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Tungsten Alloy Class 2 Tungsten vs WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)

Tungsten Alloy · grade comparison

Tungsten Alloy Class 2 Tungsten and WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) are both tungsten alloy grades. WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) against 800 MPa (116 ksi) for Class 2 Tungsten, about 138% more; tensile strength follows at 2,200 MPa (319 ksi) vs 1,050 MPa (152 ksi). In exchange, Class 2 Tungsten is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2.5% for WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten), and WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) is harder (48 HRC vs 42 HRC). Class 2 Tungsten runs hotter in service (2,500°C vs 2,000°C continuous).

Class 2 TungstenChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)Choose it when strength drives the design.

Class 2 Tungsten vs WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten): properties

Class 2 TungstenWVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

405 GPa58.7 Msi
400 GPa58 Msi

Shear Modulus

158 GPa22.9 Msi
156 GPa22.6 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,050 MPa152 ksi
2,200 MPa319 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

800 MPa116 ksi
1,900 MPa276 ksi

Elongation at Break

3%
2.5%

Reduction in Area

10%
35%

Compressive Strength

2,000 MPa290 ksi
2,200 MPa319 ksi

Shear Strength

620 MPa89.9 ksi
1,300 MPa189 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

330 MPa47.9 ksi
800 MPa116 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

10 MPa·√m9.1 ksi·√in
12 MPa·√m10.9 ksi·√in

Hardness, Rockwell C

42 HRC
48 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

420 HV
480 HV

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

—
2 J1.5 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

—
455 HB

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 310 GPa45 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

19.25 g/cm³0.7 lb/in³
19.3 g/cm³0.7 lb/in³

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 3,422°C6,192 °F · Liquidus Temperature 3,422°C6,192 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

163 W/m·K94.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
168 W/m·K97.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

285 J/g123 BTU/lb
192 J/g82.5 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

2,500°C4,532 °F
2,000°C3,632 °F

Min Service Temperature

—
20°C68 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 132 J/kg·K0.03 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 4.5 µm/m·K2.5 µin/in·°F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

30 % IACS
31 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5.65×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.22 µΩ·in
5.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.17 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.1 V
—

Corrosion Resistance

68 / 100
60 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

10 / 100
12 / 100

Weldability

12 / 100
15 / 100

Formability (cold)

8 / 100
25 / 100

Castability

3 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

55 / 100
60 / 100

Polishability

60 / 100
55 / 100

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 8%

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

400 MJ/kg171,969 BTU/lb
380 MJ/kg163,371 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

27 kg CO₂/kg
22 kg CO₂/kg

Same in both: Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

55 kN·m/kg
114 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

21 MN·m/kg
20.7 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

790 kJ/m³
4,513 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

64.1 mm²/s
65.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

94
205

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every tungsten alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

5007001,0001,500141516171819Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleWVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)Class 2 Tungsten

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityClass 2 TungstenWVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Class 2 Tungsten vs WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) — frequently asked

Is WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) stronger than Class 2 Tungsten?

Yes. WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) has a typical yield strength of 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) against 800 MPa (116 ksi) for Class 2 Tungsten — about 138% more. Tensile strength is 2,200 MPa (319 ksi) vs 1,050 MPa (152 ksi).

Which is cheaper, Class 2 Tungsten or WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

When should I choose Class 2 Tungsten over WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)?

Pick Class 2 Tungsten when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) when strength drives the design.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Class 2 Tungsten and WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.

Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.