VT machining specialises in CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide. Because Tungsten Carbide is extreme hardness for tooling and wear parts, and its machinability is machined almost exclusively by grinding and EDM, we plan each job around the grade to protect accuracy and surface quality.
CNC EDM Drilling Capability for Tungsten Carbide
- Extreme hardness (HRA 89–94)
- Ground/EDM only
- Wear-resistant
- Tooling & dies
Tungsten Carbide Material Data
| Density | 14.5 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 2000–3500 (TRS) MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | — |
| Hardness | 88–93 HRA / 1300–1800 HV |
| Melting point | 2870 (WC) °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 70–100 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 5.0 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 10% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | grind / EDM only |
| Grades we run | YG6, YG8, YG15 (K10–K30), D2, H13, M2, SKD11 |
Published typical values for WC-Co (YG8 / K20). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Everything is done by grinding, wire EDM or sinker EDM. Design in a small corner radius wherever possible — a true sharp internal corner doubles the EDM time.
Machining Tungsten Carbide with CNC EDM Drilling
The machinability of Tungsten Carbide is machined almost exclusively by grinding and EDM. For CNC EDM Drilling we select tooling, feeds, speeds and coolant to match, keeping the Tungsten Carbide workpiece stable and the result accurate.
Because we machine Tungsten Carbide regularly, proven settings shorten setup and keep quality repeatable across reorders.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Profile dimension | ±0.010 mm | ±0.002 mm |
| Internal corner radius | 0.15 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Taper control over 50 mm | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Surface finish (skim passes) | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.2 µm |
| Recast layer | 10 µm | 2 µm (fine skim) |
| Start-hole diameter | 1.0 mm | 0.25 mm |
| Workpiece hardness | no limit (conductive) | no limit (conductive) |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Design Tips for CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened Tungsten Carbide that cannot be milled; allowing a small corner radius where possible speeds the cut. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC EDM Drilling Quality & Inspection
Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on Tungsten Carbide parts are checked in-process and verified at final inspection using calibrated instruments and, where required, CMM measurement. Full documentation — dimensional reports, mill certs, FAIR — is available when your programme needs it.
Why Tungsten Carbide?
Specifying Tungsten Carbide for CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide is usually about its properties: extreme hardness for tooling and wear parts. Tell us the condition you need and we machine to it.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
We complete Tungsten Carbide components with the secondary steps your drawing calls for. We arrange heat treatment, surface treatment, marking and assembly as needed. Tell us the final spec and we will plan the full route so parts arrive ready to use.
CNC EDM Drilling Tolerances & Surface Finish
EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the Tungsten Carbide part, producing fine, controlled surface textures and sharp internal corners impossible to mill.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Applications of CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide
CNC EDM Drilling of Tungsten Carbide supports parts across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, energy and general industrial sectors. We scale from one-off prototypes to ongoing production while holding the same quality.
How to Order CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide
Ordering Tungsten Carbide parts is straightforward. Provide the drawing, material, quantity and any certification needs. Our engineers reply — in English — with feasibility, pricing and a realistic lead time, usually within one business day.
Finishing Options for Tungsten Carbide
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Tungsten Carbide grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Tungsten Carbide in Other Processes
Related
Send the drawing, the Tungsten Carbide condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What material thickness or size range suits CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide?
We machine Tungsten Carbide across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.
What is CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide and how is it done?
CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide refers to fast-hole EDM drilling produces small, deep holes in hard metals, including starter holes for wire EDM. Applied to Tungsten Carbide — extreme hardness for tooling and wear parts — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide?
CNC EDM Drilling prototypes for Tungsten Carbide can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
Why is Tungsten Carbide a good choice for CNC EDM Drilling?
Tungsten Carbide is extreme hardness for tooling and wear parts, which makes it well suited to CNC EDM Drilling. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Tungsten Carbide EDM machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Can VT machining make custom Tungsten Carbide parts to my drawing?
Yes. Tungsten Carbide Tungsten Carbide EDM machining is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.
Which industries use CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide parts?
CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Carbide parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Tungsten Carbide components are required.