CNC Surface Grinding Tungsten

VT machining provides CNC Surface Grinding 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 Surface Grinding Tungsten at VT machining
CNC Surface Grinding Tungsten — produced in-house at VT machining

CNC Surface Grinding Capability for Tungsten

  • Flatness within 0.003 mm
  • Ra to 0.1 µm
  • Parallelism control
  • Hardened-steel capable

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 Surface Grinding Tungsten Works

An abrasive wheel removes a fine, controlled layer from the Tungsten part. Wheel specification, dressing interval, infeed and coolant are matched to the alloy's hardness so the surface is not burned or left with residual stress.

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 Surface Grinding Tungsten

CNC Surface Grinding Tungsten — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Size (OD, ID, thickness)±0.005 mm±0.002 mm
Flatness over 100 mm0.010 mm0.003 mm
Parallelism0.010 mm0.003 mm
Roundness0.005 mm0.002 mm
Squareness0.010 mm0.005 mm
Surface finishRa 0.4 µmRa 0.1 µm
Workpiece hardnessup to 62 HRCup to 65 HRC

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 Surface Grinding Quality & Inspection

Quality is built in, not inspected on. We monitor key features during the run and confirm them at final inspection, with CMM verification available for tight tolerances. We provide the inspection and traceability records your quality system requires.

Working with Tungsten

Tungsten is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance. We translate those properties into a process plan: the right tooling, speeds, feeds and fixturing for the alloy.

Where the grade, temper or heat-treat condition matters to performance, we confirm it with you and can supply material certificates. Material is procured to recognised standards for consistent, repeatable results.

CNC Surface Grinding Tolerances & Surface Finish

Ground Tungsten reaches single-micron tolerances on size, flatness and parallelism, with surface finishes down to Ra 0.1–0.4 µm — and a near-mirror finish on suitable alloys.

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 Surface Grinding Tungsten

Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Allowing adequate grind stock, specifying realistic flatness over the true datum, and relieving corners help us hit tight tolerances on Tungsten efficiently. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.

Secondary Operations & Finishing

Most Tungsten parts need some finishing, which we manage in-house or through vetted partners. Options include deburring and edge-breaking, heat treatment, surface grinding, polishing, and plating or anodising for corrosion resistance and appearance. Give us the finished-part requirement and we will sequence every operation correctly.

Applications of CNC Surface Grinding Tungsten

Tungsten parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.

How to Order CNC Surface Grinding Tungsten

Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the Tungsten grade and condition, the quantity and any finish or inspection requirements. We respond quickly with price, lead time and any DFM notes, in clear English.

Parts We Have Run in Tungsten

Three representative CNC Surface Grinding 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.

Ceramic-coated shaft journal

Material
Tungsten
Size
Ø45 × 180 mm
Key callouts
OD ±0.003 mm, roundness 0.002 mm, Ra 0.2 µm
Batch
150 pcs

Ground after coating; the coating is never the final dimension.

Mould insert

Material
Tungsten
Size
80 × 60 × 25 mm
Key callouts
Flatness 0.003 mm, squareness 0.005 mm
Batch
90 pcs

Surface ground on all six faces so the insert seats without shimming.

Gauge block set

Material
Tungsten
Size
50 × 30 × 10 mm
Key callouts
Thickness ±0.002 mm, flatness 0.002 mm, parallelism 0.002 mm
Batch
200 pcs

Ground wet in one chucking, then left to normalise before final inspection at 20 °C.

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 Surface Grinding 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 Surface Grinding

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 grinding 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 Surface Grinding Tungsten?

Achievable tolerances for Tungsten grinding depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Grinding routinely holds single-micron tolerances on diameter, flatness and parallelism. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.

Why is Tungsten a good choice for CNC Surface Grinding?

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

What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Surface Grinding Tungsten?

CNC Surface Grinding 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.