In manufacturing and industrial processes, few materials are needed for their performance or efficiency the way Alloys are.
At RRCarbide, we specialize in recycling scrap carbide and other rare earth alloys from machine shops and manufacturing facilities nationwide. We’ll discuss some facts about alloys and highlight their unique characteristics.
What Are Metal Alloys?
Alloys are mixtures of two or more elements, where at least one is a metal. Unlike pure metals, alloys are designed to have enhanced properties such as increased strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. This makes them ideal for various industrial applications, including aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors.
Examples of Rare EarthAlloys
Some common and uncommon alloys that RRCarbide deals with include:
- Steel: A blend of iron and carbon, sometimes with other elements like chromium, typically found in High-Speed Steel.
- Tungsten Carbide: Known for its exceptional hardness, it is used extensively in cutting tools and industrial machinery parts.
- Hastelloy: A nickel-based alloy known for its resistance to corrosion and high-temperature stability, making it ideal for chemical processing and aerospace applications.
- Monel: Composed mainly of nickel and copper, Monel is highly resistant to corrosion and is used in marine and chemical industries.
- Cobalt Alloys: These are valued for their wear resistance and high strength, used in medical implants and turbine blades.
- Mallory: A high-density tungsten-based alloy used in balancing and radiation shielding.
- Elkonite: Tungsten-copper alloys are used for electrical and thermal applications due to their high conductivity.
Examples of Alloys Inside Your House
Alloys are ubiquitous in daily life, found in items like jewelry, cookware, tools, and construction materials. Examples include:
- Sterling Silver: An alloy of silver with other metals, usually copper.
- White Gold: An alloy of gold with metals like nickel or palladium to give it a silver appearance.
- Electrum: A naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver used historically for coins and ornaments.
Saltwater Is Corrosize To Most Alloys
Did you know that saltwater can accelerate the corrosion of most alloys? When metals and alloys are immersed in salt water, electrolytes boost electrochemical reactions, causing faster corrosion. This involves electrons transferring from the metal to the oxygen in the water, forming metal oxides or other compounds that degrade the metal. Stainless Steel is one of the few alloys that fights this process.
Alloys Can Be Hard To Differentiate
One of the challenges in working with alloys is that they can be difficult to differentiate from one another. This is especially true for those unfamiliar with the subtle variations in appearance and properties among different alloys. Here are some reasons why alloys can be hard to distinguish:
Similar Visual Appearance
Many alloys look similar to the naked eye. Stainless steel, Monel, and certain grades of aluminum alloys can have a similar shiny, metallic appearance, making it difficult to tell them apart without specialized tools or tests.
Overlapping Applications
Different alloys are often used in similar applications, adding to the confusion. For example, tungsten carbide and titanium alloys are used in cutting tools and machinery parts due to their hardness and durability.
Every Alloy Can Be Recycled For Cash!
While alloy recycling can be more complicated than your standard copper or aluminum scrap, it is far from impossible! Due to the very nature of alloys, recyclers frequently want as pure a form of the material as they can get. That being said, if you have contaminants or are unsure what alloy you may have, we recommend contacting the team at RRCarbide.
At RRCarbide, we specialize in turning your scrap alloys into cash! Whether you have tungsten carbide, cobalt, Hastelloy, or any other rare earth metal, our team is always here to help. We understand the value of these materials and have the tools and knowledge to analyze and accurately assess their worth.
