Tungsten Alloy Pure W vs WHA-90
Tungsten Alloy · grade comparison
Tungsten Alloy Pure W and WHA-90 are both tungsten alloy grades, both high density tungsten. Pure W is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for WHA-90, about 13% more. In exchange, WHA-90 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 3% for Pure W, and Pure W is harder (380 HB vs 285 HB). WHA-90 is lighter (17 g/cm³ vs 19.25 g/cm³ for Pure W) and Pure W is stiffer (400 GPa vs 350 GPa). On the shop floor, WHA-90 machines more easily (poor vs not recommended).
Pure WChoose it when strength drives the design.
WHA-90Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
Pure W vs WHA-90: 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.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Strength 600 MPa87 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
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 500°C932 °F
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
Same in both: Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%
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 | Pure W | WHA-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Pure W vs WHA-90 — frequently asked
Is Pure W stronger than WHA-90?
Yes. Pure W has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) for WHA-90 — about 13% more. Tensile strength is 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 900 MPa (131 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Pure W or WHA-90?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$$, specialty); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Pure W or WHA-90?
WHA-90. Its machinability rates poor (25/100) against not recommended (8/100) for Pure W; for welding the order is WHA-90 first (poor, 15/100) then Pure W (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Pure W and WHA-90 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.