Estimate a blank from the geometry that will actually ship, then calculate quantity and packaging separately. The examples below use an assumed density of 14.5 g/cm3 throughout; they are not a grade specification or freight quote.
Use the density and weight calculator for the estimate, with the grade density and dimensions identified.
Three checked geometry examples
| Shape and dimensions | Volume | Mass at 14.5 g/cm3 |
|---|---|---|
| Solid rod: 10 mm OD x 100 mm | 7.85398 cm3 | 113.88 g |
| Rectangular blank: 20 x 10 x 5 mm | 1.00000 cm3 | 14.50 g |
| Hollow cylinder: 10 mm OD, 6 mm ID, 100 mm | 5.02655 cm3 | 72.88 g |
For the rectangle, multiply length x width x thickness and divide mm3 by 1,000. For the hollow cylinder, use (pi / 4) x (OD2 – ID2) x length, then convert volume before applying density. This subtracts the bore, not merely its diameter.
From net material to a packed shipment
One hundred example solid rods weigh 11.388 kg before packaging. If packaging adds an assumed 1.200 kg, estimated gross weight is 12.588 kg. Keep that packaging assumption visible; containers, separators and protection can change it. Freight may also depend on package dimensions, service, destination and carrier rules.
Use the packed weight and destination in the shipping cost planning tool, then confirm the carrier quote separately.
Finished versus oversize
Replacing the 10 mm rod diameter with a 10.4 mm blank diameter increases each piece to 123.18 g at the same length. Do not use the finished mass to order raw material or the raw blank mass to describe a finished shipment.
Why blank weight matters early
Carbide is dense, so weight affects material cost, freight, handling, and fixture design. Estimating weight early helps avoid surprises once drawings move into purchasing.
Examples should be tied to grade
Two blanks with the same size can weigh differently if one uses a different binder percentage or grade family. That is why grade-specific density improves estimating.
Use weight as a planning tool
Weight is useful, but it should not drive grade selection by itself. Wear mode, toughness, corrosion, geometry, and tolerance remain the real engineering drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I estimate blank weight or finished weight?
Use both when they answer different questions. Blank weight helps material planning; finished weight helps assembly and shipping.
Does grind allowance affect weight?
Yes. Oversize blanks weigh more than finished parts because extra stock is removed during grinding.
Can Extramet estimate shipping weight?
A complete RFQ with grade, size, and quantity allows a better shipping estimate.
For round stock, follow the rod-weight worked example to keep diameter, radius and units consistent.
Check the grind-allowance example when starting dimensions and finished dimensions are different.
Send the drawing, application and quantity through the RFQ form when the requirements are ready for review.
Product questions? Contact Michael Douglas, Extramet Products product expert and Sales and Marketing contact.