Transparent, competitive pricing based on current tungsten market conditions. Updated regularly to reflect real-time commodity values.
These are the key factors that determine how much your material is worth — and how to get the best price.
Carbide grades with higher tungsten carbide content (C1-C4 straight grades) are worth more than mixed or lower-grade compositions. Knowing your grade — such as C2, K10, or a manufacturer-specific designation — helps us provide the most accurate quote immediately.
Clean, sorted material in good condition commands the highest prices. Contamination with steel, coolant, or foreign materials reduces value. Solid tools are worth more than ground sludge or swarf due to the higher concentration of recoverable carbide.
Larger lots qualify for premium pricing because they reduce per-unit processing costs. While we accept any quantity with no minimums, shipments over 100 lbs often receive a price bump. Full plant liquidations and bulk lots are priced at the top of our range.
Carbide tooling prices are directly tied to the global tungsten market, which fluctuates based on supply, demand, and geopolitical factors. We update our pricing regularly to ensure you always receive a fair offer based on real-time commodity values.
Carbide tooling uses cobalt as a binder — typically between 6% and 12%. Higher cobalt grades (common in milling and heavy-duty applications) can influence pricing. Cobalt is a valuable commodity on its own, and its market price contributes to the overall value of your material.
Tungsten prices have seen sustained upward pressure heading into 2026, driven by tightening supply from major producing nations and increasing demand from the aerospace, defense, and semiconductor manufacturing sectors. Export restrictions from key suppliers have reduced the availability of raw tungsten concentrates on the global market, pushing processors to rely more heavily on secondary (recycled) sources.
For sellers, this environment is favorable. Recycled tungsten carbide now accounts for a growing share of total tungsten supply, and processors are competing aggressively for quality feedstock. This is reflected in stronger carbide pricing across all grades. If you have been stockpiling carbide tooling or tungsten materials, current market conditions make this an excellent time to sell.
At AeroCore, we maintain direct relationships with domestic and international processors, allowing us to offer pricing that reflects the true market value of your material — not a discounted middleman rate.
A transparent evaluation process so you know exactly how your quote is calculated.
Step 1 — Initial Assessment: When you contact us with photos and an estimated weight, our team identifies the material type, probable grade, and condition. For common materials like solid carbide end mills or standard inserts, we can often provide a firm quote immediately.
Step 2 — Market Reference: We cross-reference your material against current commodity prices for tungsten (APT), cobalt, nickel, and other relevant metals. Our pricing is tied directly to these real-time indices, not arbitrary internal benchmarks.
Step 3 — Quantity & Logistics: Larger lots benefit from economies of scale in processing and shipping, which we pass on to you as higher per-pound pricing. We factor in logistics to ensure you net the most value after any shipping costs.
Step 4 — Final Verification: Upon receiving your material, we verify weight, composition, and condition. If the material matches the initial assessment, you receive the quoted price. If we find the material is actually higher grade than expected, we adjust your payment upward. We never adjust downward without contacting you first and explaining why.
Send us details about your material and receive a competitive offer within 24 hours. No minimums, no obligation.