CNC Turning Tungsten Copper

CNC Turning Tungsten Copper from VT machining delivers precision Tungsten Copper parts produced to your exact drawing. CNC turning rotates the workpiece against a single-point tool to produce cylindrical features, threads and grooves, and we tune every parameter to the behaviour of Tungsten Copper, which is combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity.

CNC Turning Tungsten Copper at VT machining
CNC Turning Tungsten Copper — produced in-house at VT machining

CNC Turning Capability for Tungsten Copper

  • Diameter tolerance to ±0.005 mm
  • Concentricity within 0.01 mm
  • OD/ID, threading, grooving
  • Bar and chuck work

Tungsten Copper Material Data

Tungsten Copper — typical properties, quoted for W75Cu25
Density14.8–17.0 g/cm³
Tensile strength790 MPa
Yield strength (0.2%)520 MPa
Hardness220 HB
Melting point1083 (Cu phase) °C
Thermal conductivity180–200 W/m·K
Thermal expansion8.3 ×10⁻⁶/K
Electrical conductivity42–48%
Machinability (C36000 = 100%)35%
Grades we runW70Cu30, W75Cu25, W80Cu20, W85Cu15

Published typical values for W75Cu25. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.

Machining Tungsten Copper — what actually causes trouble

Two phases with very different behaviour in one part. EDM gives a far more consistent result than milling on fine features, and it is the usual route for heat-spreader profiles.

How CNC Turning Tungsten Copper Works

The Tungsten Copper bar or billet rotates in the spindle while single-point tools shape outer diameters, bores, faces, grooves and threads. Constant surface speed control keeps cutting conditions stable from large to small diameters.

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 Turning Tungsten Copper

CNC Turning Tungsten Copper — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Outside diameter±0.05 mm±0.005 mm
Bore diameterH9H6
Length / shoulder position±0.10 mm±0.020 mm
Concentricity OD to ID0.05 mm TIR0.010 mm TIR
Roundness0.02 mm0.005 mm
Thread class6g / 2A4h / 3A
Surface finish, as turnedRa 1.6 µmRa 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 Turning Quality & Inspection

Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on Tungsten Copper parts are checked in-process and verified at final inspection using calibrated instruments and, where required, CMM measurement. Full documentation — dimensional reports, mill certs, FAIR — is available when your programme needs it.

Design Tips for CNC Turning Tungsten Copper

A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. Consistent diameters, standard thread forms and avoiding extremely long, slender features help Tungsten Copper turned parts stay concentric and economical. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.

Working with Tungsten Copper

Tungsten Copper offers a useful combination of properties: it is combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity. Those characteristics shape how we approach turning — from tool and parameter selection to work-holding and coolant.

If your application is sensitive to alloy condition, we agree the specification in writing and document it. Stock is sourced from reputable suppliers so what you order is what you receive.

CNC Turning Tolerances & Surface Finish

Turned Tungsten Copper 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

We complete Tungsten Copper components with the secondary steps your drawing calls for. We arrange heat treatment, surface treatment, marking and assembly as needed. Tell us the final spec and we will plan the full route so parts arrive ready to use.

Applications of CNC Turning Tungsten Copper

CNC Turning of Tungsten Copper 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.

How to Order CNC Turning Tungsten Copper

Ordering Tungsten Copper parts is straightforward. Provide the drawing, material, quantity and any certification needs. Our engineers reply — in English — with feasibility, pricing and a realistic lead time, usually within one business day.

Parts We Have Run in Tungsten Copper

Three representative CNC Turning Tungsten Copper 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.

Nozzle body

Material
Tungsten Copper
Size
Ø12 × 46 mm
Key callouts
Ø0.6 mm orifice ±0.01 mm, internal taper 20°
Batch
600 pcs

Orifice EDM-drilled after turning; a drill wanders at that diameter.

Bearing spacer

Material
Tungsten Copper
Size
Ø35 / Ø22 × 9 mm
Key callouts
Thickness ±0.005 mm, parallelism 0.005 mm
Batch
4,000 pcs

Turned then double-disc ground — thickness this tight is not a lathe job.

Valve seat

Material
Tungsten Copper
Size
Ø28 × 14 mm
Key callouts
Seat angle 45° ±0.1°, roundness 0.005 mm, Ra 0.2 µm
Batch
800 pcs

Seat finished with a single-point diamond pass, no interruption.

Finishing Options for Tungsten Copper

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 Turning Tungsten Copper

  • 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 Copper 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 Turning

Other Processes for Tungsten Copper

Send the drawing, the Tungsten Copper 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

Does CNC Turning Tungsten Copper require dedicated tooling?

Most Tungsten Copper turning work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.

What tolerances can you hold for CNC Turning Tungsten Copper?

Achievable tolerances for Tungsten Copper 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.

Which industries use CNC Turning Tungsten Copper parts?

CNC Turning Tungsten Copper parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Tungsten Copper components are required.

What surface finish is achievable on Tungsten Copper with CNC Turning?

Surface finish on Tungsten Copper is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.

Can VT machining make custom Tungsten Copper parts to my drawing?

Yes. Tungsten Copper Tungsten Copper turning 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 is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Turning Tungsten Copper?

CNC Turning prototypes for Tungsten Copper can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.