CNC Wire EDM Tungsten Copper is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled EDM machining with material-aware setup for Tungsten Copper — an alloy that is combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Process Data for CNC Wire EDM Tungsten Copper
| Area cutting rate (0.25 mm brass wire) | ~70 mm²/min |
|---|---|
| Linear speed at 10 mm thick | ~7 mm/min |
| Linear speed at 30 mm thick | ~2.3 mm/min |
| Linear speed at 60 mm thick | ~1.2 mm/min |
| Achievable accuracy | ±0.005 mm with 3-4 skim passes; Ra 0.4-0.8 µm |
Shown for Tungsten Copper (W70Cu30-W80Cu20), the most common Tungsten Copper grade we see for CNC Wire EDM. Typical values for Tungsten Copper (W70Cu30-W80Cu20), Infiltrated (pressed, sintered, Cu-infiltrated); confirmed on the first part.
CNC Wire EDM Capability for Tungsten Copper
- Kerf from 0.1 mm
- Tolerance to ±0.002 mm
- Hardened & exotic alloys
- Sharp internal corners
Tungsten Copper Material Data
| Density | 14.8–17.0 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 790 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 520 MPa |
| Hardness | 220 HB |
| Melting point | 1083 (Cu phase) °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 180–200 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 8.3 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 42–48% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 35% |
| Grades we run | W70Cu30, 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.
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 Wire EDM Tungsten Copper Works
Material is removed from the Tungsten Copper workpiece by controlled electrical discharges across a dielectric gap, with no mechanical contact. Flushing, on/off pulse timing and electrode/wire feed are set to balance speed against surface finish.
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 Wire EDM Tungsten Copper
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Profile dimension | ±0.010 mm | ±0.002 mm |
| Internal corner radius | 0.15 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Taper control over 50 mm | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Surface finish (skim passes) | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.2 µm |
| Recast layer | 10 µm | 2 µm (fine skim) |
| Start-hole diameter | 1.0 mm | 0.25 mm |
| Workpiece hardness | no limit (conductive) | no limit (conductive) |
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 Wire EDM Tungsten Copper
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. EDM suits sharp internal corners, thin ribs and hardened Tungsten Copper that cannot be milled; allowing a small corner radius where possible speeds the cut. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Wire EDM Tolerances & Surface Finish
EDM holds tolerances to roughly ±0.002–0.005 mm with no cutting force on the Tungsten Copper part, producing fine, controlled surface textures and sharp internal corners impossible to mill.
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.
Working with Tungsten Copper
As a material, Tungsten Copper is combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity. 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.
Applications of CNC Wire EDM Tungsten Copper
Customers order CNC Wire EDM Tungsten Copper 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.
Typical Tungsten Copper Parts for CNC Wire EDM
Illustrative examples of CNC Wire EDM Tungsten Copper 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.
Turbine blade fir-tree root
- Material
- Tungsten Copper
- Size
- 40 × 25 mm section
- Key callouts
- Profile ±0.008 mm
- Batch
- 120 pcs
Held on a dedicated fixture so every blade in the set indexes identically.
Extrusion die
- Material
- Tungsten Copper
- Size
- 120 × 120 × 25 mm
- Key callouts
- Profile ±0.005 mm, internal corner R0.1 mm
- Batch
- 35 pcs
Cut in four skim passes; the first pass is speed, the last three are finish and accuracy.
Spline broach section
- Material
- Tungsten Copper
- Size
- Ø28 × 40 mm
- Key callouts
- Involute profile ±0.005 mm, Ra 0.4 µm
- Batch
- 60 pcs
Wire EDM after hardening to 62 HRC — the profile would not survive being cut soft and heat-treated.
Finishing Options for Tungsten Copper
| 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 Wire EDM 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 Wire EDM
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 QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Why is Tungsten Copper a good choice for CNC Wire EDM?
Tungsten Copper is combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity, which makes it well suited to CNC Wire EDM. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Tungsten Copper EDM machining part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
What is CNC Wire EDM Tungsten Copper and how is it done?
CNC Wire EDM Tungsten Copper refers to wire EDM cuts conductive metal with a charged wire, achieving fine detail and tight tolerance with no cutting force. Applied to Tungsten Copper — combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
Does CNC Wire EDM Tungsten Copper require dedicated tooling?
Wire EDM needs no shaped tooling; sinker EDM uses a shaped electrode we produce in-house for your cavity.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Wire EDM on Tungsten Copper?
Machined Tungsten Copper edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
Can VT machining make custom Tungsten Copper parts to my drawing?
Yes. Tungsten Copper EDM machining 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.