VT machining provides CNC Routing 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.
Starting Parameters for CNC Routing Tungsten
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 25-55 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed per tooth | 0.014-0.053 mm |
| Spindle speed, Ø6 mm end mill | 1330-2920 rpm |
| Insert / tool class | ISO S — sharp PVD-coated carbide |
| Coolant | Flood emulsion |
Shown for Tungsten, the most common Tungsten grade we see for CNC Routing. Starting values for Tungsten, Stress-relieved; optimised on the first article.
CNC Routing Capability for Tungsten
- High-feed profiling
- Sheet and plate stock
- Nested-part layouts
- Edge tolerance ±0.1 mm
Tungsten material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Milling Tungsten page.
How CNC Routing Tungsten Works
Rotating multi-flute cutters remove material as the Tungsten workpiece is driven through programmed tool paths on 3-, 4- or 5-axis machining centres. Climb milling, step-over and depth-of-cut are set so chip load stays in the ideal band for the alloy.
We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Routing Tungsten
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Linear dimension (< 100 mm) | ±0.05 mm | ±0.010 mm |
| Linear dimension (100–300 mm) | ±0.10 mm | ±0.025 mm |
| Hole diameter (reamed) | H9 | H7 |
| True position of hole pattern | ±0.10 mm | ±0.025 mm |
| Flatness over 100 mm | 0.05 mm | 0.015 mm |
| Perpendicularity | 0.10 mm | 0.020 mm |
| Surface finish, as machined | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 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 Routing Tolerances & Surface Finish
For CNC Routing, dimensional and positional tolerances around ±0.01 mm are routine, tightening toward ±0.005 mm on precision setups. Surface finish on machined faces typically falls in the Ra 0.4–1.6 µm range depending on tooling and pass strategy.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Design Tips for CNC Routing Tungsten
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Generous internal radii, sensible pocket depth-to-width ratios and avoiding very thin unsupported walls all reduce cost and improve accuracy in Tungsten. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Routing Tungsten
Tungsten parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Tungsten Parts for CNC Routing
Illustrative examples of CNC Routing 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.
Vacuum chamber flange
- Material
- Tungsten
- Size
- Ø180 × 20 mm
- Key callouts
- Knife-edge seal Ra 0.4 µm, bolt circle ±0.05 mm
- Batch
- 60 pcs
Sealing face finished last, then handled in gloves and bagged straight off the machine.
Optical mount plate
- Material
- Tungsten
- Size
- 160 × 160 × 12 mm
- Key callouts
- Hole pattern true position ±0.02 mm, flatness 0.01 mm
- Batch
- 40 pcs
Roughed, stress-relieved overnight, then finished — the plate is too thin to hold flatness in one hit.
Sensor housing
- Material
- Tungsten
- Size
- 86 × 54 × 22 mm
- Key callouts
- Pocket depth ±0.02 mm, bore H7, flatness 0.015 mm
- Batch
- 250 pcs / quarter
O-ring groove finished in the same setup as the sealing face so the two stay parallel.
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.
What We Need to Quote CNC Routing 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 Routing
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 QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What surface finish is achievable on Tungsten with CNC Routing?
Surface finish on Tungsten is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Does CNC Routing Tungsten require dedicated tooling?
Most Tungsten machining work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
What is CNC Routing Tungsten and how is it done?
CNC Routing Tungsten refers to cNC routing cuts profiles and openings in sheet and plate at high feed rates with a rotating router bit. 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.
Why is Tungsten a good choice for CNC Routing?
Tungsten is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance, which makes it well suited to CNC Routing. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Tungsten machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.