CNC Laser Cutting Tungsten

VT machining provides CNC Laser Cutting 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 Laser Cutting Tungsten at VT machining
CNC Laser Cutting Tungsten — produced in-house at VT machining

CNC Laser Cutting Capability for Tungsten

  • Fiber 1–6 kW
  • Kerf 0.1–0.3 mm
  • Contour ±0.05 mm
  • N₂/O₂ assist gas

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 Laser Cutting Tungsten Works

A focused fibre-laser beam melts and blows material from the Tungsten sheet along the programmed contour. Power, focal position, nozzle stand-off and assist-gas pressure are tuned to the alloy and thickness for a clean, square edge.

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 Laser Cutting Tungsten

CNC Laser Cutting Tungsten — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Contour dimension±0.10 mm±0.05 mm
Hole diameter±0.10 mm±0.05 mm
Kerf width0.20 mm0.10 mm
Squareness of cut edge0.5°0.2°
Heat-affected zone0.15 mm0.05 mm (N₂ assist)
Minimum hole diameter1.2 × thickness1.0 × thickness
Edge conditionlight drossburr-free, N₂ cut

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 Laser Cutting Quality & Inspection

Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on Tungsten 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.

Secondary Operations & Finishing

We complete Tungsten 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.

Design Tips for CNC Laser Cutting Tungsten

A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. Keeping holes no smaller than the material thickness, allowing for kerf, and grouping features sensibly improves edge quality and nesting yield on Tungsten. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.

CNC Laser Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish

Laser-cut Tungsten holds contour tolerances around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness, with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge.

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.

Working with Tungsten

Tungsten offers a useful combination of properties: it is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance. Those characteristics shape how we approach laser cutting — from tool and parameter selection to work-holding and coolant.

If your application is sensitive to alloy condition, we agree the specification in writing and document it. Stock is sourced from reputable suppliers so what you order is what you receive.

Applications of CNC Laser Cutting Tungsten

CNC Laser Cutting of Tungsten 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 Laser Cutting Tungsten

Ordering Tungsten 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.

Parts We Have Run in Tungsten

Three representative CNC Laser Cutting 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.

Battery busbar

Material
Tungsten
Size
180 × 30 × 2 mm
Key callouts
Contour ±0.08 mm, hole ±0.05 mm
Batch
2,000 pcs

Copper is cut on the fibre laser with a reflective-material head; not every shop can run it.

EMI shield can

Material
Tungsten
Size
60 × 45 × 0.3 mm
Key callouts
Contour ±0.05 mm, tab width 0.5 mm
Batch
5,000 pcs

Nested 96-up per sheet; nesting is where the cost comes out of a part this small.

Control panel face

Material
Tungsten
Size
400 × 300 × 1.5 mm
Key callouts
Cutout position ±0.10 mm, no dross on visible face
Batch
600 pcs

Cut with nitrogen so the edge takes powder coat without secondary grinding.

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
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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 Laser Cutting 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 Laser Cutting

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

Can VT machining make custom Tungsten parts to my drawing?

Yes. Tungsten Tungsten cutting 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 tolerances can you hold for CNC Laser Cutting Tungsten?

Achievable tolerances for Tungsten cutting depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Laser cutting holds contour tolerances to around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.

What surface finish is achievable on Tungsten with CNC Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting leaves a clean cut face on Tungsten with a small heat-affected zone; most parts need little secondary finishing.

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

CNC Laser Cutting 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.

Does CNC Laser Cutting Tungsten require dedicated tooling?

Most Tungsten cutting work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.

What is CNC Laser Cutting Tungsten and how is it done?

CNC Laser Cutting Tungsten refers to cNC fiber laser cutting follows a programmed path to cut sheet and plate with a clean, narrow kerf. Applied to Tungsten — extreme hardness, density and heat resistance — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.