VT machining provides CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten for customers who need accurate, repeatable Tungsten components. Because Tungsten is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
CNC EDM Drilling Capability for Tungsten
- Ø0.2–3 mm holes
- Deep aspect ratios
- Hardened-metal drilling
- Angled hole capability
Tungsten Material Data
| Density | 19.25 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 750–1500 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 550 MPa |
| Hardness | 350–500 HV |
| Melting point | 3422 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 173 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 4.5 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 31% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | grind / EDM only |
| Grades we run | Pure W (99.95%), W-Ni-Fe heavy alloy (17.0–18.5 g/cm³), WC-Co |
Published typical values for Pure W / W-Ni-Fe. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Conventional cutting is not on the table for pure tungsten. Features are wire-EDM cut and ground; expect longer lead time than any other metal on the list.
How CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten Works
Material is removed from the Tungsten 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.
We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten
| 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
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened Tungsten 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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Most Tungsten parts need some finishing, which we manage in-house or through vetted partners. Options include deburring and edge-breaking, heat treatment, surface grinding, polishing, and plating or anodising for corrosion resistance and appearance. Give us the finished-part requirement and we will sequence every operation correctly.
CNC EDM Drilling Tolerances & Surface Finish
EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the Tungsten 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.
Working with Tungsten
Tungsten is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance. We translate those properties into a process plan: the right tooling, speeds, feeds and fixturing for the alloy.
Where the grade, temper or heat-treat condition matters to performance, we confirm it with you and can supply material certificates. Material is procured to recognised standards for consistent, repeatable results.
CNC EDM Drilling Quality & Inspection
Quality is built in, not inspected on. We monitor key features during the run and confirm them at final inspection, with CMM verification available for tight tolerances. We provide the inspection and traceability records your quality system requires.
Applications of CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten
Tungsten parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
How to Order CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten
Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the Tungsten grade and condition, the quantity and any finish or inspection requirements. We respond quickly with price, lead time and any DFM notes, in clear English.
Parts We Have Run in Tungsten
Three representative CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten jobs, with the callouts that actually drove the process plan. Yours will differ — these are here so you can judge whether your part is in our range before you spend time on an RFQ.
Micro slot in nozzle
- Material
- Tungsten
- Size
- 0.15 mm wide × 6 mm deep
- Key callouts
- Width ±0.003 mm
- Batch
- 400 pcs
Cut with 0.1 mm wire; the start hole is EDM-drilled at Ø0.3 mm.
Carbide punch
- Material
- Tungsten
- Size
- Ø6 × 45 mm
- Key callouts
- OD ±0.003 mm, sharp form retained
- Batch
- 250 pcs
Carbide is EDM or grind only; there is no milling route.
Spline broach section
- Material
- Tungsten
- Size
- Ø28 × 40 mm
- Key callouts
- Involute profile ±0.005 mm, Ra 0.4 µm
- Batch
- 60 pcs
Wire EDM after hardening to 62 HRC — the profile would not survive being cut soft and heat-treated.
Finishing Options for Tungsten
| 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
- 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 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
Send the drawing, the Tungsten grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does CNC EDM Drilling Tungsten 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?
Yes. EDM removes material by electrical discharge rather than cutting force, so hardened and difficult Tungsten can be machined to fine detail and tight tolerance without distortion.
What surface finish is achievable on Tungsten with CNC EDM Drilling?
Surface finish on Tungsten is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Why is Tungsten a good choice for CNC EDM Drilling?
Tungsten is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance, which makes it well suited to CNC EDM Drilling. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Tungsten EDM machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.