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Why can molybdenum replace some tungsten in alloy steels?
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Molybdenum is an effective substitute for tungsten in alloy steels because the molybdenum atom shares the same fundamental characteristics as the tungsten atom.1
Crucially, molybdenum possesses only about half the atomic weight and density of tungsten. This allows manufacturers to achieve the same metallurgical effects—such as improved hardenability, toughness, and high-temperature strength—while using only half the amount of metal by weight.1