Tungsten Alloy Class 4 Tungsten vs WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)
Tungsten Alloy · grade comparison
Tungsten Alloy Class 4 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 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) for Class 4 Tungsten, about 36% more; tensile strength follows at 2,200 MPa (319 ksi) vs 1,800 MPa (261 ksi). In exchange, Class 4 Tungsten is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 2.5% for WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten), and Class 4 Tungsten is harder (55 HRC vs 48 HRC). Class 4 Tungsten runs hotter in service (2,200°C vs 2,000°C continuous) and WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) conducts heat better (168 W/m·K vs 46 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Class 4 Tungsten welds better (fair vs poor).
Class 4 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 4 Tungsten vs WVMA (Doped Non-Sag 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 4 TungstenWVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
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 · Bulk Modulus 310 GPa45 Msi · Compressive Strength 2,200 MPa319 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 4 Tungsten | WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Class 4 Tungsten vs WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) — frequently asked
Is WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) stronger than Class 4 Tungsten?
Yes. WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten) has a typical yield strength of 1,900 MPa (276 ksi) against 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) for Class 4 Tungsten — about 36% more. Tensile strength is 2,200 MPa (319 ksi) vs 1,800 MPa (261 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Class 4 Tungsten or WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Class 4 Tungsten or WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten)?
Class 4 Tungsten. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against poor (15/100) for WVMA (Doped Non-Sag Tungsten).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Class 4 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.