Tungsten Carbide Scrap Price Per Pound

Updated August 01, 2026 · Nationwide Buyers · Free Pickup for Large Loads

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Quick Answer

What is tungsten carbide worth per pound as scrap?

As of August 01, 2026: Clean tungsten carbide (inserts, end mills, drill bits) pays $6–$12/lb. Mixed carbide with steel holders pays $3–$6/lb. Carbide sludge/grinding swarf pays $1–$3/lb. Call (754) 310-2984 for a live quote.

Today's Prices — August 01, 2026

Grade / TypePriceTrend
Clean Carbide Inserts (loose)$6.00–$12.00/lb
Carbide End Mills (clean)$6.00–$11.00/lb
Carbide Drill Bits (clean)$5.00–$10.00/lb
Carbide Dies / Punches$6.00–$11.00/lb
Carbide Rods / Blanks$7.00–$12.00/lb
Mixed Carbide with Steel Holders$3.00–$6.00/lb
Carbide Sludge / Grinding Swarf$1.00–$3.00/lb

About Tungsten Carbide Scrap Value

Tungsten carbide (WC) is an extremely hard ceramic material made from tungsten and carbon. It is used in cutting tools, drill bits, end mills, dies, and wear parts because it maintains its hardness at high temperatures. Scrap tungsten carbide is extremely valuable because tungsten is one of the rarest and most expensive metals — recycled carbide is the primary source of tungsten for new tool manufacturing.

What Determines Carbide Scrap Price

The tungsten content (typically 85–95% WC) and the cobalt binder content determine the scrap value. Higher tungsten content = higher price. Cleanliness matters — carbide with steel tool holders, coolant, or grinding swarf is worth less than clean, sorted inserts and end mills.

Where Tungsten Carbide Scrap Comes From

Machine shops, CNC facilities, tool grinding operations, and manufacturing plants generate the largest quantities of carbide scrap. Worn inserts, broken end mills, and obsolete tooling are all valuable. We buy from machine shops of all sizes — even small lots.

Related: Tungsten Carbide Scrap Guide · Price Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tungsten carbide worth per pound today?
As of August 01, 2026: Clean carbide inserts and end mills pay $6–$12/lb. Mixed carbide with steel pays $3–$6/lb. Call (754) 310-2984 for a live quote.
Do you buy carbide inserts from machine shops?
Yes — we buy carbide inserts, end mills, drill bits, and dies in any quantity. Even small lots of 5–10 lbs are worth calling about.
How do I identify tungsten carbide?
Carbide is extremely heavy (heavier than steel), very hard, and gray in color. It will not scratch with a file. Carbide inserts are typically small, geometric pieces used in CNC toolholders.
What is carbide sludge worth?
Carbide grinding swarf and sludge pays $1–$3/lb depending on tungsten content and moisture. Dry sludge is worth more than wet. We buy all forms of carbide waste.

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