The jewelry industry presents a unique market for tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide rings, known for their durability and scratch resistance, typically range from $50 to $300, depending on design complexity and brand reputation. This pricing reflects both the material cost and the craftsmanship involved in creating these pieces.

Tungsten carbide, a robust and versatile material, has garnered significant attention in various industries due to its exceptional properties. This article delves into the factors influencing the value of tungsten carbide and provides insights into current market rates for this durable metal. Understanding the worth of tungsten carbide is crucial for manufacturers, investors, and consumers alike.

With Quick Assistant, an operator uses the simple, graphic interface to complete measurement of cylindrical and conical milling cutters and drills in only three steps. First, the tool family is selected, then the tool type, and finally the required measurement parameters.

In keeping with its leading-edge technology strategy, Voisard Tool was one of the first shops in the US to purchase a Walter Helicheck measurement solution. Prior to using Helicheck, the shop used another type of optical tool inspection machine, one that Voisard described as very “operator opinionated.” He said that two operators could inspect the same tool and get two different angle measurements by as much as a half or even three quarters of a degree. Not a good result. The Helicheck solution eliminates operator opinion from the tool measurement process and results in more accurate measurements.

“Before we started using Quick Assistant software, we had to set a program up for every tool that we wanted to check, which meant the entire checking process could take up to 15 minutes, depending on the number of tool attributes,” explained Voisard. “Now, we simply insert the tool into the machine, and in three clicks we reduce the tool measurement setup time by 50–75%. Now, the entire check time for a common end mill only takes approximately four minutes.”

In the industrial sector, tungsten carbide cutting tools and wear-resistant components are priced based on their complexity and size. A standard tungsten carbide insert for metalworking might cost between $10 and $30, while larger, custom-made parts can reach prices in the thousands of dollars.

The value of tungsten carbide fluctuates based on market conditions and the factors mentioned earlier. As of September 2024, the price of tungsten carbide varies depending on its form and grade. Raw tungsten carbide powder typically ranges from $20 to $50 per kilogram, while finished products command higher prices based on their specific applications and quality.

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With the software, operators fully control the machine’s CNC axes electronically on the interface screen during the measurement process. This eliminates the need for manual mechanical movements involving winding a dial or working a joy stick. The software delivers precise, fully automatic and reliable position measurements without operator intervention. Plus, Quick Assistant copies and makes measurement data available that, in turn, make measurement of other identical parts just as fast and efficient.

Voisard Tool carries an extensive line of standard cutting tools and designs and manufactures custom cutting tools, including solid-carbide drills, step drills, reamers, and end mills. The company produces solid-carbide drills and end mills to fill orders that can range from three to 30,000 pieces for customers in the automotive, heating and cooling, orthopedic and other industries. It also manufactures private label tools and performs regrind services for a few of its larger customers.

It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change based on market conditions, supply chain dynamics, and technological advancements in the field of materials science.

“The addition of the second tool measurement system was fantastic,” Voisard said. “Everyone, from the operators in our shop to our customers, wants their tools checked using the machine because they want to make sure their tools are correct. It is so good, in fact, that it has created a huge backlog in our inspection room.”

The automotive industry’s shift towards electric vehicles may impact tungsten carbide pricing. While traditional combustion engines use tungsten carbide in various components, electric vehicles require different materials. This transition could lead to a temporary decrease in demand from the automotive sector, potentially affecting prices.

However, the aerospace and defense industries are likely to maintain strong demand for tungsten carbide. Its unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio makes it invaluable in these high-performance applications, supporting a stable price outlook in these sectors.

It’s worth noting that recycling initiatives have begun to impact the tungsten carbide market. As more efficient recycling methods emerge, the supply of recycled tungsten carbide could potentially influence pricing dynamics in the future.

The future value of tungsten carbide is closely tied to technological advancements and global economic trends. Emerging technologies, such as additive manufacturing and nanotechnology, are expected to open new avenues for tungsten carbide applications, potentially driving up demand and value.

Market demand across various industries also impacts the value of tungsten carbide. Its applications range from cutting tools and mining equipment to aerospace components and jewelry. Fluctuations in demand from these sectors can cause price variations in the tungsten carbide market.

Voisard Tool’s relationship with United Grinding unofficially began in the late 1980s when the shop purchased a used Walter tool-grinding machine. The partnership became official when Doug’s father, Eugene, the second generation to own Voisard Tools, purchased the company’s first new Walter CNC tool-grinding machine. He was so impressed with Walter’s commitment to helping him through the learning curve and introducing the advanced technology into the shop and the progressive nature of United grinding’s new technology that he was always first in line to make a Walter purchase when new machines were introduced. As a result, all 25 of the shop’s tool grinders are Walter machines.

The solution was found in Walter’s Quick Assistant Software, which Voisard first saw at GrindTec 2016 in Germany where United Grinding introduced the innovative tool measuring technology. Quick Assistant Software, which features fully automatic profile detection, measures tools and detects profiles digitally and automatically with a click of a mouse on Walter CNC measuring machines, eliminating complex and time-consuming preparatory work. “I was intrigued, but honestly, I thought it was too good to be true,” admitted Voisard. “None of United Grinding’s competitors were talking about anything like this.”

Additionally, the grade and quality of tungsten carbide significantly influence its worth. Higher grades, characterized by finer grain sizes and improved wear resistance, command premium prices in the market. The following list outlines key factors affecting tungsten carbide pricing :

When a growing backlog in the inspection room began to slow production and delay deliveries, Voisard Tool Service Inc. (Russia, OH), a division of Arch Global Precision, found a solution in a new advanced tool measurement system and software from United Grinding (Miamisburg, OH). Tool inspection times were slashed by more than half and the company’s ability to maintain full-speed production by coordinating every facet of the company’s operations was maintained.

Another crucial element affecting tungsten carbide’s worth is the manufacturing process. The production of this material involves sophisticated techniques, including sintering and hot isostatic pressing. The complexity and precision required in these processes contribute significantly to the final cost.

The addition of the Helicheck Plus with Quick Assistant software has eradicated the inspection room backlog and had a ripple effect throughout the production process. Elimination of long wait times for in-process tool inspection keeps the machines in production. Voisard also credited the new machine and software with faster final inspections as well as with a 10-day overall reduction in delivery times.

At the urging of Stefan Krannitz, product specialist for United Grinding, Voisard made a follow-up trip to United Grinding to see the software again in early 2017. He took several members of his team and a box of tools to be measured. After seeing how convenient and technically smart the software was, Voisard, with the full support of Arch leadership, purchased the Helicheck Plus machine off the showroom floor.

As the market evolves, the value of tungsten carbide is likely to remain robust, supported by its unique properties and diverse applications across multiple industries. Investors and industry stakeholders should closely monitor global economic indicators, technological developments, and regulatory changes to anticipate future price trends in this dynamic market.

Voisard’s parent company, Arch Global Precision, is a consolidated precision machining services company with expertise in manufacturing precision cutting tools and precision-machined components for the medical, aerospace and defense, and general industrial markets.

Final inspection rates vary by customer with some requiring 10% of the tool order to be inspected, while others expect 100% inspection, according to Voisard. This inspection volume added to that of the in-process inspections occurred during each job setup as operators checked and compared tools to a list of required geometries. These two factors combined to overload the Helicheck machine and created the need to relieve the bottleneck.

Environmental regulations and sustainability concerns may also shape the future value of tungsten carbide. As governments worldwide push for more sustainable practices, the tungsten carbide industry may need to adapt, potentially affecting production costs and, consequently, market prices.

Doug Voisard depends on his shop’s partnership with United Grinding and the Walter brand that began more than 30 years ago to help him keep up with continued growth and customer demand. He has already ordered another Helitronic Power grinding machine with a loader, and is adding a third robot. Furthermore, he is thrilled that the Walter brand is now located in United Grinding’s new North American headquarters facility in Miamisburg, OH. The close proximity to his shop will make it even easier to stay current on the newest technology and regularly send the company’s machine operators for training.

The value of tungsten carbide is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Raw material costs play a pivotal role in determining the overall price of this durable metal. Tungsten, the primary component, is sourced from limited geographic locations, making its availability subject to geopolitical factors.

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When Walter came out with the faster, more advanced Helicheck Pro, Voisard Tool added a second one to support and speed operations. The shop uses the system to measure grinding wheels, which speeds setup time by eliminating the need for the operator to measure each wheel on a separate reflecting type machine. The possibility of dust and dirt contamination is eliminated. Now, the system measures each wheel and generates a printout of the accurate measurement, so operators can quickly select the correct wheel.

For its manufacturing, Voisard runs 25 high-precision tool-grinding machines 24 hours a day to keep up with customer demand for standard, special, or re-sharpened solid-carbide tools. The company employs 40 people and operates out of a 25,000 ft2 (2322-m2) facility just across the street from the two-car garage where the grandfather of the company’s current vice president of operations, Doug Voisard, started the shop. “My dad, Eugene, like his father before him, had a great vision and always made sure we had the latest technology, most of which came from United Grinding. It was this technology that put us in a great position to keep up with our customers’ demands,” Doug Voisard explained.

To provide a clearer picture of tungsten carbide pricing across different forms and applications, consider the following table :

Experts predict that the global tungsten carbide market will continue to grow, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.5% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is expected to be driven by :