VT machining provides CNC Swiss Machining Tungsten Carbide for customers who need accurate, repeatable Tungsten Carbide components. The machinability of Tungsten Carbide is machined almost exclusively by grinding and EDM, so we set the operation up specifically for this grade.
CNC Swiss Machining Capability for Tungsten Carbide
- Extreme hardness (HRA 89–94)
- Ground/EDM only
- Wear-resistant
- Tooling & dies
Tungsten Carbide Material Data
| Density | 14.5 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 2000–3500 (TRS) MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | — |
| Hardness | 88–93 HRA / 1300–1800 HV |
| Melting point | 2870 (WC) °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 70–100 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 5.0 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 10% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | grind / EDM only |
| Grades we run | YG6, YG8, YG15 (K10–K30), D2, H13, M2, SKD11 |
Published typical values for WC-Co (YG8 / K20). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Everything is done by grinding, wire EDM or sinker EDM. Design in a small corner radius wherever possible — a true sharp internal corner doubles the EDM time.
Machining Tungsten Carbide with CNC Swiss Machining
Tungsten Carbide behaves predictably under CNC Swiss Machining once parameters are dialled in: machinability is machined almost exclusively by grinding and EDM, and we tune the operation accordingly.
We hold reference parameters for this grade, so repeat orders of Tungsten Carbide run consistently from one batch to the next.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Swiss Machining Tungsten Carbide
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Outside diameter | ±0.05 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| Bore diameter | H9 | H6 |
| Length / shoulder position | ±0.10 mm | ±0.020 mm |
| Concentricity OD to ID | 0.05 mm TIR | 0.010 mm TIR |
| Roundness | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Thread class | 6g / 2A | 4h / 3A |
| Surface finish, as turned | 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.
Design Tips for CNC Swiss Machining Tungsten Carbide
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Consistent diameters, standard thread forms and avoiding extremely long, slender features help Tungsten Carbide turned parts stay concentric and economical. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Why Tungsten Carbide?
Tungsten Carbide is chosen when a part needs what this grade offers — it is extreme hardness for tooling and wear parts. We confirm the grade and any temper or heat-treat condition with you before machining.
CNC Swiss Machining Tolerances & Surface Finish
Turned Tungsten Carbide 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.
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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Finished Tungsten Carbide parts can move straight into secondary operations under one roof. Typical add-ons are deburring, passivation, anodising, plating, blasting, polishing and laser marking. We coordinate the whole chain so you receive complete, inspection-ready parts.
CNC Swiss Machining Quality & Inspection
We control quality throughout the process, not just at the end. In-process checks plus final inspection — including CMM where specified — keep every Tungsten Carbide part to print. Inspection reports, material certificates and first-article documentation can be supplied on request.
Applications of CNC Swiss Machining Tungsten Carbide
Customers order CNC Swiss Machining Tungsten Carbide 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.
How to Order CNC Swiss Machining Tungsten Carbide
Getting a quote is simple. Share your model, the material grade, your quantity and target tolerances. You receive a clear quotation with lead time and honest manufacturability feedback.
Finishing Options for Tungsten Carbide
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
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 Swiss Machining Tungsten Carbide
- 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 Carbide 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.
Tungsten Carbide in Other Processes
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Send the drawing, the Tungsten Carbide condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Swiss Machining Tungsten Carbide?
CNC Swiss Machining prototypes for Tungsten Carbide can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Swiss Machining on Tungsten Carbide?
Machined Tungsten Carbide edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
Why is Tungsten Carbide a good choice for CNC Swiss Machining?
Tungsten Carbide is extreme hardness for tooling and wear parts, which makes it well suited to CNC Swiss Machining. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Tungsten Carbide turning part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Swiss Machining Tungsten Carbide?
Achievable tolerances for Tungsten Carbide turning depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Turning holds diameter tolerances to around ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
Does CNC Swiss Machining Tungsten Carbide require dedicated tooling?
Most Tungsten Carbide turning work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.