If you are a contractor or mill worker, you have most likely encountered carbide scrap at some point in your career. Carbide is a unique scrap metal used in very specific industries and equipment due to its remarkable hardness and durability. Commonly found in machine shops and drill bits, carbide scrap is a valuable commodity because of its higher-than-average price per pound. But what exactly is carbide, and where can you find it?

What is Tungsten Carbide?

Tungsten carbide is a hard, dense metal that combines tungsten and carbon atoms. This material is known for its remarkable durability and hardness. While “carbide” technically applies to any compound of carbon and a less electronegative element, tungsten carbide is one of the most common and valuable forms. Due to its exceptional strength, hardness, and resistance to heat and wear, tungsten carbide is widely used in various applications.

Industries That Use Carbide

Knowing which industries use carbide can help you identify potential scrap sources at your local businesses. Here are some key sectors and examples of companies that frequently use carbide:

• Manufacturing and Machining: The manufacturing sector is one of the largest consumers of tungsten carbide. Machine shops, automotive parts manufacturers, and metal fabrication companies often use carbide in cutting tools like end mills, drills, and saw blades. These tools wear down over time and become scrap, making these businesses prime candidates for sourcing carbide scrap.
• Oil and Gas: Carbide’s toughness makes it suitable for drilling and mining equipment, where it is used to make drill bits, cutting tools, and wear-resistant parts. Oil, gas, and service companies that supply drilling equipment frequently replace worn-out carbide components, leading to a steady scrap supply.
• Aerospace and Defense: The aerospace and defense industries rely on carbide for components that require precision and durability, such as jet engine parts and high-strength fasteners. Maintenance and repair operations (MROs) at aerospace companies and defense contractors can generate significant amounts of carbide scrap as they replace old or worn-out parts.
• Tool and Die Making: Carbide is a popular choice in the tool and die industry for creating molds and other forming tools that shape metal and plastic parts. Tool and die manufacturers often accumulate scrap carbide from broken or outdated tools, providing another potential source for scrappers.
• Construction: One of the most apparent industries, carbide is used in heavy-duty tools like masonry drills, saws, and chisels for cutting through tough materials such as concrete and stone. Construction companies and tool rental businesses may have worn-out carbide tools that can be recycled.

How Do I Sell Scrap Carbide?

Once you’ve collected scrap carbide, selling it to the right buyer is essential to maximizing your profit. You have a few options:

• Local Scrap Yards: You can start by checking with your local yards to see if they purchase scrap carbide. One of the downsides with this is that many yards do not buy enough volume of these rare earth metals, and such may not be able to get you the best prices. Due to the rarity of these metals, they may not have the know-how to price them accurately against the current market.
• National Scrap Buyers: Choosing a reputable buyer is crucial for ensuring fair prices and reliable transactions. This is where we come in with RRCarbide. We have established shipping and payment procedures, making selling your scrap easier. We’ve also been in the business of rare earth metals since our inception, and rest assured that you know that your materials are being graded correctly.