Refractory metals are typically processed from powders into ingots that are subsequently swaged into round bars or rolled into plates. Secondary operations are required to fabricate more complex refractory metal components. This article discusses two such secondary operations, namely, machining and joining processes for tungsten, tungsten heavy alloys, molybdenum, tantalum, niobium, and rhenium components. It describes the various types of metal joining processes, including mechanical fastening, brazing, and welding.

The residual porosity in sintered refractory metal ingots is usually eliminated by different densification processes, such as thermomechanical processes. This article focuses on thermomechanical processing of tungsten, molybdenum, and tantalum. It provides an overview of liquid-phase sintering of tungsten heavy alloys and describes the infiltration of tungsten and molybdenum for attaining full density. The article concludes by providing information on hot isostatic pressing of refractory metal alloys to full density.

Very high density materials are used for such applications as counterweights and radiation shields. This article focuses on the metallurgy, processing, properties, fabrication, design considerations, health and safety considerations, and applications of the most commonly used very high density materials: depleted uranium and tungsten and their alloys.