CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Copper is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled EDM machining with material-aware setup for Tungsten Copper — an alloy that is combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Process Data for CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Copper
| Hole diameter range | Ø0.3-3.0 mm |
|---|---|
| Max depth-to-diameter | up to ~50:1 |
| Drilling speed, Ø1 mm | ~12 mm/min |
Shown for Tungsten Copper (W70Cu30-W80Cu20), the most common Tungsten Copper grade we see for CNC EDM Drilling. Typical values for Tungsten Copper (W70Cu30-W80Cu20), Infiltrated (pressed, sintered, Cu-infiltrated); confirmed on the first part.
CNC EDM Drilling Capability for Tungsten Copper
- Ø0.2–3 mm holes
- Deep aspect ratios
- Hardened-metal drilling
- Angled hole capability
Tungsten Copper material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Wire EDM Tungsten Copper page.
How CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Copper Works
Material is removed from the Tungsten Copper workpiece by controlled electrical discharges across a dielectric gap, with no mechanical contact. Flushing, on/off pulse timing and electrode/wire feed are set to balance speed against surface finish.
Every job begins from your CAD model or 2D drawing. Fixturing and tool paths are planned so the most critical dimensions are produced in the most rigid, repeatable setup. Critical dimensions are checked on the first part and monitored through the run.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Copper
| 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 Copper
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened Tungsten Copper 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 Tolerances & Surface Finish
EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the Tungsten Copper part, producing fine, controlled surface textures and sharp internal corners impossible to mill.
Final tolerances are governed by the material's behaviour, wall thickness and overall stiffness. We give honest DFM feedback if a callout would be costly or better achieved another way.
Applications of CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Copper
CNC EDM Drilling of Tungsten Copper 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.
Typical Tungsten Copper Parts for CNC EDM Drilling
Illustrative examples of CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Copper parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Extrusion die
- Material
- Tungsten Copper
- Size
- 120 × 120 × 25 mm
- Key callouts
- Profile ±0.005 mm, internal corner R0.1 mm
- Batch
- 35 pcs
Cut in four skim passes; the first pass is speed, the last three are finish and accuracy.
Turbine blade fir-tree root
- Material
- Tungsten Copper
- Size
- 40 × 25 mm section
- Key callouts
- Profile ±0.008 mm
- Batch
- 120 pcs
Held on a dedicated fixture so every blade in the set indexes identically.
Injection mould cavity rib
- Material
- Tungsten Copper
- Size
- 0.25 mm wide × 8 mm deep
- Key callouts
- Width ±0.005 mm, VDI 21 finish
- Batch
- 45 pcs
Sinker EDM with a graphite electrode; a cutter that thin would break in the first pass.
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 Copper
- 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 Copper 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.
Other Metals for CNC EDM Drilling
Other Processes for Tungsten Copper
Send the drawing, the Tungsten Copper grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Copper?
CNC EDM Drilling prototypes for Tungsten Copper 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 Copper a good choice for CNC EDM Drilling?
Tungsten Copper is combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity, which makes it well suited to CNC EDM Drilling. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Tungsten Copper EDM machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
What is CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Copper and how is it done?
CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Copper refers to fast-hole EDM drilling produces small, deep holes in hard metals, including starter holes for wire EDM. Applied to Tungsten Copper — combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
Does CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Copper require dedicated tooling?
Wire EDM needs no shaped tooling; sinker EDM uses a shaped electrode we produce in-house for your cavity.
Can you EDM-machine hardened Tungsten Copper?
Yes. EDM removes material by electrical discharge rather than cutting force, so hardened and difficult Tungsten Copper can be machined to fine detail and tight tolerance without distortion.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Copper?
We machine Tungsten Copper across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.