Tungsten Steel Machining
Tungsten carbide and tungsten alloys for extreme hardness and high-temperature applications.
Material Properties
14.8-15.0
g/cm³
2600+
°C
1500-2000
MPa
1600-2000
HV
Excellent
170
W/m·K
Machining Recommendations
Recommended Methods
CNC milling, turning, grinding (primary method)
Tool Materials
Diamond tools or ceramic tools required
Cutting Speeds
10-50 m/min (very slow due to hardness)
Feeds
0.05-0.1 mm/rev (minimal)
Coolant
Specialized coolants for tungsten steel
Machinability
Very difficult - requires specialized equipment
Surface Finish
Ra 0.4-1.6 μm achievable with grinding
Application Case Studies
Military Armor and Penetrators
Industry: Military
Challenge
Tungsten steel components for armor-piercing ammunition requiring extreme hardness
Solution
Utilized advanced grinding techniques with specialized diamond tools
Result
Achieved hardness specification and delivered 1000+ components annually
High-Speed Tool Bits
Industry: Manufacturing
Challenge
Tungsten steel cutting tools for machining other hard materials
Solution
Optimized tool geometry for maximum cutting efficiency
Result
Extended tool life by 50% compared to standard tool bits
Radiation Shielding
Industry: Medical/Nuclear
Challenge
Tungsten steel components for medical and nuclear applications
Solution
Implemented precision grinding for dimensional accuracy
Result
Achieved radiation shielding specifications and supplied 500+ components annually
Aerospace Engine Components
Industry: Aerospace
Challenge
Tungsten steel parts for high-temperature engine applications
Solution
Developed specialized machining process for extreme hardness
Result
Successfully delivered components with AS9100D certification
Precision Weights and Counterweights
Industry: Industrial
Challenge
Tungsten steel components for precision balancing applications
Solution
Utilized high density for compact design
Result
Reduced weight by 40% compared to alternative materials
Technical Specifications
Available Forms
- Rods
- Tubes
- Blocks
5mm to 100mm diameter/width
Tolerances±0.05mm to ±0.1mm (limited by material hardness)
Lead Times4-8 weeks for custom orders
Quality StandardsFrequently Asked Questions
Why is tungsten steel so difficult to machine?
Tungsten steel's extreme hardness (1600-2000 HV) requires specialized diamond or ceramic tools and very slow cutting speeds, making it one of the most challenging materials to machine.
What's your minimum order quantity for tungsten steel?
Due to the specialized equipment required, minimum orders are typically larger. Please contact us for specific requirements and pricing.
Can you machine tungsten steel to tight tolerances?
Yes, we can achieve ±0.05mm tolerances using specialized grinding equipment, though tolerances are more limited than with softer materials.
What's the lead time for tungsten steel parts?
Typically 4-8 weeks due to the specialized machining required and material availability.
Do you have experience with military specifications?
Yes, we are ISO 9001 and AS9100D certified and have extensive experience with military-grade tungsten steel components.
Can tungsten steel parts be coated?
Yes, we can apply specialized coatings to tungsten steel parts to enhance performance or appearance.
What's the cost compared to other materials?
Tungsten steel is significantly more expensive than most materials due to its extreme hardness and specialized machining requirements. Contact us for pricing.
Can you machine tungsten carbide?
Yes, we have specialized equipment for machining tungsten carbide and other tungsten alloys.
Related Services
CNC Milling
Learn more about our cnc milling capabilities
CNC Turning
Learn more about our cnc turning capabilities
CNC Drilling
Learn more about our cnc drilling capabilities
Advanced Machining
Learn more about our advanced machining capabilities
Ready to Get Started?
Contact our engineering team to discuss your metals machining requirements.