomic number is 74. 
Melting point: Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals at 3,422°C. 
Density: Tungsten is very dense, with a density of 19.3 g/cm3. 
Color: Tungsten is white to steel gray in color, depending on its purity. 
Uses: Tungsten is used in many products, including light bulbs, jewelry, electronics, and tools: 
Light bulbs: Tungsten is used in incandescent light bulbs and lamp filaments. 
Jewelry: Tungsten is used in jewelry because it's extremely durable and about 10 times harder than gold. 
Tools: Tungsten is used in high-speed tools, welding electrodes, and turbine blades. 
Glass-to-metal seals: Tungsten compounds are used in glass-to-metal seals for windows. 
Other properties: Tungsten is malleable, ductile, and has good electrical conductivity. It's also resistant to wear and has good creep resistance. 
History: Tungsten was discovered in 1781 by Carl Scheele and the brothers Jose and Fausto Elhuyar. It was originally called wolfram, which comes from the Swedish words tung and sten meaning "heavy stone". 

What are the Common Applications of Tungsten?
Tungsten is widely used in the lighting industry. Incandescent light bulbs, before the advent of more energy-efficient alternatives, relied on tungsten filaments. The high melting point of tungsten allowed the filament to reach extremely high temperatures without melting, emitting a bright white light as it heated up. In the field of metalworking and machining, tungsten carbide is a popular material. It is used to make cutting tools, drill bits, and milling inserts due to its exceptional hardness and wear resistance, enabling it to cut through a variety of materials with ease. Tungsten is also utilized in the aerospace and defense sectors. Its high-temperature strength and density make it suitable for applications such as rocket engine nozzles and armor-piercing projectiles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tungsten Rivets

Why are Tungsten Rivets Preferred in Certain Applications?
Tungsten rivets offer several advantages. Their high melting point and strength make them suitable for use in environments with elevated temperatures, such as near jet engines or in high-temperature industrial processes. The density of tungsten also provides additional inertia and stability, which can be beneficial in applications where vibration resistance is crucial. For example, in the construction of aircraft wings or fuselage components, tungsten rivets can help maintain the structural integrity of the assembly, even under the most demanding flight conditions.

How are Tungsten Rivets Manufactured?
The manufacturing process of tungsten rivets typically involves powder metallurgy techniques. Tungsten powder is first compacted into the desired shape using high pressure. This compacted preform is then sintered at very high temperatures, usually above 2000°C, to fuse the powder particles together and achieve the required density and mechanical properties. After sintering, the rivets may undergo further machining operations to achieve the final dimensions and surface finish.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Using Tungsten Rivets?
One drawback is the relatively high cost of tungsten compared to other common rivet materials such as aluminum or steel. This cost factor can limit their use in applications where budget constraints are a significant consideration. Additionally, tungsten is a relatively heavy material, which may not be suitable for applications where weight reduction is a priority. However, in situations where the unique properties of tungsten are essential, the benefits often outweigh these drawbacks.

In conclusion, tungsten is a fascinating and highly useful metal with a wide range of applications, and tungsten rivets represent a specialized application of this remarkable material, providing unique solutions in industries where strength and durability at extreme conditions are of utmost importance.