RRCarbide

Tungsten carbide is one of the most valuable materials in the recycling world — and for good reason. Known for its incredible hardness and durability, it’s a go-to alloy in machine shops, tooling, drilling, and manufacturing. Because it’s so dense and reusable, even small amounts of tungsten carbide scrap can bring in serious value when recycled properly.

At RRCarbide, we specialize in helping machine shops and manufacturing facilities turn their carbide waste into profit. Whether you’re looking to unload worn tooling inserts or production sludge, understanding what influences tungsten carbide scrap prices per pound can help you get the best return.

What Is Tungsten Carbide?

Tungsten carbide is a compound made from tungsten and carbon atoms. Its exceptional hardness, high density, resistance to wear, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures make it so valuable. It’s often referred to as one of the hardest materials used in industrial applications — second only to diamond.

Common applications include:

• CNC and lathe tool inserts
• Drill bits and end mills
• Cutting and milling equipment
• Dies and wear parts in manufacturing machinery

Factors That Determine Tungsten Carbide Value

If you’re wondering how much your scrap is worth, here are the key variables that influence the price per pound:

Purity

Clean, uncontaminated tungsten carbide fetches the highest value, typically with 70% or higher tungsten content. Scrap mixed with steel, solder, plastic, oil, or other contaminants requires additional refining, reducing the price.

Market Demand

Like most commodities, tungsten prices fluctuate based on global supply and demand. High demand in aerospace, construction, and tooling sectors can push scrap values up — while dips in manufacturing activity may drive prices down.

Form of Scrap

Not all scrap is equal. Here’s how form factors affect price:

• Solid carbide tooling (e.g., inserts, end mills): Higher price per pound
• Carbide sludge: Lower value due to moisture and contaminants
• Road milling bits: Small amounts of carbide with high levels of contaminants

Recycling Process Costs

Transporting, sorting, refining, and processing scrap costs can eat into profit margins. The more labor or refinement required, the lower the per-pound offer may be.

Current Market Prices for Tungsten Carbide Scrap

While prices shift frequently based on the factors above, as of early 2025, tungsten carbide scrap generally ranges from $6 to $12 per pound, depending on the purity and form.

Why It’s Important to Recycle Tungsten Carbide

Environmental Benefits

Mining tungsten is resource-intensive and environmentally taxing. Recycling scrap helps reduce the need for new mining, reduces carbon emissions, and extends the lifecycle of a finite resource.

Financial Benefits

If you run a shop or manufacturing facility, you already generate this scrap. Instead of letting it collect dust or get tossed out, selling it can provide a steady stream of secondary revenue. Many of our clients are surprised how quickly the value adds up—even in small batches.

Common Questions About Selling Tungsten Carbide Scrap

How RRCarbide Can Help You Get the Best Price

At RRCarbide, we specialize in buying tungsten carbide and other rare earth alloy scraps from businesses across the U.S. Whether you’re a small machine shop or a large manufacturing plant, we make it simple to recycle:

• Nationwide shipping support
• Top-dollar pricing for clean, quality scrap
• Transparent evaluations and reliable service
• Opportunity to recycle other alloys like cobalt, Hastelloy, and Monel

Tungsten carbide scrap is one of the most valuable metal materials on the market, and recycling it is both a smart financial move and an eco-conscious choice. Whether offloading used tooling or refining your production process, working with a trusted partner like RRCarbide ensures you’re getting fair pricing and dependable service.

When it comes to metals like Tungsten Carbide and High-Speed Steel (HSS), knowing their differences and identifying them can be crucial for scrap metal recyclers and businesses that use these materials. Whether you’re a machine shop generating metal shavings from cutting operations or a scrapper handling various industrial materials from clean-up jobs, having an in-depth understanding of these materials can help you maximize the value of what you sell and recycle.

What Is Tungsten Carbide?

Tungsten Carbide is a dense and highly durable metal known for its extreme hardness and resistance to wear and tear. These properties make it ideal for cutting tools, mining equipment, and industrial machinery applications. Tungsten Carbide is often found in inserts, drill bits, and wear parts with a lot of friction and stress.

What Is High-Speed Steel (HSS)?

High-Speed Steel, commonly referred to as HSS, is a type of tool steel known for its high resistance to heat and wear. While it may not be as hard as Tungsten Carbide, HSS is known for its toughness, edge retention, and cost-effectiveness. HSS is commonly used in drill bits, saw blades, and other cutting tools where both durability and flexibility are required.

Key Differences Between Tungsten Carbide and High-Speed Steel

Magnetic Properties: Tungsten Carbide has a slight magnetic pull but is easily separated from a magnet. Smaller carbide pieces tend to stick more to the magnet, but even these can be pulled off with minimal effort. In contrast, High-Speed Steel has a much stronger magnetic attraction and holds firmly to a magnet, making it easier to identify in a mixed load.

Identification Through XRF Analysis: You can contact your local yard and ask them to analyze your material using a spectrometer, such as an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzer, which is the most accurate way to determine the composition of these metals. XRF analysis provides an almost exact material breakdown by percentage, helping to avoid any misidentification that might occur through visual inspection alone. Before using an XRF, it’s crucial to prepare the material’s surface by grinding off any coatings or rust, as these can interfere with the readings.

Visual Identification: High-Speed Steel is often more susceptible to rust and corrosion than Tungsten Carbide. While carbide can also show some signs of corrosion, it does not rust like iron-based HSS. This difference can serve as a visual cue when inspecting large quantities of scrap metal.

Scrap Price Trends for Tungsten Carbide and High-Speed Steel

Tungsten Carbide and High-Speed Steel prices can vary significantly based on market conditions, industry demand, and the overall economy. Tungsten Carbide typically has a higher price due to its desirable properties and applications, but fluctuations in demand can lead to price swings. High-Speed Steel, while less valuable, remains a staple in the scrap industry and is often traded in bulk.

At RRCarbide, we regularly update our pricing based on the latest industry trends and offer competitive rates for Tungsten Carbide and High-Speed Steel. If you’re looking to sell these materials, it’s always a good idea to get a quote to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Why Choose RRCarbide?

RRCarbide is dedicated to providing our clients with accurate material testing, competitive pricing, and reliable service. Our team understands the complexities of dealing with high-value metals like Tungsten Carbide and High-Speed Steel and is committed to helping you get the most out of your scrap. We also buy many other rare earth metals, including cobalt, Hastelloy, Elkonite, Mallory-based metals, Monel, nickel, and sludge from production processes.

If you have Tungsten Carbide, High-Speed Steel, or other rare earth metals to sell, contact RRCarbide today for a quote or consultation. We look forward to helping you get the most value from your scrap metals and building a long-lasting partnership.

Tungsten is a crucial metal known for its exceptional hardness and heat resistance, making it indispensable in various industrial applications. Recycling tungsten scrap conserves valuable resources and offers financial benefits, whether in its pure form or as tungsten carbide.

Let’s jump into the market price for scrap tungsten, explain why recycling is important, and how RRCarbide can assist you in profiting from your scrap efficiently.

Scrapping Pure Tungsten

Tungsten primarily comes from natural ore, but it’s commonly combined with carbon to create tungsten carbide, a material well known for its extreme hardness. Items made from tungsten or tungsten carbide are often found in machine shops, where heavy-duty equipment such as drills, presses, and other forming tools are used.

Machine shops and manufacturing facilities regularly generate tungsten scrap through production processes or part replacements, making it a valuable resource for recycling. While it might be mixed with other elements, tungsten’s hardness and durability make it a sought-after material for recycling.

Current Scrap Prices For Tungsten

Tungsten scrap holds significant value compared to other common scrap metals like aluminum or steel. Click on the link below to see our most up-to-date prices for Tungsten.

At RRCarbide, we ensure you get a competitive price for your tungsten and carbide scrap by evaluating the material’s grade, cleanliness, and form. The better the quality and the more efficiently the tungsten can be separated from other materials, the higher the return for your business.

Maximize Your Return with RRCarbide

RRCarbide specializes in buying tungsten scrap and other rare earth alloys from businesses nationwide. Our services focus on providing efficient, hassle-free recycling solutions tailored to machine shops and manufacturing facilities. We work with companies who produce scrap from production processes and equipment replacements, helping them turn waste materials into profit.

We offer competitive prices and streamline the entire process, including sending out boxes for packaging, providing step-by-step instructions for shipping, and transparently communicating regarding grading and pricing.

Additional Metals We Purchase

Beyond tungsten and tungsten carbide, RRCarbide also recycles a variety of other valuable materials, including:

• Cobalt
• Hastelloy
• Elkonite
• Mallory-based metals
• Monel
• Nickel
• Production sludge

Get Started with RRCarbide Today

.Recycling tungsten and tungsten carbide is a smart choice for your business. Whether you have small quantities of scrap or want to recycle a large batch, RRCarbide can help you every step. Contact us today for a price quote or to learn more about our recycling services.

Monel can be a top choice for high-performance metals in challenging environments. This nickel-based alloy is known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion, heat, and mechanical stress, making it ideal for use in industries that demand durability and longevity. But what are Monel’s various grades, typical uses, and the economic benefits of recycling Monel scrap?

What is Monel?

Monel is a nickel-based alloy primarily composed of two-thirds nickel and one-third copper, with small amounts of other elements like iron and manganese. Developed in the early 20th century, Monel’s popularity has grown steadily across various industries, from marine engineering to aerospace and chemical processing. Its resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, and harsh environments sets it apart from other materials like stainless steel.

Types of Monel and Their Characteristics

Monel comes in several grades, each tailored to specific applications and environments. Below are the most common types of Monel and their defining characteristics:

• Monel 400: This is one of the most widely used Monel alloys. It is highly resistant to hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids, making it a popular choice in chemical, oil, and marine industries.
• Monel 401: This grade is typically used in electrical and electronic applications due to its low electrical resistivity under corrosive conditions. Its ability to maintain its structure over a wide range of temperatures makes it well-suited to electronic components.
• Monel 404: This is known for its excellent strength retention across various temperature ranges, making it an ideal candidate for harsh environments. It also displays low permeability, which is crucial for electronics that require reliable strength and stability.
• Monel K 500: This grade combines the excellent corrosion resistance of Monel 400 with enhanced strength and hardness. It is often used in extreme marine and chemical environments where durability and resistance to stress corrosion are critical.
• Monel R 405: This variety is optimized for heavy machinery due to its added sulfur content. It is a popular choice for automatic screw machines as well.

The High Cost of Mining Monel

Monel is an expensive metal alloy, costing six to eight times more than 304 stainless steel. The high price is primarily due to the difficulty of mining and refining nickel. For many small machine shops and fabricators, sourcing Monel in small quantities can be a challenge.

However, one effective way to balance out the cost of purchasing these materials is to recycle any scrap Monel your industry creates as a byproduct of its work.

How Much Is Scrap Monel Worth?

In many cases, Monel can be two to three times more expensive than typical stainless steel grades like 304 or 316. Still, exact pricing differences can fluctuate depending on market conditions and demand for specialty metals.

Monel Scrap Metal: Recycling and Economic Benefits

Recycling monel is economically and environmentally beneficial. Monel scrap has a significant value because of its high nickel and copper content. Industries that require monel components, such as chemical processing and marine engineering, often purchase recycled monel to cut costs while still receiving high-quality material.

How RRCarbide Can Help with Monel Recycling

This is where RRCarbide can enter and help you make those material and monetary gains. We specialize in purchasing and recycling Monel scrap and other specialty alloys like tungsten, cobalt, and Hastelloy. Our team understands the complexities of handling and processing high-value metals like Monel, which is why we offer customized solutions to machine shops, manufacturers, and industrial clients across the country. Whether you have leftover Monel remnants, off-cuts, or decommissioned components, we provide competitive pricing and efficient service to help you turn your scrap into revenue.

Contact RRCarbide today to learn how we can help you maximize the value of your Monel scrap metal and support sustainable recycling practices in your business.

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.

Reach out to us for a quote on your alloys below!

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Monel is a unique nickel-copper alloy that stands out for its resistance to corrosion and harsh environments, making it highly valuable in various industries. However, it’s not as commonly encountered as other metals, which raises the question: where can scrap Monel be found? Whether you’re a scrapper, a metal shop, or a business owner, here’s where to look for this valuable material and how to turn it into cash.

Common Sources of Scrap Monel

Monel’s material makeup makes it a go-to material for specialized industrial applications, meaning it’s more likely to be found in specific environments rather than everyday household items. If you work in one of these particular sectors, keep an eye out for this valuable scrap material:

1. Marine Equipment and Applications: Monel’s resistance to seawater corrosion makes it an essential material in the marine industry. It is found in items like blades, pumping shafts, and valves. Monel 400 and K-500 are typically used for these.
2. Oil And Refinery Sector: Often used in crude oil towers, well pumps, and propellor shafts. Monel is needed in the presence of hydrofluoric acid as it offers exceptional resistance and can handle extremely high temperatures. Expect to see Monel 400 in these use cases.
3. Aerospace Industry: This is needed for the incredibly dynamic temperatures experienced by jets and other aeronautic vehicles in this industry. Monel stays strong and maintains its shape even at high temperatures and speed. It likely will be Monel 401 and 404. While not as prevalent in modern planes, older aircraft may still have many Monel components.

Identifying Scrap Monel

If you are unsure if you have Monel, there are a few ways to tell what you have. One challenge with scrapping Monel is its similarity to other nickel-based alloys, such as stainless steel. A magnet test can help, as Monel is generally non-magnetic or weakly magnetic. The surface feel of the metal can also be telling. While unfinished, other metals like stainless steel can be rough to the touch, but Monel is smooth.

Most rare earth metals can be very tricky to identify without an XRF analyzer, and Monel can sometimes have a greenish tint. Visually, it looks very similar to other metals like Stainless Steel or Inconel, but it helps to know where the materials come from or are sourced. While rare, it usually ends up at scrap yards in the form of turnings or screw stock

How To Cash In On Scrap Monel

Scrap Monel is more valuable than common metals like stainless steel or aluminum. To ensure you get the best price:

• Check Local Scrap Yards: Many local yards may not deal with Monel often, but it’s always worth asking. The high value of the metal makes it worth your while.
• Reach out to RRCarbide: While a local yard may be close by, RRCarbide is a transparent and reliable source of information, offering the most current and competitive pricing with easy shipping.

Why Recycling Monel Matters

Monel is a valuable resource, and its corrosion-resistant properties make it indispensable in harsh environments. Recycling monel not only prevents waste in the above industries but also ensures that these sectors continue to function and have access to new materials. Given its value, you should try to recycle it whenever possible.

Although not as commonly found as other scrap metals, Monel’s value makes it worth the hunt. If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon some, recycling it can result in a decent payday and contribute to sustainable material use.

Reach out to RRCarbide to responsibly recycle your Monel today!

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.