No, carbide is not magnetic in most cases. The most common type, tungsten carbide, is made from tungsten and cobalt, neither of which is a magnetic metal.
Why Carbide Usually Isn’t Magnetic
Machine shops often use magnets to sort scrap, but this method doesn’t work reliably for carbide. That’s because:
- Tungsten and cobalt are non-magnetic
- Most carbide inserts and tooling don’t respond to magnets
Exceptions: When Carbide Might Show Magnetism
While pure carbide isn’t magnetic, here are two situations where you might notice a magnetic pull:
- Nickel, iron, or steel alloy blends: Some specialized carbide materials include magnetic elements.
- Contamination from steel tooling: Carbide inserts can pick up steel residue during use, especially in high-speed machining environments.
These can lead to slight magnetism, but it doesn’t mean the material is steel—it could still be valuable carbide.
Quick Test: Use a Magnet
Want to check quickly? Just hold a magnet to the piece.
- If it sticks firmly, it’s probably steel.
- If it barely reacts or doesn’t stick at all, it’s likely carbide.
Not Sure? Send Us a Photo
Our team at RRCarbide specializes in buying and identifying scrap carbide nationwide.
📸 Send us a photo or sample of your scrap, and we’ll help you confirm what it is—fast.