CNC Honing Tungsten

VT machining provides CNC Honing 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 Honing Tungsten at VT machining
CNC Honing Tungsten — produced in-house at VT machining

CNC Honing Capability for Tungsten

  • Bore Ra to 0.1 µm
  • Cross-hatch pattern
  • Roundness within 0.002 mm
  • Hydraulic-bore finishing

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 Honing Tungsten Works

Abrasive media or tooling refine the Tungsten surface in controlled stages, removing the previous step's marks until the target roughness and edge condition are reached.

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 Honing Tungsten

CNC Honing Tungsten — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Surface roughnessRa 0.8 µmRa 0.05 µm
Edge break0.1–0.3 mm0.05 ±0.02 mm
Material removed0.02 mm0.005 mm
Bore roundness after honing0.005 mm0.002 mm
Cross-hatch angle45° ±10°45° ±5°
Cosmetic gradeuniform satinmirror, no visible lines
Masking of datum faceson requeststandard

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.

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.

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.

CNC Honing 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.

Design Tips for CNC Honing Tungsten

We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Telling us the target Ra, the cosmetic faces and any masking needs lets us finish Tungsten efficiently without over-processing. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.

CNC Honing Tolerances & Surface Finish

Finishing brings Tungsten to a defined roughness target — from a uniform satin to Ra values as low as 0.05 µm — with controlled, repeatable edge breaks.

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.

Applications of CNC Honing Tungsten

Customers order CNC Honing 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 Honing 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 Honing 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.

Mirror-polished insert

Material
Tungsten
Size
80 × 50 mm cavity
Key callouts
Ra 0.05 µm, SPI A2
Batch
60 pcs

Polished in five abrasive stages; skipping one leaves scratches the next cannot remove.

Sealing face

Material
Tungsten
Size
Ø60 mm face
Key callouts
Ra 0.2 µm, flatness 0.005 mm
Batch
1,000 pcs

Lapped after grinding; the seal spec is a roughness number, not a dimension.

Hydraulic bore

Material
Tungsten
Size
Ø32 × 200 mm
Key callouts
Ra 0.4 µm cross-hatch 45°, roundness 0.003 mm
Batch
600 pcs

Honed in three stages; the cross-hatch is what holds the oil film.

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 Honing 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 Honing

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

Which industries use CNC Honing Tungsten parts?

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

Can VT machining make custom Tungsten parts to my drawing?

Yes. Tungsten Tungsten finishing 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.

What surface finish is achievable on Tungsten with CNC Honing?

Our finishing processes refine Tungsten surfaces to Ra values as low as 0.05 µm for cosmetic or sealing faces.

What tolerances can you hold for CNC Honing Tungsten?

Achievable tolerances for Tungsten finishing depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. We hold tight, repeatable tolerances appropriate to the feature and material. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.

Why is Tungsten a good choice for CNC Honing?

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