CNC Thread Grinding Tungsten is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled grinding with material-aware setup for Tungsten — an alloy that is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Process Data for CNC Thread Grinding Tungsten
| Wheel (supply condition) | Diamond (resin bond) |
|---|---|
| Depth per pass (rough / finish) | 0.01-0.03 / 0.002-0.005 mm |
| Achievable finish | Ra 0.2-0.4 µm |
| Typical size tolerance | Thread class 4h / lead ±0.003 mm per 25 mm |
Shown for Tungsten, the most common Tungsten grade we see for CNC Thread Grinding. Typical values for Tungsten, Stress-relieved; confirmed on the first part.

CNC Thread Grinding Capability for Tungsten
- Pitch accuracy to grade 3
- Hardened-part threading
- Lead screws & gauges
- Fine surface finish
Tungsten material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Surface Grinding Tungsten page.
How CNC Thread 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.
Every job begins from your CAD model or 2D drawing. Fixturing and tool paths are planned so the most critical dimensions are produced in the most rigid, repeatable setup. Critical dimensions are checked on the first part and monitored through the run.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Thread Grinding Tungsten
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Size (OD, ID, thickness) | ±0.005 mm | ±0.002 mm |
| Flatness over 100 mm | 0.010 mm | 0.003 mm |
| Parallelism | 0.010 mm | 0.003 mm |
| Roundness | 0.005 mm | 0.002 mm |
| Squareness | 0.010 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Surface finish | Ra 0.4 µm | Ra 0.1 µm |
| Workpiece hardness | up to 62 HRC | up 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 Thread 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.
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.
Design Tips for CNC Thread Grinding Tungsten
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. 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.
Applications of CNC Thread Grinding Tungsten
CNC Thread Grinding of Tungsten supports parts across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, energy and general industrial sectors. We scale from one-off prototypes to ongoing production while holding the same quality.
Typical Tungsten Parts for CNC Thread Grinding
Illustrative examples of CNC Thread Grinding 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.
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.
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 Thread 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 Thread 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 QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is CNC Thread Grinding Tungsten and how is it done?
CNC Thread Grinding Tungsten refers to thread grinding produces precise, high-finish threads on hardened parts and lead screws. 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.
Which industries use CNC Thread Grinding Tungsten parts?
CNC Thread Grinding Tungsten parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Tungsten components are required.
What surface finish is achievable on Tungsten with CNC Thread Grinding?
Grinding can take Tungsten to a fine finish — typically Ra 0.1–0.4 µm, and to a mirror grade on suitable alloys.
Can VT machining make custom Tungsten parts to my drawing?
Yes. 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.
Why is Tungsten a good choice for CNC Thread Grinding?
Tungsten is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance, which makes it well suited to CNC Thread 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 Thread Grinding Tungsten?
CNC Thread 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.
