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 a 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 by how quickly the value adds up—even in small batches.
Common Questions About Selling Tungsten Carbide Scrap
How do I know if my scrap is tungsten carbide?
Some simple identification methods include:
- Heaviness: Tungsten carbide is significantly denser than steel.
- Magnet test: It’s typically non-magnetic (though some tools with steel shanks might be).
- Spark test: Produces short, reddish-orange sparks when ground.
Can I sell mixed metal scrap with tungsten carbide?
Yes — but it will affect pricing. The cleaner and more separated the material is, the more you’ll earn. For mixed lots, our team can help sort and evaluate what’s usable.
What is the best way to store and transport tungsten carbide scrap?
- Store solids in clean, sealed buckets or containers.
- Keep sludge or swarf dry if possible to avoid water weight deductions.
- Label containers to prevent cross-contamination with other metals.
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.