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.
