Nuclear research establishments use nuclear reactors or cyclotrons to study or create radioactive materials. Tungsten alloy is used in research activities as collimators (devices which guide or focus beams of radiation) or containers for radioactive isotopes. Tungsten alloy is ideal for shielding against both X- and Gamma radiation. The very high density of tungsten alloy shielding (more than 60% denser than lead) allows a reduction in the physical size of tungsten alloy shielding components, without compromising the effectiveness of the shielding characteristics.
