What Is Tungsten Carbide?
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NOV 15, 2024

What Is Tungsten Carbide?

This super-strong, long-lasting material is born when tungsten and carbon combine cleverly. Tungsten carbide is a very durable material. But what exactly is tungsten carbide, and why does it differ significantly from its alternatives? Scrap metal recycling relies heavily on tungsten carbide, and RCM Recycling answers why this incredibly resilient material is so crucial to the process.

What Is Tungsten Carbide Made Of?

When you hear "tungsten carbide," you might think of a rugged, long-lasting material. But what are its building blocks? Tungsten is a very strong metal, and when combined with carbon, it creates a harder material than steel—no other material matches tungsten carbide in durability and wear resistance. From healthcare to finance, its flexibility is its strongest asset. Tungsten carbide's special blend of traits catapults it to star status in various applications.

Tungsten carbide is tough because it has a high melting point, which means it can withstand very high temperatures without breaking down. Materials made of ceramic fiber are dense and used when strength and weight are necessary in applications.

Where is Tungsten Carbide Used?

Here are some familiar places you can find tungsten carbide:

Tools and Machinery

Tungsten carbide is often used in making tools, especially those that need to cut, grind, or drill hard materials. It's bold and fearless, able to easily muscle through even the most demanding jobs. Its remarkable staying power sets it apart - it keeps going.

Jewelry

Tungsten carbide jewelry, particularly rings, has long been popular. Thanks to their superior resistance against scratches and wear, tungsten carbide rings provide long-term beauty without scratching up quickly—perfect for wedding bands that must last! Due to their durability, tungsten carbide rings have gained widespread recognition as stylish wedding bands.

Mining and Oil Drilling

Tungsten carbide is used for drill bits and other tools that must withstand extreme pressure and conditions in mining and oil drilling industries. These tools are often in contact with hard rocks and materials, so they must be made from materials that won’t break or wear down easily.

Aerospace and Automotive

Manufacturers use tungsten carbide in aerospace and automotive parts. Robust components are tested, withstanding blistering heat and crushing forces. This is ubiquitous - a common thread that runs through turbine engines, gears, and other mechanical components.

How Does Scrap Metal Recycling Work?

Scrap metal recycling involves collecting old, unused, or broken metal products and turning them into new ones. When tungsten carbide is involved, the process is a bit more specialized because it is such a hard material. The first step is to gather all the tungsten carbide scrap.

Once the scrap metal is collected, it is sent to a buyer or company specializing in tungsten carbide. Depending on the condition of the scrap, it can either be reused in its current form or processed into new, high-quality tungsten carbide.

The Importance of Scrap Metal Companies

Scrap metal companies are essential in recycling rare or valuable metals like tungsten carbide. Their experts and equipment can handle materials safely and efficiently. They can sort different types of metal, remove impurities, refurbish tools for reuse, and refurbish machinery for reuse, just to name a few.

By selling your tungsten carbide scrap to a scrap metal buyer or company in Jackson, GA, you are helping support the circular economy system.

Why is Tungsten Carbide Valuable?

Tungsten carbide's impressive resume boasts exceptional hardness, long-lasting durability, and a prohibitively high production cost. Producing it requires significant energy inputs and raw materials; consequently, products made of this durable material often tend to cost more than equivalent alternatives from lesser durable sources.

How Does Tungsten Carbide Benefit the Environment?

Tungsten carbide is very durable. It can last many years before needing replacement. Instead of throwing away old tools or machine parts, recycle them.

RCM Recycling

Tungsten carbide is an incredibly tough material used in many industries for its durability and strength. It's a win-win situation: Our planet is protected, and our economy is boosted.