Ferrotungsten is the master alloy used to produce tungsten-containing steel. The raw material for producing ferro tungsten is the rich ore or concentrate of wolframite or scheelite. Artificial scheelite or soft waste may also be used. The tungsten trioxide in these compounds can be reduced carbothermally in an electric arc furnace or metalthermally via silicon and/or aluminum. It is also produced using the hybrid carbothermal-silicothermal method.

Ferrotungsten (FeW) is an alloy containing iron and tungsten. This ferroalloy is used for the production of tungsten-containing steels. Ferro tungsten typically consists of either 75-82% or 70-75% tungsten, depending on its grade. This master alloy is a robust alloy with a high melting point, and the addition of tungsten overcomes iron’s brittleness, making it a durable material.