If you own a machine shop, industrial plant or manufacturing facility, dealing with metal and alloy scrap can be tricky without the right knowledge. It becomes even more difficult when your operation generates different types of scrap that need to be sorted, stored, and handled separately. 

Most metal scrap can be relatively easily recycled as it is collectively more or less of the same value. We are talking about stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and mild steel. Carbide insert scrap, however, requires specialized handling and attention. This is because carbide insert scraps have recoverable tungsten, which fetches significantly higher value than common metal/alloy scrap.

Alnor Industries in Mississauga, Ontario, is a specialized scrap metal recycling company. Our tungsten recovery program is streamlined and dependable. Read this blog till the end to learn about carbide insert scrap recycling.

What is Carbide Insert Scrap?

Carbide inserts are replaceable cutting tips used for a wide range of industrial machining applications. They are attached to the tips of turning, milling, drilling, and boring machines. Once carbide inserts get worn or unusable, they are discarded. 

However, they must be discarded through proper channels, or they end up in landfills. Apart from the obvious environmental benefits, recycling carbide insert scrap helps recover the valuable tungsten and cobalt contained in the inserts.

Tungsten is one of the toughest metals in the world. Its versatility makes it a crucial element in a wide range of industrial applications. Along with tungsten, carbide insert scraps also contain cobalt in them. They can be recycled repeatedly and are essential materials used in electric vehicles and electronic devices.

What Types of Carbide Insert Scrap Can Be Recycled?

Knowing what type of carbide insert can be recycled is crucial for industrial plant and manufacturing facility owners. Here are some of the most common types of carbide insert scraps that can be recycled.

Indexable Milling Inserts

CNC milling machines use indexable inserts that contain recoverable tungsten and cobalt. They must be stored separately from the rest of common metal and alloy scrap.

Turning Inserts

Used in lathes and other turning equipment, turning inserts, once worn out, can be recycled for a reasonably good price. 

Grooving and Threading Inserts

As the name suggests, grooving and threading inserts are used specifically for producing grooves and threads. Once they become worn and their effectiveness is compromised, they become scrap, yet hold significant value due to the recoverable tungsten content in them.

Coated and Uncoated Inserts

Coated and uncoated inserts can both be recycled. However, those with coatings might need to be evaluated and processed separately from the rest. This might affect the price you can get for them.

Broken, Worn, and Used Inserts

One of the best things about carbide insert scraps is that they can be recycled in all forms and shapes. Whether they are broken, worn, or fully used, carbide inserts can still be recycled to recover valuable tungsten and cobalt.

Other Carbide Cutting Tools

In short, almost all types of carbide cutting tools can be recycled. The only thing to keep in mind is that different types of tools must be ideally stored separately. This makes it easier to process and recycle them, fetching you relatively higher rates than usual.

Why is Carbide Insert Scrap Valuable?

As already mentioned, carbide insert scrap contains recoverable materials such as tungsten and cobalt, which are valuable. 

Recoverable Tungsten Carbide

With China’s export restrictions that began in January of 2026, tungsten has become even more sought after. Carbide insert recycling has naturally become a reliable source for recovering tungsten and making sure they re-enter the open market.  

Cobalt

Cobalt is the most common binding material used in tungsten carbide inserts. Thanks to its toughness and heat resistance, cobalt is the metal of choice for holding the hard carbide grains. Cobalt also contributes significantly to the value of your carbide scrap.

Grade and Composition

The core composition of carbide inserts is usually Wc-Co (Tungsten Carbide-Cobalt), Wc-TiC-Co (Tungsten-Titanium-Cobalt), Wc-TiC-TaC-Co (multi-carbide mixes), Wc-Ni (Nickel-bonded). The amount of other metals and alloys determines the final value of tungsten carbide scrap. The binder content and grain size are some key properties that define the grade of tungsten carbide.

What Factors Affect Carbide Insert Scrap Value?

Here are some of the most common factors that affect carbide insert scrap value. 

Tungsten Carbide Content

This is among the most obvious factors influencing the carbide insert scrap value. The more recoverable tungsten carbide is present in your scrap, the more you get for it.

Material Grade

Not all tungsten carbide scrap is of the same grade. A higher grade of tungsten carbide scrap will have less binder material and more recoverable tungsten.

Contamination Levels

It is normal for tungsten carbide scrap to be contaminated with oil, lubricants, and dirt. The more contaminated a tungsten carbide batch is, the more difficult it is for the recycler to process. This means higher cost and a lower payout for the scrap.

Volume and Frequency

If your manufacturing facility or metal shop frequently generates carbide insert scrap in greater volume, it is easier for the recycler to collect, transport, evaluate, and process. The payout is generally lower for small, more sporadic scrap shipments.

Material Form and Condition

The tungsten carbide scrap can contain worn or broken inserts in different forms. The recyclers can recover tungsten from scraps in forms such as complete inserts, broken insert pieces, worn cutting tips, and small fragments. Sometimes, tungsten is also recovered from swarfs, grindings, and sludges. However, the more difficult it is to process, the more expensive the recycling becomes, and the lower the price you receive.

How Should Machine Shops Collect Carbide Insert Scrap?

Collecting carbide insert scraps the right way helps you get a better price. Here’s how machine shops should collect carbide insert scrap.

Use Dedicated Scrap Containers

One of the simplest and most effective ways to collect carbide insert scrap the right way is to use dedicated scrap containers. This helps keep things streamlined from the beginning and avoids any hassle in sorting and transportation.

Separate Carbide From Steel

Machine shops and industrial plants often mix carbide with other low-value scrap such as steel. This creates a world of problems, as the recycler has to first sort tungsten carbide scrap from the rest.

Prevent Oil, Coolant, and Other Contamination

To ensure the purity of carbide insert scrap, it is important to prevent contamination from oil, coolant, and other sources. Keeping foreign materials away from the storage bin is also important.

Track Scrap Accumulation

Regularly tracking scrap accumulation helps businesses streamline the recycling process. Tracking scrap accumulation gives you a clear idea of how much scrap your operation generates over a given period and helps you determine when it is time to arrange pickup with the recycler.

How is Carbide Insert Scrap Recycled?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how carbide insert scrap is recycled.

• Collect and separate used inserts
• Sort the material by type where possible
• Photograph the accumulated scrap
• Provide approximate volume and material details
• Request an evaluation or quote
• Arrange pickup or shipment
• Complete assessment and payment

Conclusion

Look no further than Alnor Industries in Mississauga, Ontario, if you are looking to sell tungsten carbide scrap in Canada or the USA. We offer assay-based quotes along with all the necessary documents to ensure complete transparency. Call (905) 673-7577 to learn more. 

FAQs About Carbide Insert Scrap 

What is carbide insert scrap?

Carbide inserts are replaceable cutting tips used for a wide range of industrial machining applications. They become scrap when they are no longer usable due to being broken or worn. 
 

Are used carbide inserts worth recycling?

Yes, carbide inserts are worth recycling as they contain recoverable tungsten and cobalt. Both of these materials can fetch high prices when sold to a specialist recycler. 
 

What types of carbide inserts can be recycled?

Indexable milling inserts, turning inserts, grooving inserts, threading inserts, as well as coated and uncoated inserts can be recycled.
 

How is carbide insert scrap valued?

Carbide insert scrap is valued based on its form, grade, purity, and volume. The amount of recoverable tungsten and cobalt significantly influences the scrap value.
 

Should carbide inserts be separated from steel scrap?

Yes, ideally it is best to separate carbide inserts from steel scrap. This makes the sorting and processing a lot easier than if everything is mixed together.