LUMA Application AREAS

Fine Wire for Military, Defense, and Infrastructure Security

Tungsten wires in Military, Defense and Security areas

Tungsten wires, renowned for their exceptional properties such as an ultra-high melting point, incredible strength, and impressive density, play a pivotal role in the security of military, defense, and critical infrastructure. These unique characteristics make tungsten indispensable in various high-tech applications that demand durability and precision under extreme conditions.

As soon as protection against corrosion or conductive characteristics are requested the Tungsten Wires would be gold plated using advanced electro chemical procedures. The thickness of the gold plating can be determined by the customer according to the needs of the referring application.

Military-grade tungsten wire

Wires are indispensable in military and defense contexts because they deliver a unique combination of high precision, durability, and signal integrity. Whether used in portable radiation detectors or missile guidance systems, these wires must remain stable under extreme temperature, vibration, and radiation exposure. LUMA’s tungsten wire solutions meet these demands, offering tight tolerances, consistent conductivity, and adaptability for specialized coatings including gold plating when corrosion or conductivity are required.

Meet our team. Lead technical expert at Luma Wire Tech developing advanced custom micro cable solutions for demanding applications in medical, aerospace, and defense industries.

Ulrik Palmqvist, Ph.D.

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Applications of Tungsten wires in Military, Defense and Security areas

  1. High-Temperature Sensors
    Tungsten wires are integral to sensors used in high-temperature components, such as those found in rocket engines and ignition systems. The ability of tungsten to withstand extreme heat ensures the reliability of these systems under the most demanding conditions.

  2. Missile Guidance Systems
    Tungsten’s robustness and precise conductivity make it a vital component in missile guidance systems. These systems rely on tungsten’s consistent performance to maintain accuracy and effectiveness in critical missions.

  3. Radar and High-Frequency Detection Devices
    Tungsten wires are used in high-frequency detection systems, such as those found in advanced radar systems. These devices are essential for identifying threats and ensuring the security of airspace and borders.

  4. Critical Area Detectors
    Tungsten is a cornerstone of giant detection systems deployed in sensitive security areas such as border zones, harbors, and airports. For example, gold-plated tungsten wires of minute dimensions are arranged in parallel within metal frames. These frames are assembled into extensive grid structures capable of accommodating large containers transported via trucks, ships, and trains.
    These tungsten grids reflect signals directed into the containers, enabling the visualization of their contents. By measuring the density of the contents and comparing it to empirical data and declared manifests, any deviations or irregularities can be flagged. If suspicious or critical items are detected, further investigation is initiated. This technique is widely used to identify the smuggling of dangerous goods such as explosives, chemicals, and illicit substances, as well as to combat human trafficking and other illegal activities.

  5. Portable Radiation Detectors
    The defense industry relies on portable tungsten-based detectors for identifying hazardous radiation. These mobile systems are essential for ensuring the safety of personnel and infrastructure during missions and emergency responses.

Case studies & Real-world Use Cases

Wires in Defense Systems

  • Border & Port Security Detectors – Gold-plated tungsten wires from LUMA are used in large-area grid detectors at harbors, where they detect anomalies in container contents via RF reflection.
  • Guidance & Navigation Equipment – In missile guidance and UAV navigation modules, our wire solutions enhance precision and reliability, contributing to accuracy in targeting and control systems.
  • Emergency & Portable Radiation Monitoring – Portable detectors for field deployment rely on tungsten wires for stable sensor performance with minimal drift under high temperatures and radiation exposures.

Why Tungsten is indispensable:

The unique properties of tungsten make it irreplaceable in these critical applications. Its unmatched melting point (3422 degrees Celsius – 6,191.6 Fahrenheit) – the highest melting point of any metal)  ensures reliability in extreme thermal environments, while its density and strength allow it to endure significant stress without deformation. Moreover, its reflectivity and conductivity are key in precision detection technologies.

From missile guidance to border security, tungsten’s versatility and reliability underscore its importance in safeguarding military and critical infrastructure. This remarkable material continues to be a cornerstone of advanced defense technologies, ensuring safety and security in an increasingly complex world.

Technical Specifications & Surface Treatments

Typical wire diameters for security applications range from 5 to 200 microns, with the possibility for clean or gold-plated finishes. Gold plating thickness is customizable based on conductivity and corrosion resistance needs. Wires undergo precise tensioning, straightness correction, and electrochemical polishing to ensure minimal surface defects, essential for RF applications and detection systems where signal distortion must be minimized

Fine wires for military and defense applications

Partnership & Quality Assurance

All our defense-grade wires are manufactured in Sweden under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. We have full traceability for each batch. Engineering support is available to define the correct wire finish, thickness, and plating options for your applications. We also comply with international regulations, ensuring reliability and compliance wherever the deployment occurs.