Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper

VT machining provides Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper for customers who need accurate, repeatable Tungsten Copper components. Because Tungsten Copper is combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.

Process Data for Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper

Max practical thickness (6 kW fibre)4 mm
Assist gasNitrogen
Kerf width0.1-0.3 mm
Profile tolerance±0.05 mm (≤3 mm sheet)

Shown for Tungsten Copper (W70Cu30-W80Cu20), the most common Tungsten Copper grade we see for Laser Cutting. Typical values for Tungsten Copper (W70Cu30-W80Cu20), Infiltrated (pressed, sintered, Cu-infiltrated); confirmed on the first part.

Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper at VT machining
Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper — produced in-house at VT machining

Laser Cutting Capability for Tungsten Copper

  • Fiber source 1–6 kW
  • Kerf width 0.1–0.3 mm
  • Contour tolerance ±0.05 mm
  • Assist gas (N₂/O₂) selected per alloy

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 Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper Works

A focused fibre-laser beam melts and blows material from the Tungsten Copper 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.

We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.

Achievable Tolerances for Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper

Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Contour dimension±0.10 mm±0.05 mm
Hole diameter±0.10 mm±0.05 mm
Kerf width0.20 mm0.10 mm
Squareness of cut edge0.5°0.2°
Heat-affected zone0.15 mm0.05 mm (N₂ assist)
Minimum hole diameter1.2 × thickness1.0 × thickness
Edge conditionlight drossburr-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.

Design Tips for Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper

Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Keeping holes no smaller than the material thickness, allowing for kerf, and grouping features sensibly improves edge quality and nesting yield on Tungsten Copper. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.

Working with Tungsten Copper

Tungsten Copper is combines tungsten strength with copper conductivity. We translate those properties into a process plan: the right tooling, speeds, feeds and fixturing for the alloy.

Where the grade, temper or heat-treat condition matters to performance, we confirm it with you and can supply material certificates. Material is procured to recognised standards for consistent, repeatable results.

Laser Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish

Laser-cut Tungsten Copper holds contour tolerances around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness, with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge.

The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.

Applications of Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper

Tungsten Copper parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.

Typical Tungsten Copper Parts for Laser Cutting

Illustrative examples of Laser Cutting 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.

Battery busbar

Material
Tungsten Copper
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.

EMI shield can

Material
Tungsten Copper
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.

Control panel face

Material
Tungsten Copper
Size
400 × 300 × 1.5 mm
Key callouts
Cutout position ±0.10 mm, no dross on visible face
Batch
600 pcs

Cut with nitrogen so the edge takes powder coat without secondary grinding.

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 marking—Part number, lot code, data matrix
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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 Laser Cutting 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 Laser Cutting

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

How clean are the edges produced by Laser Cutting on Tungsten Copper?

Laser cutting leaves Tungsten Copper with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge and only a small heat-affected zone.

What is Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper and how is it done?

Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper refers to fiber laser cutting melts and ejects metal along a programmed path, producing a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge. 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.

What is the typical lead time and minimum order for Laser Cutting Tungsten Copper?

Laser Cutting 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.

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

Yes. Tungsten Copper 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.