CNC Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper

CNC Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper from VT machining delivers precision Tungsten Copper parts produced to your exact drawing. CNC lathe machining produces precision rotational parts with combined turning, facing, drilling and threading, and we tune every parameter to the behaviour of Tungsten Copper, which is combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity.

Starting Parameters for CNC Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper

Cutting speed (carbide)50-120 m/min
Feed0.05-0.18 mm/rev
Spindle speed, Ø25 mm bar640-1530 rpm
Insert / tool classISO K — CVD-coated carbide
CoolantEmulsion
Max turning diameterØ350 mm (chuck work)

Shown for Tungsten Copper (W70Cu30-W80Cu20), the most common Tungsten Copper grade we see for CNC Lathe Machining. Starting values for Tungsten Copper (W70Cu30-W80Cu20), Infiltrated (pressed, sintered, Cu-infiltrated); optimised on the first article.

CNC Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper — produced in-house at VT machining

CNC Lathe Machining Capability for Tungsten Copper

  • Live-tool capability
  • Sub-spindle pickup
  • OD/ID + cross features
  • Diameter tolerance ±0.005 mm

Tungsten Copper material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Turning Tungsten Copper page.

How CNC Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper Works

The Tungsten Copper bar or billet rotates in the spindle while single-point tools shape outer diameters, bores, faces, grooves and threads. Constant surface speed control keeps cutting conditions stable from large to small diameters.

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 Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper

CNC Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Outside diameter±0.05 mm±0.005 mm
Bore diameterH9H6
Length / shoulder position±0.10 mm±0.020 mm
Concentricity OD to ID0.05 mm TIR0.010 mm TIR
Roundness0.02 mm0.005 mm
Thread class6g / 2A4h / 3A
Surface finish, as turnedRa 1.6 µmRa 0.4 µm

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 Lathe Machining Tolerances & Surface Finish

Turned Tungsten Copper holds diameter tolerances to about ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm and good roundness. Turned finishes of Ra 0.4–0.8 µm are achievable with finishing passes and sharp tooling.

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 Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper

We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Consistent diameters, standard thread forms and avoiding extremely long, slender features help Tungsten Copper turned parts stay concentric and economical. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.

Applications of CNC Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper

Customers order CNC Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper 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.

Typical Tungsten Copper Parts for CNC Lathe Machining

Illustrative examples of CNC Lathe Machining 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.

Precision shaft

Material
Tungsten Copper
Size
Ø16 × 240 mm
Key callouts
OD h6, concentricity 0.01 mm TIR, keyway 5 H9
Batch
1,000 pcs / year

Turned between centres so both journals share one datum.

Valve seat

Material
Tungsten Copper
Size
Ø28 × 14 mm
Key callouts
Seat angle 45° ±0.1°, roundness 0.005 mm, Ra 0.2 µm
Batch
800 pcs

Seat finished with a single-point diamond pass, no interruption.

Connector pin

Material
Tungsten Copper
Size
Ø3.0 × 24 mm
Key callouts
OD ±0.005 mm, straightness 0.02 mm over length
Batch
20,000 pcs

Swiss-turned from bar with a guide bushing; nothing else holds Ø3 mm over 24 mm.

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 Lathe Machining 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 Lathe Machining

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 Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Which industries use CNC Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper parts?

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

What surface finish is achievable on Tungsten Copper with CNC Lathe Machining?

Surface finish on Tungsten Copper is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.

Why is Tungsten Copper a good choice for CNC Lathe Machining?

Tungsten Copper is combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity, which makes it well suited to CNC Lathe Machining. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Tungsten Copper turning part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.

Does CNC Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper require dedicated tooling?

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

What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Lathe Machining Tungsten Copper?

CNC Lathe Machining 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.