Tungsten carbide is a compound of tungsten and carbon. It is a highly durable and dense metallic substance that is grey in colour. In its natural state, it is a fine grey powder, which can either be compacted using heat or pressure or bound with a metal to form a solid. This rare element has high tensile strength with a melting point of 3410° C and can be used to strengthen alloys such as steel.

Because of its strength, tungsten carbide is often used for cutters, abrasives, dies, and punches or in applications that require superior wear or impact resistance.

Tungsten alone has a bright metallic lustre and is found in different materials like wolframite and tungstate. It is fairly ductile and is often used in electric contacts, arc-welding electrodes, and filaments in incandescent light bulbs since it can be extruded into wire. It can also be used in applications that require specialist welding and in medical equipment.

Metalworking manufacturing industries are recognized as one of the main sources of tungsten carbide scrap. When workers perform tasks such as grinding, finishing, cutting, and shaping while using tungsten carbide tools like saws, cutting tools, drills and drill bits, they produce the scrap. Woodworking, petroleum, and the mining industry also produce soft scrap.

Forms of tungsten that can be recycled:

Inserts

Sludge

Powder

Spent catalyst

Milling teeth

Endmills

Boring bars

Drills

Filter scrap

Pumping rods

Tungsten scrap

Tungsten carbide scrap

Shearing knives

Medical saw blades

Radiation shields

Turbine blades

If you have yet to find a reliable metal recycling facility, Alnor Industries has got you covered. Alnor Industries has been one of the leading scrap metal experts in Mississauga since 1978. We accept all forms of tungsten carbide scrap from many different industries including machining shops, mining companies, wood processors, and manufacturers. Call us today to learn more about our services and other metals that we collect.