How do I know it's Carbide (and not HSS)?
This is the most common trap. Many mix up Carbide with High Speed Steel (HSS). The price difference is huge -- carbide can be worth 10-20 times more than HSS.
Here's how you see the difference:
- The weight (most important): Carbide is extremely heavy. It has a density that is almost twice that of ordinary steel. If the tool feels “unnaturally heavy” in the hand, it is most likely carbide.
- Magnetism: Carbide is often weakly magnetic or not magnetic at all (depending on the binder). HSS is strongly magnetic.
- The color: Carbide is often darker gray and has a duller surface than the shiny fast steel.
What do we buy into?
We buy all kinds of scrap containing tungsten carbide (Tungsten Carbide). The most common forms are:
- Turning Inserts: The small plates used in CNC machines and lathes. This is often the purest form.
- Carbide drills: Solid drills (the entire drill should be heavy).
- End mills: Solid cutters from industry.
- Punching Tools & Wear Parts: From the mining or road industry (e.g. studs).
Important: Do you have drills there just spearheaded Is carbide? Sort these separately from the solid tools to get the right replacement.
Today's Price of Hard Metal
The price is guided by the availability of the raw material Tungsten and Cobalt. Right now, our guide prices for pure carbide (such as turning inserts) are often between 199 — 320 SEK/kg depending on the market situation.
Do you have HSS (Fast Steel)? We buy that too, but at a lower price per kilo.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbide (FAQ)
- Do I need to remove screws from the turnstile?
Preferably, yes. If the turntable is mixed with steel screws or holders, it is counted as “contaminated” and may slightly reduce the price per kilogram. - Can I sell carbide as a private person?
Oh, absolutely. Many private individuals have old turning steel or drills lying around.