Tungsten Cores
Tungsten Parts Wyoming machines high-density tungsten and tungsten heavy alloy cores for kinetic energy penetrators, ordnance, and precision projectiles, produced powder-to-part in Laramie, Wyoming. At up to 19.25 g/cc, tungsten concentrates maximum mass and sectional density into a compact core, machined to your drawing rather than a catalog.
Why Tungsten Cores from TPW?
When a program needs maximum density in a machined core, tungsten outperforms steel and reaches the density of depleted uranium without the regulatory burden:
- Maximum Density: Tungsten heavy alloy runs 17.0 to 18.5 g/cc and pure tungsten reaches 19.25 g/cc, for maximum mass in a given caliber.
- Machined to Profile: Ogive, conical, boat-tail, and custom nose geometries held to tight dimensional and concentricity tolerances.
- Pure and Heavy-Alloy Grades: WNiFe and WNiCu heavy alloy per ASTM B777, or pure tungsten, matched to your density and machinability needs.
- Domestic and DFARS Compliant: US-melted material traceable to a Laramie, Wyoming plant, meeting DFARS 252.225-7052 for defense programs.
What TPW Makes in Tungsten Cores
Cores machined to your specification and delivered with full documentation:
- Kinetic energy penetrator cores in tungsten heavy alloy per ASTM B777 and AMS 7725
- Ogive, conical, boat-tail, and flat-base nose profiles, made to print
- Precision projectile and subcaliber cores, prototype through production
- Certificate of Conformance and first-article dimensional verification on every order
- AS9100D and ISO 9001 certified; ITAR-registered; DFARS-compliant; Made in USA
Every tungsten core order ships with a Certificate of Conformance and full dimensional verification. Material is US-melted and DFARS 252.225-7052 compliant, coordinated directly through our Laramie, Wyoming facility with no distributors in between. Send your drawing and we will quote build-to-print.
Where Tungsten Cores Are Used
Tungsten and tungsten heavy alloy cores serve programs that need extreme density in a precise, machined shape:
- Kinetic energy penetrators and subcaliber projectiles
- Ordnance and fragmentation components
- Explosively formed penetrator (EFP) tungsten elements
- Ballistic test and reference cores
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tungsten penetrator core?
A tungsten penetrator core is a dense, machined tungsten or tungsten heavy alloy element used inside a kinetic energy projectile. Its density concentrates mass and sectional density to defeat armor.
Why use tungsten for penetrator cores instead of depleted uranium?
Tungsten heavy alloy reaches nearly the density of depleted uranium, about 17 to 18.5 g/cc versus roughly 19 g/cc, without the radioactivity, toxicity, and disposal requirements that come with DU.
Does TPW make cores to a custom drawing?
Yes. Every core is build-to-print. Send a drawing with the profile, dimensions, grade, and tolerances and we will quote it, prototype through production.
See our tungsten heavy alloy grades and our tungsten ordnance components. A DFARS 252.225-7052 sourcing confirmation is available per program.
Caliber Range and Lead Times
Cores are available for calibers and platforms from .223 in to .50 in, with larger diameters available on request. Custom-profile runs take 10 to 12 weeks depending on geometry and quantity; confirm timing when you send your drawing.
Core Profiles and Materials
| Profile | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Ogive | Long-range and armor-piercing projectile cores |
| Conical | Kinetic energy penetrators and subcaliber rounds |
| Boat-tail | Drag reduction on extended-range projectiles |
| Flat-base | Fragmentation elements and ballistic test cores |
| Material | Density | Typical selection |
|---|---|---|
| WHA Class 2 (92.5% W) | 17.15 to 17.85 g/cm³ | Default core grade; highest ductility |
| WHA Class 3 (95% W) | 17.75 to 18.35 g/cm³ | Higher mass where ductility can be traded |
| WHA Class 4 (97% W) | 18.25 to 18.85 g/cm³ | Maximum density, lowest elongation |
| Pure tungsten | 19.25 g/cm³ | Maximum mass in a given caliber |