Recovering tungsten from recycled cemented carbide tools
Sorting mixed carbide scrap by composition is costly with conventional methods. KOERZIMAT HCJ/MS enables fast, magnetic material classification.
The challenge
Cemented carbide tools contain up to 90% tungsten, a critical raw material with limited global availability. After use, these tools enter the scrap stream, where different carbide grades and foreign materials are mixed. Efficient recycling requires reliable separation by composition and grain size, yet conventional methods such as density measurement or chemical analysis are either insufficient or too costly.
The solution
Magnetic material characterization provides a fast and economical alternative. The KOERZIMAT HCJ measures coercivity to assess tungsten carbide grain size, while the KOERZIMAT MS determines saturation polarization to evaluate the ratio of tungsten carbide to cobalt or nickel binder. Both systems enable rapid, geometry-independent testing and can be integrated into automated sorting processes.
The result
Carbide scrap can be classified precisely according to microstructure and composition before recycling. This ensures optimal preparation for zinc treatment and energy-efficient tungsten recovery. The magnetic method reduces analysis time and cost while supporting sustainable resource management and stable raw material supply.
The products
Magnetic measurements
KOERZIMAT 1.097 HCJ/J-H
