A busy machine shop can go through a lot of tools in a month’s time. You might have milling, drilling, boring, or CNC machining processes and it’s important to keep your tools sharp and in good condition. Many shops today turn to carbide cutting tools because they last longer, are harder, and are perfect for difficult to machine materials like aluminum and plastic. But what happens when your tools can’t be sharpened anymore? You can toss them or recycle them. Here are some important reasons to recycle.
It’s a Sound Financial Decision
When you throw away old tungsten carbide cutting tools, you are throwing money away. Tungsten is a rare metal, and this makes it expensive. By recycling, you recoup some of the money you spend on tools. No matter how much you get in return for your tungsten, it helps to build your company profits.
It’s a “Green” Choice
Today, most businesses are doing as much as they can about environmental issues. For example, you may have to spend a lot of resources to recycle coolant, but it pays dividends in the future. When you recycle tungsten, you don’t have to spend money on equipment or supplies. In fact, the top tool suppliers have excellent buyback programs.
How Buyback Programs Work
You can recycle many types of carbide cutting tools. For example, your supplier will take tools like inserts, reamers, drills, end mills, and many other tools. You can recycle both solid and carbide tipped tools too. In fact, if you have carbide dust or sludge you can recycle it too.
Talk to Your Carbide Cutting Tools Supplier
Your tool supplier can tell you how to take advantage of their recycling programs. They may also take other kinds of metals too. The world reserves of tungsten are low, and the more you recycle, the more fine tools are available for everyone.
