Tungsten copper rod is an excellent electrode material for use in precise EDM machining, resistance welding, and plasma spray applications. In general, tungsten copper rod’s exceptional properties are well suited for uses that require resistance to high temperature and electrical erosion, high thermal conductivity, and low thermal expansion.
CHEMETAL USA is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of high-quality tungsten copper rods. We are capable of producing tungsten copper rods in a range of diameters from 0.029 inches to 20.0 inches or larger. Centerless grinding is available for copper tungsten rods with sizes less than 1.5 inches in diameter.
The company follows a series of strict procedures in the manufacturing of copper tungsten rods. Infiltrated sintering and thermal pressing conform to exact and thorough standards, achieving compact and homogenous rod microstructure.
Continuous rotary swaging further forms the rods to customer specified sizes until the desired straightness and elimination of all surface residuals. The subsequent grinding process further improves surface finish and dimension tolerance. Advanced fabricating capabilities ensure all grades of copper tungsten rod materials consistently deliver the expected performance and dimensions.
| Diameter | 0.029″ (0.75mm) – 5″ (127 mm) |
| Length | 0.15″ (3.81mm) – 40″ (1000mm) |
| Types | WCu10, WCu20, WCu25, WCu30, WCu40, WCu45, WCu50 |
| Standard | ASTM B702 |
Tungsten copper rods 80/20 and 90/10 exhibit a relatively high density, strengths, and a low thermal expansion rate. On the other hand, tungsten copper rods 60/40, 70/30, and 75/25 present high thermal and electrical conductivities and machinability. As an ISO certified tungsten manufacturer, we are capable of offering various types of tungsten copper rods that all meet a consistently high standard.
Tungsten Copper Specification
| Composition | Density | Electrical Conductivity | CTE | Thermal Conductivity | Hardness | Specific Heat |
| g/cm³ | IACS % Min. | 10-6 K-1 | W/m · K-1 | HRB Min. | J/g · K | |
| WCu 50/50 | 12.2 | 66.1 | 12.5 | 310 | 81 | 0.259 |
| WCu 60/40 | 13.7 | 55.2 | 11.8 | 280 | 87 | 0.230 |
| WCu 70/30 | 14.0 | 52.1 | 9.1 | 230 | 95 | 0.209 |
| WCu 75/25 | 14.8 | 45.2 | 8.2 | 220 | 99 | 0.196 |
| WCu 80/20 | 15.6 | 43 | 7.5 | 200 | 102 | 0.183 |
| WCu 85/15 | 16.4 | 37.4 | 7.0 | 190 | 103 | 0.171 |
| WCu 90/10 | 16.75 | 32.5 | 6.4 | 180 | 107 | 0.158 |
Tungsten Copper Rod Properties
- Low thermal expansion
- High thermal and electrical conductivity
- High arc resistance
- Low consumption
The optimal ratio of tungsten and copper is always the key concern in regards to maximizing the preferable characteristics for each particular application. The dominating characteristics of the tungsten copper rods composed of high copper ratios, such as WCu 50/50，60/40 and 70/30, are transpiration cooling and thermal shock resistance. As the copper proportion goes down, the high temperature strength of the tungsten structure starts to become more pronounced. As a result, tungsten copper rods with W Cu 75/25，80/20 and 90/10 are more capable of maintaining dimensional stability when machined to components for high temperature and electrical erosion applications.
Precision Machined WCu Rod
As an ISO certified refractory metal manufacturer with advanced machining facilities, CHEMETAL USA is capable of offering various types of tungsten copper rods that all meet a consistently high standard of diameter tolerance, roundness, straightness. and machinability. With years of experience in handling copper tungsten materials, our highly trained technicians are skilled in offering the following machining services for various ratios of tungsten copper including W50/Cu50, W60/Cu40, W70/Cu30, W75/Cu15, W80/Cu20, and W90/Cu10.
- Turning
- Milling
- Drilling
- Cutting
- Joining
- Forming
- Grinding
- Stamping
- EDM Machining
Tungsten copper rods are usually machined into components for applications that require resistance to high temperature and electrical erosion. A high thermal shock resistance is also usually a critical consideration. Therefore, the machined tungsten copper rod needs to be able to withstand 3000℃ or higher temperatures which can increase dramatically from room temperature in seconds. The surface temperature of copper tungsten rod can soar in an extremely short time to above the melting temperature of tungsten.
The copper infiltrated in tungsten structure absorbs large amounts of heat when it melts at 1083℃ and eventually evaporates at 2 580℃. Furthermore, the excellent thermal conductivity of copper allows the concentrated heat in one small point to rapidly transfer to the entire part. Thereby, copper can reduce the damaging effects of the intense heat. Thanks to the outstanding cooling and conductive effect of copper, the machined tungsten copper rod can operate reliably in a high temperature environment.