No matter what type of metal is on the market, the price will fluctuate over time. This is true whether the metal is gold or carbide. It is also applicable whether the metal is virgin or scrap. In this cycle, which can change from day to day, month to month or even over a year a number of factors play a significant role, when it comes to determining carbide scrap price.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide has been a popular metal for use in a wide array of industrial applications. Its durability and strength make it a valuable commodity for making many cutting and digging tools more resilient. Its recyclability is also a positive factor.
Factors Affecting the Price
The price of most metals fluctuates. Factors influencing the changes in prices include:
* The price of virgin tungsten carbide
* The cost of energy
* The cost of production
* The twin governing market forces of supply and demand
* The availability of alternative and less expensive metals
* Condition of the scrap carbide
When it comes to the actual condition of the scrap carbide, those in the business are specifically focusing on the two basic types of scrap carbide. These are:
1. Clean: This is solid carbide and is often such things as drill bits, end mills or reamers
2. Dirty: This is an alloyed and not solid version including saw tips removed from the saw.
The price for clean carbide is at least $.50 a pound more than it is for dirty carbide.
Carbide Scrap Price: The Current Situation
With carbide, scrap prices in this market were relatively high and rising until October 2008. The market then took a dive and the carbide scrap price remained low until it once again began to rise in late 2010 peaking once more in 2012. In 2015, the prices continued to fluctuate. In 2016, prices decreased during the summer but have begun to rise slightly since September
