The majority of industrial equipment is made with some percentage of tungsten carbide, a durable metal used to reinforce alloys and prevent them from breaking. It is favored by industrial manufacturers for its durability, flexibility, and many uses. Crushed tungsten carbide is used in many forms to create stronger, reliable equipment; unique to most metals, it can be recycled and reused from a scrap state.
Forms and Uses of Carbide Grit
With limited processing, crushed tungsten carbide can be combined with other metals and flash heated to create a grit used as industrial mesh. When mixed with water, tungsten carbide is called soft scrap and is melted for reforging along with other samples to create an alloy. Soft scrap can be made with different strengths based on the volume of tungsten, allowing for the creation of parts capable of handling different amounts of pressure. This use creates more flexible custom parts based on individual machines and components. These parts are strong enough to handle frequent, repeated use without needing frequent replacements or maintenance.
Crushed tungsten carbide can also be added directly into other metals to strengthen their alloys. They can be poured into copper casings as part of composite rods in order to withstand heavy weights, impact, and pressure. These rods are used as auger component and reamers in drilling, trenching, and agricultural procedures. A more direct use of hard tungsten carbide is being melted down and included in tool steel, an alloy used to make tools and equipment for industrial construction projects. These tools can withstand repeated use and harsh working conditions without breaking or wearing down.
Selling and Recycling
Crushed tungsten carbide scraps and pellets are often bought and sold to be recycled and made into new, stronger components. Recycling companies receive shipments of scrap carbide from manufacturers and industrial sites. They perform a purity test on each sample to determine reimbursement and potential uses. The scraps are then melted or crushed to be resold and recast into new tool, alloys, and other products. Most companies also manufacture their own grit, mesh, and tools, which can be made on site and shipped back to clients in a short amount of time.
