Titanium vs. Tungsten: Which Metal Is Best for Your Next Project?

The Big Problem with Metal Selection

Are you stuck trying to pick between titanium and tungsten for your next part? Many of our customers feel lost when choosing metals. The wrong metal can cost you time, money, and create parts that fail.

At Istar Machining, we see this problem every day. Our CNC machining service customers often ask: “Which is better – titanium or tungsten?”

The truth is – there is no “best” metal. There is only the right metal for YOUR job.

Why This Metal Choice Matters So Much

Think about what happens when you pick the wrong metal:

• Parts that break too soon
• Money wasted on expensive materials
• Projects delayed when parts fail
• Unhappy customers when products don’t work right

If you make spacecraft parts, using a metal that’s too heavy means less payload. If you make medical implants, using a non-biocompatible metal can harm patients. If you make cutting tools, using a soft metal means they wear out fast.

The Solution: Understanding Each Metal’s Strengths

Our team at Istar Machining has worked with both metals for years. We can help you make the right choice the first time with our titanium CNC machining and CNC tungsten expertise.

Let’s look at what makes each metal special:

How Titanium and Tungsten Compare

Titanium: The Light and Strong Metal

What Makes Titanium Special

Titanium is light but strong. It weighs much less than steel but is just as strong. It also does not rust like other metals.

Our precision CNC machining team loves titanium because:

1. It is very light – good for things that fly or move
2. It does not rust – even in salt water
3. It is safe in the body – doctors use it for new hips and knees
4. It can bend without breaking – unlike tungsten

A real case: We made titanium parts for a medical device that saved 30% weight over steel. The device was easier to use and more comfortable for patients. The company sold more devices and made their customers happy.

Tungsten: The Super Hard Metal

What Makes Tungsten Special

Tungsten is very hard. It is almost as hard as diamond. It also stays hot for a long time without melting.

Our custom CNC machining experts point out that tungsten is best when:

1. You need something very hard that won’t scratch
2. You need a part to stay solid at high heat
3. You need something heavy to balance things
4. You need tools that last a long time

A real case: We made tungsten drill bits for a mining company. The bits lasted 10 times longer than their old steel bits. This saved them money on new bits and less time changing worn bits.

The Big Differences You Need to Know

Hardness: Tungsten Wins

Tungsten scores a 9 on the Mohs scale. That is almost as hard as diamond (10). Titanium scores only 6.

This means:

• Tungsten does not scratch easily
• Tungsten tools stay sharp longer
• Tungsten rings will not show scratches

But there’s a big problem with very hard things – they can be brittle. Drop a tungsten ring on a hard floor, and it might break. A titanium ring will just get a dent.

Weight: Titanium Wins for Light Applications

Titanium is much lighter than tungsten:

• Titanium: 4.5 g/cm³
• Tungsten: 19.3 g/cm³ (more than 4 times heavier!)

This makes titanium best for:

• Airplane parts that need to be light
• Medical implants that won’t feel heavy
• Sports equipment that feels quick and light

Boeing uses titanium for 50% of the 787 Dreamliner parts. This makes the plane 10% more fuel efficient. That saves lots of money on every flight!

Heat Resistance: Tungsten Wins

Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal:

• Tungsten: 3,422°C
• Titanium: 1,668°C

This makes tungsten best for:

• Rocket nozzles that get very hot
• Cutting tools that heat up from friction
• Furnace parts that must stay solid

Rust Resistance: Titanium Wins

Titanium forms a thin layer that stops rust. It works even in:

• Salt water
• Body fluids
• Acid rain
• Most chemicals

Tungsten will rust over time, especially in hot or wet places.

Body Safe: Titanium Wins

Titanium is used in 90% of medical implants because:

• The body does not fight it
• It does not cause allergies
• It bonds with bone
• It lasts a long time in the body

Tungsten can have nickel in it, which many people are allergic to.

Which Metal Should You Choose?

Choose Titanium When You Need:

1. Light weight parts that are still strong
2. No rust even in harsh places
3. Body-safe materials for medical use
4. Parts that can bend a little without breaking
5. Heat resistant parts for engines or high friction

Our CNC milling titanium service can help you make perfect titanium parts.

Choose Tungsten When You Need:

1. Very hard parts that won’t scratch
2. Extreme heat resistant parts
3. Heavy parts for balance or weights
4. Tools that need to stay sharp
5. Affordable parts that look shiny for a long time

Our CNC metal machining team can help you create precise tungsten parts.

How Istar Machining Can Help You Choose

At Istar Machining, we don’t just make parts. We help you solve problems.

When you work with us:

1. We listen to what you are trying to do
2. We help you pick the right metal
3. We use our CNC machines to make perfect parts
4. We check every part to make sure it’s right
5. We deliver on time, every time

A real example: A customer asked for tungsten gears for a food machine. We knew tungsten was too brittle and could break and get in food. We suggested titanium instead. The gears lasted longer, were lighter, and safer. The customer was very happy they took our advice!

Common Questions About Titanium and Tungsten

Ready to Make Your Next Project with the Right Metal?

The choice between titanium and tungsten doesn’t have to be hard. Istar Machining can help you make the right choice and create perfect parts with our CNC parts machining.

Call us today or request a quote online. Tell us about your project, and we’ll help you pick the right metal.

Remember:

• Titanium = light, tough, rust-proof, body-safe
• Tungsten = very hard, heat-resistant, heavy, scratch-proof

Let us help you make the right choice the first time!