Machining Tungsten Composites
You don’t have to sacrifice quality for machinablity. Tungsten composites are extremely strong and durable (typical hardness ranges from 79-109 RB), yet very easy to work with. While they machine much like gray cast iron, tungsten composite’s low-thermal expansion and resistance to breakage and chipping allow you to achieve very close tolerances and hold on to fine finishes. Coolants are optional, reducing your processing costs and, in most cases, your carbide tools will work well with our tungsten composite materials.
Turning
Positive rake tooling is suggested. Seco triangle inserts TPG432 or TPG431 grade 883.
Boring
No rake or positive rake tooling is suggested. Seco CPMT grade 883.
Roughing
Cutting depth of .030” to .125” and .008” to .015” feed, at 200 to 300 SFM.
Finishing
.010” to .015”cutting depth and .004” to .010” feed at 250 to 400 SFM.
Tapping
Use high-speed steel, two flute plug spiral point taps. A light tapping fluid is recommended or vegetable oil mist. OSG Sossner premium Exotap is suggested.
Drilling
Carbide tooling is suggested. Increased clearance angles and automatic feeds are often used to avoid binding and seizing. Carbide drills will give a better tool life.
Grinding
Use aluminum oxide or silicon carbide wheels of medium hardness.
Milling
Premium uncoated end mills with a regular spiral made from micrograin carbide, such as SGS. Insert cutters-use square multi-edge or single edge cutters, such as Kennametal grade KC730. Also can use positive rake octagon cutters, such as Seco grade 883.
Roughing
Feeds of .007” to .015” per tooth at speeds of 200 to 400 SFM.
Finishing
Feeds of .003” to .010” per tooth at speeds of 300 to 700 SFM.
Sawing or Cutting
When sawing, use a bi-metal blade; blade pitch should be relative to the thickness of the material. Coarse blades can be run at low speeds, and finer blades run at higher speeds. Coolant can be used. Material can also be cut using high-speed abrasive cutoff wheels.
