This guide supports Extramet’s tungsten carbide density and weight calculator by answering the practical engineering and purchasing questions that usually come before an RFQ.
Quick Answer
- Most cemented tungsten carbide grades fall near 13.5 to 15.2 g/cm3.
- A practical shop estimate should use the actual grade density, not one generic number.
- Weight equals part volume multiplied by grade density, with grind allowance handled separately.
| Use case | Best density input | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Early estimating | Representative grade density | Good for budgetary shipping and rough material planning |
| RFQ or production quote | Published density for the selected grade | Improves pricing, yield, and weight expectations |
| Finished part validation | Actual grade and finished dimensions | Reduces mismatch between drawing weight and delivered part weight |
Why carbide density varies by grade
Tungsten carbide is not a single pure-metal material in most industrial parts. It is usually cemented carbide: hard tungsten carbide grains held in a cobalt or nickel binder. Changing binder percentage, grain size, and formulation changes density, hardness, toughness, and wear behavior.
The core formulas
For rectangular blanks, multiply length by width by thickness, then multiply by density. For rods and pins, use the cylinder volume formula based on diameter and length. Keep units consistent before converting to pounds, ounces, or grams.
How buyers should use the number
Density is useful for estimating material cost, shipping, fixture loads, and part balance. It should not replace grade selection. If the part will see impact, abrasive wear, corrosion, or high contact stress, the grade decision comes first and the weight estimate follows.
What to Include in an RFQ
- grade or target grade family
- finished dimensions and starting stock size
- quantity and finish requirements
- whether the estimate should use finished or oversize dimensions
Related Extramet Resources
Reviewed for technical accuracy: This supporting article was prepared to align with Extramet’s tungsten carbide manufacturing, grinding, inspection, and quality capabilities in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tungsten carbide heavier than steel?
Yes. Cemented tungsten carbide is usually much denser than steel, so a carbide part with the same dimensions will generally weigh more.
Can I use one density for all carbide grades?
Use one number only for rough estimating. For quoting and production, use the density of the actual Extramet grade or specified equivalent.
Does cobalt binder change weight?
Yes. Binder percentage affects density, toughness, and hardness, so the same part geometry can have different weight by grade.
