Carbide Scrap Pricing Guide
What Is Your Carbide Scrap Worth Per Pound?
Tungsten carbide scrap prices are driven by the global tungsten commodity market. Carbide Kings tracks prices daily and pays competitive rates — consistently more than local scrap yards in Charlotte NC and across the US.
How Carbide Scrap Recycling Pricing Works
Tungsten carbide scrap is priced based on its tungsten content. Tungsten is a critical mineral — rare, dense, and essential to modern manufacturing — traded on global commodity markets. Its price fluctuates daily based on supply, demand, and geopolitical factors. Because carbide contains a high percentage of tungsten (typically 80–95%), even small quantities of scrap inserts, endmills, or rods can be worth significant money per pound.
Unlike steel or aluminum scrap, carbide recycling is a specialty process that most local scrap yards in Charlotte, Gastonia, Concord, Rock Hill, and across the Carolinas don't know how to price correctly. Carbide Kings specializes exclusively in tungsten carbide scrap buying and recycling, which means we understand the market and consistently offer prices that reflect the true value of your material.
What Affects Your Carbide Scrap Price?
Several factors determine the per-pound price we offer for your material.
Material Type
Solid carbide (rods, endmills, inserts) commands the highest prices because of its high tungsten content and purity. Mixed scrap, sludge, and powder are priced lower due to lower tungsten concentration and processing costs.
Tungsten Commodity Price
The global tungsten market price is the primary driver of carbide scrap value. We track this daily and adjust our offers accordingly. When tungsten prices rise, so does what we pay for your scrap.
Quantity
Larger quantities typically receive better per-pound pricing. Commercial accounts with recurring volume receive priority pricing and dedicated account management.
Purity & Contamination
Pure carbide scrap — free of steel shanks, toolholders, and other non-carbide materials — commands higher prices. Mixed or contaminated material is priced lower to account for sorting and processing.
Grade & Composition
Different carbide grades contain varying percentages of tungsten, cobalt, and other binders. Higher tungsten content grades are worth more per pound.
Market Conditions
Like all commodity-based materials, carbide prices fluctuate. Contacting us for a current quote ensures you get today's market rate rather than an outdated estimate.
Pricing by Material Type
Different forms of carbide scrap have different values. Here's a general guide — contact us for a current quote on your specific material.
Solid Carbide Inserts
Highest ValueIndexable cutting inserts are among the highest-value carbide scrap due to their high tungsten content and consistent composition.
Carbide Rods & Blanks
Highest ValueSolid carbide rods and blanks are premium scrap — high tungsten content, easy to process, and consistently in demand.
Endmills & Drills
High ValueSolid carbide endmills and drill bits are high-value scrap. Broken or worn tools are just as valuable as intact ones.
Dies & Rings
High ValueCarbide dies, rings, and wear parts from forming operations are high-value scrap with consistent tungsten content.
Mixed Carbide Scrap
Good ValueUnsorted mixed carbide pieces and broken tooling are priced based on estimated tungsten content after sorting.
Carbide Sludge & Powder
Good ValueGrinding sludge and carbide powder contain valuable tungsten. Many sellers don't realize this material has significant worth — don't throw it away.
Prices fluctuate with the tungsten commodity market. Contact us for a current quote on your specific material.
Why Carbide Kings Pays More
We specialize in carbide
We buy nothing but tungsten carbide. That focus means we understand the market better than generalist scrap yards and can offer prices that reflect true value.
Daily market tracking
We monitor tungsten commodity prices every day and update our offers accordingly. You always get a current market rate, not a stale estimate.
No middlemen
We buy directly from machinists, manufacturers, and tool distributors — no brokers or middlemen taking a cut. More of the value goes to you.
Volume pricing for commercial sellers
Businesses and manufacturers with recurring carbide scrap receive priority pricing and dedicated account management.
Get a Current Quote for Your Carbide Scrap
Tungsten carbide prices change with the market — the best way to know what your carbide inserts, rods, endmills, or mixed scrap is worth today is to contact us directly. Same-day quotes, no obligation, no minimums.