🔍 Why Is Tungsten Steel So Difficult to Machine?  

Tungsten steel (cemented carbide) has an extremely high hardness, with a Vickers hardness of up to 10K—second only to diamonds! This makes it wear-resistant and heat-resistant, but at the same time, it is very brittle and prone to tool chipping. During machining, if parameters are not set properly, not only will the tool wear quickly, but the workpiece may also be scrapped. From the editor’s perspective, this material is like a "tough guy" that needs to be handled gently～  

 ⚙️ What Tools Are Used for CNC Machining of Tungsten Steel?  

The answer is: diamond grinding wheels or tungsten steel end mills! That’s right—tungsten steel itself is "ground" using harder tools, rather than "cut".  

- Diamond Grinding Wheels: Suitable for grinding processes (such as surface grinding and internal cylindrical grinding). They offer high precision but low efficiency.  

- Tungsten Steel End Mills: Although they are made of tungsten steel, more advanced models must be selected for machining tungsten steel—such as ultra-fine grain diamond tungsten steel (grades like KF10 and NR11), which have better wear resistance.  

The editor suggests that for small-size precision machining (e.g., M2 internal threads), you can even use ultrasonic-assisted tools. This can increase efficiency by 3 times while reducing tool wear!  

 📊 How to Set Tungsten Steel CNC Machining Parameters?  

This is the key! Improper parameter settings can lead to tool chipping in an instant. The editor has compiled a table here for beginners to compare easily:  

| Parameter Type       | Recommended Range (for reference only) | Notes                                  |  

|----------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|  

| Spindle Speed        | 10,000–30,000 rpm                      | Do not set too high (severe heat generation); low speed may cause chipping |  

| Feed Rate            | 20–60 mm/min                           | Too fast accelerates tool wear; too slow reduces efficiency |  

| Cutting Depth        | 0.01–0.1 mm                            | Use small cutting depths with multiple passes; safety first! |  

| Cooling Method       | Sufficient oil cooling or air cooling  | Tungsten steel is sensitive to heat; inadequate cooling causes deformation |  

👉 Remember, these parameters are not absolute—they must be adjusted based on your tools and machine. Beginners can start with lower parameters and optimize gradually!  

 💡 Personal Insights: Mistakes the Editor Has Made  

- Stable Equipment: The CNC machine must have sufficient rigidity. Otherwise, strong vibrations during machining will cause the tungsten steel to chip immediately.  

- Regular Tool Inspection: Do not force worn tungsten steel tools to continue working. Replacing tools in time is more cost-effective than scrapping workpieces.  

- Try Climb Milling: Climb milling is more suitable for tungsten steel than conventional milling. It reduces cutting force and prevents chipping.  

 🤔 Is Tungsten Steel CNC Machining Costly?  

To be honest, yes—it is relatively expensive! The reasons are:  

1. Expensive Tools: Diamond grinding wheels or specialized end mills are not cheap;  

2. High Equipment Requirements: High-rigidity CNC machines are needed, and ultrasonic modules (such as Handing ultrasonic systems) may also be required;  

3. Long Machining Time: Conservative parameters mean slow machining speeds.  

However, the editor believes that for high-precision parts (e.g., medical devices, aerospace components), this cost is worthwhile!  

 🚀 Ultimate Advice for Beginners  

If you are new to this, remember these three points:  

1. Start with Soft Materials for Practice: Do not tackle tungsten steel right away—try aluminum or copper first;  

2. Find Reliable Tool Suppliers: For non-standard tools (e.g., custom tungsten steel end mills), it is best to choose manufacturers with strong technical support—they can help you recommend parameters;  

3. Debug Parameters Patiently: Record data from each machining process and optimize gradually.  

The editor often says that CNC machining is like cooking—if the "heat" (parameters) is right, any material can be handled! Hope this article helps you. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment for discussion～