Construction on Chatham Wolfspeed plant humming along as final steel beam

ANT Industries, a leading manufacturer of aero engine and gas turbine components in Atherstone, Warwickshire, has announced a significant milestone in its commitment to quality and excellence.

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.

The benefits of ceramic over carbide inserts are the greater heat resistance of ceramic which allows cutting speeds up to 20 times higher than could be achieved previously, with surface speeds up to 1,000m/min possible. While carbide inserts remain as the cutting material of choice for finish machining these materials the development of ceramic insert technology is highly cost-effective for ‘rough’ machining due to the significant cycle time reductions brought about by elevated cutting data.

The benefits of ceramic over carbide inserts are the greater heat resistance of ceramic which allows cutting speeds up to 20 times higher than could be achieved previously, with surface speeds up to 1,000m/min possible. While carbide inserts remain as the cutting material of choice for finish machining these materials the development of ceramic insert technology is highly cost-effective for ‘rough’ machining due to the significant cycle time reductions brought about by elevated cutting data. Team Cutting Tools has two new ceramic grades for this purpose, these being the Silicon Nitride (SiAlON) based CTIS710 and CTKS710 a whisker reinforced ceramic, which benefits from greater toughness than the Silicon Nitride based inserts. These newly developed grades as well as delivering high surface speed also provide extended tool life, for example machining a turbine blade from Nimonic 80A at 1,000m/min speed and a feed per tooth of 0.1mm with a 3mm depth of cut using a CTIS710 insert, tool life was 50 per cent greater than the customer had experienced with its existing ceramic inserts. To complement the new inserts Ceratizit has developed the MaxiMill 261 series of milling cutter bodies. Available with either a positive or negative approach angle the cutter bodies, with the positive cutter bodies capable of supporting helical plunge and ramping machining operations. Swarf removal and cooling is enhanced by the design of the tempered steel clamping claw, which directs the compressed air directly to the cutting edge. “With the demands of the aerospace sector and their use of HRSA growing, the challenge to provide ever more efficient and cost-effective metal cutting solutions is vitally important. Therefore, the development work the Ceratizit Group is undertaking and the delivery of that technology by engineers within Team Cutting Tools is playing an important role in keeping cycle times to a minimum and delivering productivity gains to our customers,” said Tony Pennington, managing director, Ceratizit UK & Ireland. www.ceratizit.com

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.

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.

To complement the new inserts Ceratizit has developed the MaxiMill 261 series of milling cutter bodies. Available with either a positive or negative approach angle the cutter bodies, with the positive cutter bodies capable of supporting helical plunge and ramping machining operations. Swarf removal and cooling is enhanced by the design of the tempered steel clamping claw, which directs the compressed air directly to the cutting edge.

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.

Tooling manufacturer, Horn has introduced a new carbide insert grade, SG66, for turning components from steel that has been case hardened to 58 HRC.

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.

Walter has now launched its new X·treme Evo Plus drill from the DC180 Supreme product family that is now available up to 8XD for the first time.

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.

Connect with the manufacturing community and supply-chain across 3 days at the UK’s leading annual industrial event.

“With the demands of the aerospace sector and their use of HRSA growing, the challenge to provide ever more efficient and cost-effective metal cutting solutions is vitally important. Therefore, the development work the Ceratizit Group is undertaking and the delivery of that technology by engineers within Team Cutting Tools is playing an important role in keeping cycle times to a minimum and delivering productivity gains to our customers,” said Tony Pennington, managing director, Ceratizit UK & Ireland.

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 :

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 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.

Team Cutting Tools has two new ceramic grades for this purpose, these being the Silicon Nitride (SiAlON) based CTIS710 and CTKS710 a whisker reinforced ceramic, which benefits from greater toughness than the Silicon Nitride based inserts. These newly developed grades as well as delivering high surface speed also provide extended tool life, for example machining a turbine blade from Nimonic 80A at 1,000m/min speed and a feed per tooth of 0.1mm with a 3mm depth of cut using a CTIS710 insert, tool life was 50 per cent greater than the customer had experienced with its existing ceramic inserts.

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.

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.

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 :

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

The NeoMill-Alu-QBig indexable insert milling cutter from Mapal stands for top performance in high-volume milling of aluminium. The tool manufacturer thus offers a very economical solution for use on high-performance machines, such as those found primarily in the aerospace industry.

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.

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.

If you find this article informative, consider subscribing digitally to Aerospace Manufacturing for free. Keep up to date with the latest industry news in your inbox as well as being the first to receive our magazine in digital form.

Sheffield Business Park Europa Link S9 1XU UNITED KINGDOM

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.

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.