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CNC Tungsten Machining
At Istar Machining, we’re proud to bring you the most comprehensive guide to CNC tungsten machining. If you need parts that can withstand extreme heat, resist wear, or provide radiation shielding, our tungsten machining services deliver precision results for your toughest jobs.
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20+ Years
Istar Machining's years in the industry
300,000 square feet
The size of Istar Machining's factory
300 CNC machines
Our CNC equipment count
1000 skilled workers
Istar's number of skilled machinists/operators
What is Tungsten?
Tungsten is a super hard metal with amazing properties:
- Melts at an incredible 3,422°C – the highest of any metal
- Very dense (70-95 HRA hardness)
- Excellent at blocking radiation
- Keeps its strength even when super hot
These special traits make tungsten perfect for tools and parts that need to work in tough conditions. But these same qualities make tungsten very challenging to machine – that’s where our experts come in!
Our Tungsten Machining Capabilities
At Istar Machining, we’ve mastered the art of CNC machining service for tungsten and its alloys. Our specialized equipment and experienced team can handle:
What We Can Do | How Precise We Are | Materials We Work With |
5-axis CNC machining | ±0.0005″ standard tolerance | Pure tungsten (W) |
Wire EDM for complex shapes | ±0.0001″ ultra-precision available | Tungsten carbide (WC-Co) |
Jig grinding for perfect finishes | Surface finish as smooth as 8 µin | Tungsten-nickel-iron (W-Ni-Fe) |
Waterjet cutting for thick tungsten | Hardness control from 70-95 HRA | Tungsten heavy alloys (WHA) |
Our 5 axis machining technology lets us create complex tungsten parts in a single setup, reducing errors and improving quality.
How We Master Tungsten’s Challenges
Tungsten is one of the toughest materials to work with. Here’s how we overcome the main challenges:
- Tool Wear Problem: Tungsten wears down cutting tools very quickly
- Our Solution: We use special carbide and CBN tools with cobalt binders that last longer
- Heat Issues: Tungsten can crack from heat during machining
- Our Solution: High-pressure cooling systems prevent thermal stress and cracking
- Vibration Problems: Chattering ruins surface finish
- Our Solution: Super-rigid fixtures and dampened CNC mills control vibration
- Surface Finish Challenges: Getting smooth surfaces is difficult
- Our Solution: Precision grinding and EDM for mirror-like finishes under 8 µin
Industries That Need Our Tungsten Parts
Aerospace
Rocket nozzles and heat shields made from tungsten can survive temperatures over 3,000°C. Our aerospace CNC machining delivers parts that perform perfectly in these extreme environments.
Medical
We make radiation shields and surgical tools from tungsten that protect patients and medical staff. Our biocompatible tungsten parts meet all necessary medical standards.
Defense
Mission-critical defense components need tungsten’s density and strength. We create armor-piercing cores and optical housings that meet strict military specs.
Energy
Fusion reactors and geothermal systems use our tungsten turbine blades. These parts maximize energy output thanks to tungsten’s amazing thermal stability.
Industrial
Wire drawing dies and wear plates made from tungsten carbide last 10 times longer than steel versions. Our parts help your production run longer with fewer replacements.
Quality That Exceeds Expectations
We don’t just make tungsten parts – we make perfect tungsten parts. Our quality systems include:
- ISO 9001 certification for consistent quality
- AS9100D certification for aerospace standards
- ITAR registration for defense projects
- Full inspection with CMM, XRF, and ultrasonic testing
- Lot traceability and material certificates included with every order
Our Unique Tungsten Machining Process
1. Material Selection
We help you choose the right tungsten alloy based on your needs:
- Need maximum hardness? We’ll suggest pure tungsten or tungsten carbide
- Need some machinability? Tungsten-nickel-iron might work better
- Need thermal properties with less weight? We can recommend the perfect mix
2. Design Optimization
Our engineers review your designs and suggest improvements for:
- Better thermal stability
- Easier machining without sacrificing strength
- Reduced material costs without losing performance
3. Precision Machining
Using our advanced CNC milling and turning centers, we carefully machine your parts with:
- Proper carbide tooling selection
- Optimal cutting speeds to prevent damage
- Multi-stage processes for complex geometries
4. Surface Finishing
We perfect your tungsten parts with:
- Precision grinding for exact dimensions
- HIP densification for maximum strength
- Mirror polishing when needed
5. Quality Verification
Every part undergoes thorough testing:
- Dimensional inspection to confirm tolerances
- Hardness testing to verify material properties
- Visual inspection for perfect surface finish
Common Tungsten Part Applications
Industry | Common Parts | Why Tungsten Works Best |
Aerospace | Rocket nozzles, heat shields | “Survives temperatures exceeding 3,000°C in rocket and hypersonic aircraft applications” |
Medical | Radiation shields, implants | “Biocompatible radiation shielding for MRI/X-ray equipment that protects patients and staff” |
Defense | Armor-piercing cores, optics | “Ultra-dense tungsten alloys meet ITAR and military specifications for battlefield reliability” |
Energy | Turbine blades, reactor liners | “Maximizes energy output with unmatched thermal stability and a 3,422°C melting point” |
Industrial | Wire dies, wear plates | “Wire drawing dies with 10x the lifespan of steel, allowing non-stop production” |
Mining | Drill bits, crusher parts | “Tungsten-tipped drills penetrate the toughest rock with minimal wear” |
Electronics | Semiconductor crucibles | “High-purity tungsten for zero contamination in semiconductor manufacturing” |
Automotive | Racing engine components | “High-density balance weights for Formula 1 engines optimize performance without vibration” |
Why Choose Istar Machining for Tungsten Parts?
- Specialized Expertise: Our machinists are experts in refractory metal work
- Fast Turnaround: Standard 15-day lead time, with 5-day rush options
- Design Help: We offer advice to make your parts easier to make and less expensive
- Size Range: We can machine parts up to 24″ x 48″ x 12″ in size
- Complete Service: From prototypes to production runs of 10,000+ pieces
Cost-Saving Tips for Tungsten Machining
Tungsten is expensive, but we help you save money:
- Consider alloys: Sometimes tungsten-nickel-iron alloys work just as well as pure tungsten but cost less
- Optimize design: Our team can suggest small changes that make machining easier
- Batch production: Ordering more parts at once lowers the per-part cost
- Alternative processes: Sometimes wire EDM is more cost-effective than milling for certain shapes
Get Started With Your Tungsten Project
Ready to create perfect tungsten parts? Here’s how to begin:
- Send us your design: Upload your CAD files for a quick quote
- Talk to our engineers: We’ll review your design and suggest improvements
- Approve your quote: Once you’re happy with the plan, we’ll start production
- Receive perfect parts: Your custom tungsten components delivered on time
We provide confidentiality for sensitive projects and are ready to sign NDAs if needed.
Contact Istar Machining Today
Don’t settle for companies that treat tungsten like any other metal. At Istar Machining, we understand the unique challenges of CNC tungsten machining and have the specialized equipment and expertise to deliver perfect parts every time.
Call us today to discuss your tungsten machining project or request a quote online. Our engineering team is ready to help you create the perfect tungsten parts for your most demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Question
We can machine both pure tungsten and tungsten alloys. Pure tungsten is more challenging but our specialists have the tools and knowledge to work with it.
We can achieve surface finishes as smooth as 8 µin on tungsten parts through precision grinding and specialized polishing techniques.
We use high-pressure coolant systems and carefully controlled cutting speeds to manage heat and prevent cracking during the machining process.
Our equipment can handle tungsten parts up to 24″ x 48″ x 12″ in size, though weight limitations may apply for very large solid tungsten parts.
Yes, we provide complete material certifications and lot traceability with all tungsten parts we manufacture
