Tungsten Alloy Class 3 Tungsten vs W (99.95% CP Tungsten)
Tungsten Alloy · grade comparison
Tungsten Alloy Class 3 Tungsten and W (99.95% CP Tungsten) are both tungsten alloy grades. Class 3 Tungsten is the stronger of the two: yield strength 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 750 MPa (109 ksi) for W (99.95% CP Tungsten), about 20% more; tensile strength follows at 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). Class 3 Tungsten is harder — 46 HRC against 39 HRC for W (99.95% CP Tungsten) — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. W (99.95% CP Tungsten) runs hotter in service (1,200°C vs 500°C continuous) and W (99.95% CP Tungsten) conducts heat better (173 W/m·K vs 150 W/m·K).
Class 3 TungstenChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
W (99.95% CP Tungsten)Choose it when the part sees heat.
Class 3 Tungsten vs W (99.95% CP Tungsten): propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all tungsten alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all tungsten alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Class 3 TungstenW (99.95% CP Tungsten)
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 400 GPa58 Msi · Shear Modulus 156 GPa22.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 310 GPa45 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.28 · Elongation at Break 2%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 3,422°C6,192 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 4.5 µm/m·K2.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 192 J/g82.5 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature 20°C68 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.15 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Castability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 400 MJ/kg171,969 BTU/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Class 3 Tungsten | W (99.95% CP Tungsten) |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Class 3 Tungsten vs W (99.95% CP Tungsten) — frequently asked
Is Class 3 Tungsten stronger than W (99.95% CP Tungsten)?
Yes. Class 3 Tungsten has a typical yield strength of 900 MPa (131 ksi) against 750 MPa (109 ksi) for W (99.95% CP Tungsten) — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Class 3 Tungsten or W (99.95% CP Tungsten)?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Class 3 Tungsten over W (99.95% CP Tungsten)?
Pick Class 3 Tungsten when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters. Pick W (99.95% CP Tungsten) when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Class 3 Tungsten and W (99.95% CP 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.