CNC Plasma Cutting Tungsten

Looking for reliable CNC Plasma Cutting 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.

Process Data for CNC Plasma Cutting Tungsten

Max practical thickness~6 mm (high-definition plasma)
Edge tolerance±0.3-0.5 mm, 1-3° bevel
Heat-affected zone~0.5-1.5 mm (allow machining stock if critical)
Plasma gasNitrogen or argon-hydrogen

Shown for Tungsten, the most common Tungsten grade we see for CNC Plasma Cutting. Typical values for Tungsten, Stress-relieved; confirmed on the first part.

CNC Plasma Cutting Tungsten at VT machining
CNC Plasma Cutting Tungsten — produced in-house at VT machining

CNC Plasma Cutting Capability for Tungsten

  • Plate to 30+ mm
  • High cutting speed
  • Conductive metals
  • Bevel-cut capable

Tungsten material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Laser Cutting Tungsten page.

How CNC Plasma 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.

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 Plasma Cutting Tungsten

CNC Plasma 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.

Design Tips for CNC Plasma Cutting Tungsten

We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. 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 Plasma 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.

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 Plasma Cutting Tungsten

Customers order CNC Plasma Cutting 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.

Typical Tungsten Parts for CNC Plasma Cutting

Illustrative examples of CNC Plasma Cutting Tungsten 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.

Machine guard panel

Material
Tungsten
Size
900 × 600 × 3 mm
Key callouts
Slot pattern ±0.10 mm, hole-to-edge 6 mm
Batch
150 pcs

Cut with common-line pairs to halve the pierce count.

Gasket / shim set

Material
Tungsten
Size
Ø120 × 0.5 mm
Key callouts
ID/OD ±0.05 mm, no heat discolouration
Batch
3,000 pcs

Small-diameter holes below 1.2 × thickness are punched, not lased.

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.

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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 Plasma 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 Plasma 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

CNC Plasma Cutting Tungsten refers to cNC plasma cutting uses an ionized gas jet to sever thicker conductive plate at high speed. 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.

Does CNC Plasma 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 the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Plasma Cutting Tungsten?

CNC Plasma 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.

What tolerances can you hold for CNC Plasma 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.