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Tungsten Alloy Class 3 Tungsten vs WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)

Tungsten Alloy · grade comparison

Tungsten Alloy Class 3 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 900 MPa (131 ksi) for Class 3 Tungsten, about 111% more; tensile strength follows at 2,200 MPa (319 ksi) vs 1,100 MPa (160 ksi). WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) is the more ductile: elongation 2.5% versus 2% for Class 3 Tungsten. WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) runs hotter in service (2,000°C vs 500°C continuous) and WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) conducts heat better (168 W/m·K vs 150 W/m·K).

WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Class 3 Tungsten vs WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten): properties

Class 3 TungstenWVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,100 MPa160 ksi
2,200 MPa319 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

900 MPa131 ksi
1,900 MPa276 ksi

Elongation at Break

2%
2.5%

Reduction in Area

5%
35%

Compressive Strength

1,600 MPa232 ksi
2,200 MPa319 ksi

Shear Strength

650 MPa94.3 ksi
1,300 MPa189 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

350 MPa50.8 ksi
800 MPa116 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

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

Hardness, Rockwell C

46 HRC
48 HRC

Hardness, Vickers

460 HV
480 HV

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

—
2 J1.5 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

—
455 HB

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

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

19 g/cm³0.69 lb/in³
19.3 g/cm³0.7 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

3,410°C6,170 °F
3,422°C6,192 °F

Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 3,422°C6,192 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

150 W/m·K86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
168 W/m·K97.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

134 J/kg·K0.03 BTU/lb·°F
132 J/kg·K0.03 BTU/lb·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

500°C932 °F
2,000°C3,632 °F

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

30 % IACS
31 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5.7×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.24 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)

-0.15 V
—

Corrosion Resistance

70 / 100
60 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

10 / 100
12 / 100

Weldability

10 / 100
15 / 100

Formability (cold)

5 / 100
25 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

45 / 100
60 / 100

Polishability

65 / 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)

28 kg CO₂/kg
22 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

25%
30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

58 kN·m/kg
114 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

21.1 MN·m/kg
20.7 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

1,013 kJ/m³
4,513 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

58.9 mm²/s
65.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

92
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 3 Tungsten

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityClass 3 TungstenWVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Class 3 Tungsten vs WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) — frequently asked

Is WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) stronger than Class 3 Tungsten?

Yes. WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) has a typical yield strength of 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) against 900 MPa (131 ksi) for Class 3 Tungsten — about 111% more. Tensile strength is 2,200 MPa (319 ksi) vs 1,100 MPa (160 ksi).

Which is cheaper, Class 3 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.

Which welds better, Class 3 Tungsten or WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)?

WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten). Its weldability rates poor (15/100) against not recommended (10/100) for Class 3 Tungsten.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Class 3 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.