Materials
Tungsten is one of the densest, hardest metals on earth. Tungsten carbide, its most commercially significant compound, is the backbone of modern machining, tooling, and wear applications. We know the material, we know the grades, and we pay accordingly.
The Material
Tungsten (W, atomic number 74) is a refractory metal with the highest melting point of any element at 3,422°C. It's exceptionally dense at 19.3 g/cm³, nearly as heavy as gold, and it maintains its strength at temperatures that would destroy most other metals.
Tungsten carbide (WC) is formed by combining tungsten with carbon. The result is a compound second only to diamond in hardness, with a density around 15.6 g/cm³ and extreme resistance to wear, heat, and deformation. In industrial use, WC is almost always sintered with a metallic binder (typically cobalt) to create the tough, machinable material used in cutting tools and wear parts.
In the trades, "carbide" almost universally means tungsten carbide. It's the shorthand that machinists, toolmakers, and shop managers use every day, and it's accurate for the vast majority of carbide tooling scrap.
Its value comes from scarcity. Tungsten is primarily sourced from China, and the efficiency of recycling. Reclaimed carbide can be fully reprocessed into virgin-quality material, making it a perpetually valuable commodity regardless of market conditions.
Pricing Factors
What We Accept
We buy tungsten and tungsten carbide in virtually every form it comes in. Grade and condition affect price. We assess honestly and explain our pricing on the spot.
End mills, drills, reamers, boring bars, round stock. The cleanest form. Pays the highest rate per pound.
Indexable inserts, tips, and seats from CNC turning, milling, and drilling operations. Any brand, any grade.
Carbide rolls, dies, nozzles, mining buttons, PDC cutter substrates, and other industrial wear components.
Wet or dry grinding sludge, packaged in drums or buckets. Tungsten content is recoverable and has real value. Price reflects moisture and contamination.
Overspray powder, solidified deposits, and reclaim material from HVOF, HVAF, and plasma spray operations. We understand the process.
Tungsten rod, sheet, wire, and heavy metal alloys (W-Ni-Fe, W-Ni-Cu). Assessed separately from carbide, priced on tungsten content.
In The Field
Tungsten carbide comes off the floor in a lot of different forms. If you're not sure what you have, send us a photo and we'll identify it and give you a number.
The Supply Chain
Your material goes to verified, responsible downstream handlers. We keep specific processor relationships confidential.
Why Liberty
Most scrap buyers will lowball carbide because they don't understand grade differences. We do.
Solid carbide, cobalt-bonded, nickel tungsten, mixed sludge: each grades differently. You won't get solid carbide prices for mixed swarf, but you won't get shortchanged on it either.
We assess and quote in person. No sending samples to a lab and waiting a week. Standard material is priced and settled at pickup.
Every deal is settled in full at time of collection. However works best for you. No invoices, no net-30, no waiting.
From a single bucket of inserts to a full pallet of round stock to drums of sludge. We handle it. Scheduled recurring pickups available for commercial accounts.
Call, text, or send us a photo. We'll tell you what it's worth and set up a pickup.