CNC Grinding Tungsten

Looking for reliable CNC Grinding Tungsten? VT machining manufactures Tungsten parts to tight tolerances and consistent quality. Tungsten is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance, so the process is set up specifically for the material.

CNC Grinding Tungsten at VT machining
CNC Grinding Tungsten — produced in-house at VT machining

CNC Grinding Capability for Tungsten

  • Surface finish to Ra 0.1–0.4 µm
  • Dimensional tolerance to ±0.002 mm
  • Flatness/parallelism within 0.005 mm
  • Wheel grit selected per alloy hardness

Tungsten Material Data

Tungsten — typical properties, quoted for Pure W / W-Ni-Fe
Density19.25 g/cm³
Tensile strength750–1500 MPa
Yield strength (0.2%)550 MPa
Hardness350–500 HV
Melting point3422 °C
Thermal conductivity173 W/m·K
Thermal expansion4.5 ×10⁻⁶/K
Electrical conductivity31%
Machinability (C36000 = 100%)grind / EDM only
Grades we runPure 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.

Machining Tungsten — what actually causes trouble

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 Grinding Tungsten Works

An abrasive wheel removes a fine, controlled layer from the Tungsten part. Wheel specification, dressing interval, infeed and coolant are matched to the alloy's hardness so the surface is not burned or left with residual stress.

Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.

Achievable Tolerances for CNC Grinding Tungsten

CNC Grinding Tungsten — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Size (OD, ID, thickness)±0.005 mm±0.002 mm
Flatness over 100 mm0.010 mm0.003 mm
Parallelism0.010 mm0.003 mm
Roundness0.005 mm0.002 mm
Squareness0.010 mm0.005 mm
Surface finishRa 0.4 µmRa 0.1 µm
Workpiece hardnessup to 62 HRCup to 65 HRC

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.

CNC Grinding Quality & Inspection

We control quality throughout the process, not just at the end. In-process checks plus final inspection — including CMM where specified — keep every Tungsten part to print. Inspection reports, material certificates and first-article documentation can be supplied on request.

CNC Grinding Tolerances & Surface Finish

Ground Tungsten reaches single-micron tolerances on size, flatness and parallelism, with surface finishes down to Ra 0.1–0.4 µm — and a near-mirror finish on suitable alloys.

Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.

Design Tips for CNC Grinding Tungsten

We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Allowing adequate grind stock, specifying realistic flatness over the true datum, and relieving corners help us hit tight tolerances on Tungsten efficiently. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.

Secondary Operations & Finishing

Finished Tungsten parts can move straight into secondary operations under one roof. Typical add-ons are deburring, passivation, anodising, plating, blasting, polishing and laser marking. We coordinate the whole chain so you receive complete, inspection-ready parts.

Working with Tungsten

As a material, Tungsten is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance. Our setup reflects the alloy's machinability so the finished part is accurate and free of avoidable defects.

We verify the exact grade and condition before machining, and traceable mill certs are available on request. We can work to your nominated material source or specification when required.

Applications of CNC Grinding Tungsten

Customers order CNC Grinding Tungsten components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.

How to Order CNC Grinding Tungsten

Getting a quote is simple. Share your model, the material grade, your quantity and target tolerances. You receive a clear quotation with lead time and honest manufacturability feedback.

Parts We Have Run in Tungsten

Three representative CNC Grinding 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.

Lapping plate

Material
Tungsten
Size
300 × 300 × 30 mm
Key callouts
Flatness 0.005 mm over the full face
Batch
20 pcs

Ground, stress-relieved, ground again — one pass will not hold flatness on this area.

Punch tool

Material
Tungsten
Size
Ø10 × 60 mm
Key callouts
OD ±0.002 mm, roundness 0.002 mm, Ra 0.1 µm
Batch
300 pcs

Cylindrical ground after hardening to 60 HRC — machining soft would not hold the size.

Gauge block set

Material
Tungsten
Size
50 × 30 × 10 mm
Key callouts
Thickness ±0.002 mm, flatness 0.002 mm, parallelism 0.002 mm
Batch
200 pcs

Ground wet in one chucking, then left to normalise before final inspection at 20 °C.

Finishing Options for Tungsten

Finishing options available with this material
FinishThickness / effectWhy it gets specified
Deburr / edge break0.05–0.3 mmAll parts unless the drawing says otherwise
Bead blastRa 1.6–3.2 µmUniform matt finish, hides tool marks
Laser markingPart number, lot code, data matrix
Free — no sign-up

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.

Open the 3D + 2D Builder

What We Need to Quote CNC Grinding 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 Grinding

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 Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What material thickness or size range suits CNC Grinding Tungsten?

We machine Tungsten across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.

Which industries use CNC Grinding Tungsten parts?

CNC Grinding Tungsten parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Tungsten components are required.

What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Grinding Tungsten?

CNC Grinding prototypes for Tungsten 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 a good choice for CNC Grinding?

Tungsten is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance, which makes it well suited to CNC Grinding. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Tungsten grinding part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.

What surface finish is achievable on Tungsten with CNC Grinding?

Grinding can take Tungsten to a fine finish — typically Ra 0.1–0.4 µm, and to a mirror grade on suitable alloys.