Tungsten copper rod and block are often bought as raw stock, but the useful specification is more detailed than a grade and a diameter. The supplier needs to know what the blank will become, how much machining remains, which surfaces matter, and what records your receiving team expects. A clear request for quotation reduces both excess material and avoidable clarification rounds.
ArcTung supplies round rod, rectangular block, and near-net blanks in W/Cu 75/25 and W/Cu 70/30. Standard stock shapes have no minimum order quantity and typically ship in 10–14 days. Use the checklist below to describe the part without adding requirements that the application does not need.
1. Start with the finished part
Tell the supplier what the stock will become. Common uses include spot-welding electrode caps, holders and shanks, projection-welding die facings, EDM electrode sections, and electrical fixture contact surfaces. The application helps the supplier understand whether wear resistance, electrical conductivity, available machining allowance, or repeatability is the main concern.
Also decide whether you need a shop blank or a finished component. Rods and blocks are practical when your team already turns, mills, drills, or threads tungsten copper. If the part has several bores, threads, profiles, or tightly related dimensions, sending the drawing for finished machining can remove a second purchasing and inspection step.
2. Choose W/Cu 75/25 or W/Cu 70/30
Both grades combine a tungsten skeleton with an infiltrated copper phase, but they balance properties differently:
- W/Cu 75/25 has a typical density of about 15.2 g/cm³, hardness of about 195 HB, and electrical conductivity of about 34% IACS. It is the usual direction when shape retention and wear resistance matter more.
- W/Cu 70/30 has a typical density of about 14.5 g/cm³, hardness of about 175 HB, and electrical conductivity of about 42% IACS. It is the usual direction when higher conductivity and heat movement matter more.
These values are typical material references, not acceptance limits for every order. If an existing electrode or fixture was validated in one grade, specify that grade on the drawing rather than changing it only to improve one property on paper.
3. Specify the stock form and dimensions
State whether you need round rod, rectangular block, or a near-net blank. Then list the dimensions in a form that cannot be misread:
- rod diameter and length;
- block length, width, and thickness;
- finished-part envelope if a near-net blank is requested;
- quantity per size and grade;
- machining allowance, if your shop needs extra stock for cleanup.
Do not rely on a general material description to communicate critical geometry. Attach a dimensioned drawing when straightness, flatness, squareness, hole position, threads, or other relationships affect the finished part. A PDF is enough for review; a STEP or DWG file is useful when finished machining is included.
4. Define the delivery condition
ArcTung rods and blocks can be supplied rough-machined or ground on request. State which surfaces must be ground and why. Ground stock gives your shop a clean reference surface, while rough-machined stock may be sufficient when all faces will be cut again.
If ArcTung will supply the finished component, identify the required turning, milling, drilling, threading, or surface-grinding scope on the drawing. Keep stock dimensions and finished dimensions separate so the quotation is based on the correct material volume and operations.
5. Put inspection documents on the RFQ
Material batches can be checked for composition, density, and hardness. Batch traceability records and dimensional inspection records are available on request. If your quality system needs them, ask before quotation and name the drawing revision the dimensional report must follow.
Third-party test reports to ASTM B702 are available when requested. They should not be assumed to accompany every shipment by default. State whether you need a factory record or a third-party report, and identify any acceptance values your own specification requires.
6. Confirm quantity, packaging, and delivery
There is no MOQ for stock sizes, so one-piece trials and mixed-size orders can be quoted. Standard stock shapes typically have a 10–14 day lead time; finished or special parts should be quoted against the actual drawing and quantity.
Rods are vacuum-bagged with foam lining and packed in cartons. Blocks are vacuum-bagged with foam lining and packed in wooden crates. Because tungsten copper is dense, include the delivery destination and any receiving limits in the RFQ so the packing and freight plan match the shipment.
Copy-and-paste RFQ checklist
Send the following information:
- Application and finished-part description
- Grade: W/Cu 75/25 or W/Cu 70/30
- Form: round rod, rectangular block, or near-net blank
- Stock dimensions and machining allowance
- Rough-machined, ground, or finished-machined condition
- Drawing and revision, including critical tolerances
- Quantity for each size
- Required composition, density, hardness, traceability, or dimensional records
- Factory report or third-party ASTM B702 report, if required
- Delivery destination and receiving restrictions
Review the available electrode rods and blocks, compare the two grades in the W75Cu25 vs W70Cu30 guide, or see the tungsten copper machining guide before sending your drawing. For a firm quotation, email sales@arctung.com with the checklist and files.