CNC Waterjet Cutting Tungsten from VT machining delivers precision Tungsten parts produced to your exact drawing. Abrasive waterjet cutting erodes metal with a high-pressure abrasive stream, with no heat-affected zone, and we tune every parameter to the behaviour of Tungsten, which is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance.
CNC Waterjet Cutting Capability for Tungsten
- No heat-affected zone
- Thickness to 150+ mm
- Tolerance ±0.1 mm
- Any-metal capability
Tungsten Material Data
| Density | 19.25 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 750–1500 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 550 MPa |
| Hardness | 350–500 HV |
| Melting point | 3422 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 173 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 4.5 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 31% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | grind / EDM only |
| Grades we run | Pure 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.
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 Waterjet Cutting Tungsten Works
A focused fibre-laser beam melts and blows material from the Tungsten sheet along the programmed contour. Power, focal position, nozzle stand-off and assist-gas pressure are tuned to the alloy and thickness for a clean, square edge.
Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Waterjet Cutting Tungsten
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Contour dimension | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Hole diameter | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Kerf width | 0.20 mm | 0.10 mm |
| Squareness of cut edge | 0.5° | 0.2° |
| Heat-affected zone | 0.15 mm | 0.05 mm (N₂ assist) |
| Minimum hole diameter | 1.2 × thickness | 1.0 × thickness |
| Edge condition | light dross | burr-free, N₂ cut |
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 Waterjet Cutting 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 part to print. Inspection reports, material certificates and first-article documentation can be supplied on request.
Working with Tungsten
As a material, Tungsten is extreme hardness, density and heat resistance. Our setup reflects the alloy's machinability so the finished part is accurate and free of avoidable defects.
We verify the exact grade and condition before machining, and traceable mill certs are available on request. We can work to your nominated material source or specification when required.
CNC Waterjet Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Laser-cut Tungsten holds contour tolerances around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness, with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge.
Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Finished Tungsten 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.
Design Tips for CNC Waterjet Cutting Tungsten
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Keeping holes no smaller than the material thickness, allowing for kerf, and grouping features sensibly improves edge quality and nesting yield on Tungsten. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Waterjet Cutting Tungsten
Customers order CNC Waterjet Cutting Tungsten 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 Waterjet Cutting Tungsten
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.
Parts We Have Run in Tungsten
Three representative CNC Waterjet Cutting 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.
EMI shield can
- Material
- Tungsten
- Size
- 60 × 45 × 0.3 mm
- Key callouts
- Contour ±0.05 mm, tab width 0.5 mm
- Batch
- 5,000 pcs
Nested 96-up per sheet; nesting is where the cost comes out of a part this small.
Battery busbar
- Material
- Tungsten
- Size
- 180 × 30 × 2 mm
- Key callouts
- Contour ±0.08 mm, hole ±0.05 mm
- Batch
- 2,000 pcs
Copper is cut on the fibre laser with a reflective-material head; not every shop can run it.
Bracket blank
- Material
- Tungsten
- Size
- 250 × 120 × 4 mm
- Key callouts
- Contour ±0.10 mm, bend-relief notches
- Batch
- 800 pcs
Bend reliefs cut in at the same time so the press brake does not tear the corner.
Finishing Options for Tungsten
| 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 Waterjet Cutting 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 Waterjet Cutting
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
Can VT machining make custom Tungsten parts to my drawing?
Yes. Tungsten Tungsten cutting 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 surface finish is achievable on Tungsten with CNC Waterjet Cutting?
Laser cutting leaves a clean cut face on Tungsten with a small heat-affected zone; most parts need little secondary finishing.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Waterjet Cutting on Tungsten?
Laser cutting leaves Tungsten with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge and only a small heat-affected zone.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Waterjet Cutting Tungsten?
Achievable tolerances for Tungsten cutting depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Laser cutting holds contour tolerances to around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
Which industries use CNC Waterjet Cutting Tungsten parts?
CNC Waterjet Cutting Tungsten parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Tungsten components are required.