Why is tungsten difficult to machine?

Tungsten is extremely hard, dense, and abrasive. It requires specialized carbide or diamond tooling, negative rake angles, low cutting speeds, and rigid setups. Heat generation is significant and must be managed to prevent tool failure.

What tungsten grades are most commonly machined?

Heavy-metal tungsten alloys (90-97% W) are the most commonly machined grades. They are easier to machine than pure tungsten while retaining high density and strength. Pure tungsten is more difficult and is used for specialized applications like electrodes and filaments.

What is the difference between pure tungsten and heavy metal tungsten?

Pure tungsten is 99.95% W with high melting point but poor machinability. Heavy metal tungsten is alloyed with nickel, iron, or copper for improved machinability while maintaining high density (90-97% W). Heavy metal tungsten is used for counterweights, shielding, and precision parts.

What are the common applications of CNC tungsten machining?

Radiation shielding (medical CT, X-ray, nuclear medicine), aerospace counterweights, gyroscope components, electrical welding and EDM electrodes, and industrial tooling.

What cutting tool material is recommended for tungsten?

CBN, PCD, or carbide tooling with CBN or PCD inserts. Sharp, positive rake geometry for turning and small corner radii for milling.

What safety considerations are required for tungsten machining?

Tungsten is a heavy metal and requires proper dust control and PPE to prevent exposure. Proper coolant management is required for heat dissipation and chip control.

CNC Tungsten

CNC tungsten machining is the precision processing of tungsten alloys using computer-controlled cutting tools. Tungsten is one of the densest metals, with a density of 19.25 g/cm³—comparable to gold and 1.7 times denser than lead. It offers exceptional high-temperature strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity along with excellent radiation shielding properties.

Tungsten is challenging to machine due to its extreme hardness, high density, and abrasiveness. Specialized tooling is required: carbide or diamond inserts, negative rake angles, low speeds, and rigid setups. Heavy-metal tungsten alloys (90-97% W) are more machinable than pure tungsten and are the primary grades used in CNC machining. Tolerances are held to ±0.02-0.05mm standard.

Our CNC Machining Services

From prototype to production — reliable quality, on-time delivery

We provide precision CNC machining services for a wide range of materials including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, PEEK, PTFE, acetal, nylon, and other engineering plastics. Our manufacturing capabilities cover 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling, as well as CNC turning, suitable for both prototype development and high-volume production runs.

With ISO 9001:2015 certification and a commitment to quality, we serve customers across aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, industrial equipment, and consumer goods industries. Our in-house capabilities include surface finishing, anodizing, powder coating, heat treatment, and inspection with CMM and optical measurement equipment.

We offer competitive pricing, flexible lead times, and full material traceability. From simple brackets to complex precision components, we deliver parts that meet your specifications with reliable quality and on-time delivery.

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Materials

Aluminum 5083-H111

Aluminum 5083-H111 | 3.3547 | 54300| AlMg4.5Mn0.7

Aluminum 5083 (CNC) is a strain hardening aluminum alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. Suitable for marine applications. Can be welded.

Understand Aluminum 5083-H111

Aluminum 6063

Aluminum 6063 | EN AW-6063 | 62400| AlMg0,7Si

Aluminum 6063 has good mechanical properties and can be heat treated. Suitable for aerospace applications. Can be welded.

Understand Aluminum 6063

Aluminum 5052

Aluminum 5052 | EN AW-5052 | 3.3523 | AlMg2,5

Aluminum 5052 is a strain hardening aluminum alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. Suitable for marine applications. Can be welded.

Understand Aluminum 5052

Aluminum 2024-T351

Aluminum 2024-T351 | 3.1355 | 24530 | AlCu4Mg1

Aluminum 2024 is a high-strength alloy with excellent fatigue resistance. Suitable for aerospace applications.

Understand Aluminum 2024-T351

Aluminum 7050

Aluminum 7050 | EN AW-7050 | 3.4144| AlZn6CuMgZr

Aluminum 7050 has excellent mechanical properties with good ductility, high strength, toughness and good resistance to fatigue. Suitable for aerospace applications.

Understand Aluminum 7050

Aluminum MIC-6

Aluminum MIC6

Aluminum MIC6 is a light weight material that can be easily machined at high speed and is free from tension, contaminants and porosity.

Understand Aluminum MIC-6

Aluminum 6082-T651

Aluminum 6082-T651 | 3.2315 | 64430 | AlSi1MgMn

Aluminum 6082-T651 (CNC) has very similar composition and properties to 6061, with slightly higher tensile strength. Compliant with British Standards.

Understand Aluminum 6082-T651

Aluminum 2017A

Aluminum 2017A | 3.1325 | 24530 | AlCu4MgSi

Aluminum 2017 has a higher ductility and formability than Aluminum 2014 and has intermediate strength.

Understand Aluminum 2017A

Aluminum 7075-T651

Aluminum 7075-T651 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu

Aluminum 7075-T651(CNC) is an aerospace-grade material with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and strength and hardness comparable to steels. T651 is the temper of Aluminum 7075, and to achieve this temper, the alloy is solution heat-treated, stress relieved, and then artificially aged.

Understand Aluminum 7075-T651

Aluminum 2014

Aluminum 2014 | 3.1255 | 24345 | AlCu4SiMg

Aluminum 2014 is easily machined and can be hardened to get strengths comparable to steel, but is prone to corrosion. Suitable for aerospace applications.

Understand Aluminum 2014

Aluminum 6061-T651

Aluminum 6061-T651 | 3.3211 | 65028 | AlMg1SiCu

Aluminum 6061-T651 is commonly used in aerospace, automotive and construction industry, as it is valued for its high strength, excellent machinability, and good weldability. The "T651" designation indicates that the material has been heat-treated to a specific level of hardness.

Understand Aluminum 6061-T651

Aluminum 7075-T7351

Aluminum 7075-T7351 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu

Aluminum 7075-T7351 is commonly used in aerospace and defense applications, as well as automotive and transportation, as it is valued for its high strength, excellent machinability and good fatigue resistance. The "T7351" designation indicates that the material has been heat-treated to a specific level of hardness.

Understand Aluminum 7075-T7351

Aluminum 6061-T6

Aluminum 6061-T6 | 3.3211| 65028| AlMg1SiCu

Aluminum 6061 (CNC) is the most popular aluminum alloy. It has good strength-to-weight ratio, excellent machinability and natural corrosion resistance.

Understand Aluminum 6061-T6

Aluminum 6082

Aluminum 6082 | 3.2315 | 64430| AlSi1MgMn

Aluminum 6082 (CNC) has very similar composition and properties to 6061, with slightly higher tensile strength. Compliant with British Standards.

Understand Aluminum 6082

Aluminum 6060

Aluminum 6060 | 3.3206 | AlMgSi

Alloy 6060 offers good strength, relatively good corrosion resistance and is suitable for decorative anodizing.

Understand Aluminum 6060

Aluminum 7075-T6

Aluminum 7075-T6 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5,5MgCu

Aluminum 7075-T6 (CNC) is an aerospace-grade material with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and strength and hardness comparable to steels.

Understand Aluminum 7075-T6

Applications

Radiation Shielding

X-ray and CT scanner shields
Nuclear medicine containers
Gamma ray collimators and shielding
Radiation therapy components
Nuclear reactor shielding

Aerospace & Defense

Counterweights and balance weights
Gyroscope components
Vibration damping parts
Inertia and mass components
Projectile penetrators

Medical Devices

X-ray tube components
Collimator blades
Radiation therapy shielding
CT scanner components

Electrical

Welding electrodes (tungsten inert gas)
EDM electrodes (copper-tungsten)
Electrical contacts and switches
High-voltage components

Industrial

Grinding wheel dressing tools
Wear-resistant components
High-temperature fixtures and tooling
Extrusion and drawing dies

Capabilities

We machine tungsten alloys, primarily heavy-metal tungsten grades (90-97% W) used in aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. Equipment includes rigid CNC milling and turning centers with carbide or CBN tooling. Low cutting speeds, positive feeds, and rigid setups are required. Tolerances held to ±0.02-0.05mm standard. ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified.

Finishes

As-Machined

Standard finish for tungsten parts
Ra 1.6 – 3.2μm typical
Functional surfaces

Grinding

Precision finish for tight tolerances
Used for bearing and sealing surfaces
Ra 0.2 – 0.8μm

Polishing

High-gloss reflective finish
Used for electrical and precision contacts
Ra 0.4μm achievable

Bead Blasting

Uniform matte texture
Used for surface preparation
Industrial appearance

Heat Treatment

Stress relief after machining
Improves dimensional stability
Required for close-tolerance parts

Technical Specs

Tungsten Grade	W Content	Density (g/cm³)	Hardness (HRC)	Key Properties	Common Uses
Pure Tungsten	99.95%	19.25	35-45	High temp, conductivity	Electrodes, filaments, EDM
W-Ni-Fe (95%)	95%	18.0	25-30	High density, machinable	Counterweights, shielding
W-Ni-Cu (95%)	95%	18.0	25-30	Non-magnetic	Medical, aerospace
Copper-Tungsten	75-90%	15-17	20-25	High conductivity, heat resistance	EDM electrodes, contacts

Parameter	Pure Tungsten	Heavy Metal Tungsten
Tensile Strength (MPa)	800-1,000	700-1,100
Yield Strength (MPa)	500-700	400-900
Elongation at Break (%)	5-15	2-10
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	170	160-180
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)	400	300-350
Melting Point (°C)	3,422	2,800-3,000
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Excellent

Parameter	Capability
Max Part Size (Milling)	2,000mm x 800mm x 600mm
Max Part Size (Turning)	600mm diameter x 1,500mm length
Standard Tolerance	±0.02 – 0.05mm
Precision Tolerance	±0.01mm
Surface Finish (As-Machined)	Ra 1.6 – 3.2μm
Surface Finish (Ground)	Ra 0.2 – 0.8μm

FAQs

Why is tungsten difficult to machine?

Tungsten is extremely hard, dense, and abrasive. It requires specialized carbide or diamond tooling, negative rake angles, low cutting speeds, and rigid setups. Heat generation is significant and must be managed to prevent tool failure.
What tungsten grades are most commonly machined?

Heavy-metal tungsten alloys (90-97% W) are the most commonly machined grades. They are easier to machine than pure tungsten while retaining high density and strength. Pure tungsten is more difficult and is used for specialized applications like electrodes and filaments.
What is the difference between pure tungsten and heavy metal tungsten?

Pure tungsten is 99.95% W with high melting point but poor machinability. Heavy metal tungsten is alloyed with nickel, iron, or copper for improved machinability while maintaining high density (90-97% W). Heavy metal tungsten is used for counterweights, shielding, and precision parts.
What are the common applications of CNC tungsten machining?

Radiation shielding (medical CT, X-ray, nuclear medicine), aerospace counterweights, gyroscope components, electrical welding and EDM electrodes, and industrial tooling.
What cutting tool material is recommended for tungsten?

CBN, PCD, or carbide tooling with CBN or PCD inserts. Sharp, positive rake geometry for turning and small corner radii for milling.
What safety considerations are required for tungsten machining?

Tungsten is a heavy metal and requires proper dust control and PPE to prevent exposure. Proper coolant management is required for heat dissipation and chip control.