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Following are the different types of tool scrap that are available in the market.
This tool scrap refers to waste from disused or broken electric tools. These tools can be anything from electric drills, saws, or lathes and are commonly made up of metallic and electric parts. These parts may also be recycled to obtain metal components as well as plastic and electronic items.
Cemented carbide is also known as hard metal. It is a composite material that is made of tungsten carbide grains bonded together by a metal matrix. This matrix is usually made of cobalt, but sometimes nickel or alloying metals might be used instead. Carbide tools include cutting tools, drilling tools, mining tools, metal forming tools, and wear parts.
Carbide tool scrap is valuable because it can be recycled to recover the tungsten carbide. And as mentioned earlier, tungsten carbide is used to produce new cemented carbide tools. This makes it an economical and environmental-friendly option for manufacturers.
Steel tool scrap is leftover or unusable fragments of steelworking tools. These tools can no longer be used for cutting, shaping, or machining. They are sourced from old or worn-out tools. Steel tool scrap tends to have low or no resale value as compared to other varieties. This is because it often has a damaged or has been worn out beyond repair. However, it can still be reused in some way, recycled to obtain new steel products.
HSS stands for High-Speed Steel. It is a category of tool steel alloy. It is produced using tungsten and cobalt alloys. It is an ideal material for making tools that are used in metalworking and machining. High-speed steel tools are known for their edge retention, resistance to wear, and ability to withstand heat.
In the context of industrial HSS tools, scrap residue refers to the leftover material after these tools have completed their useful life. This residue tends to be accumulated in small amounts from production processes, tool grinding, or tool repair. While this residue may seem inconsequential, it can accumulate over time and lead to substantial quantities of valuable materials.
Also, high-speed steel is a costly material to acquire. This makes recycling tool scrap residue essential not only for economic reasons but also for sustainability. This is because it reduces the need to mine and manufacture virgin HSS materials.
Below are the materials and compositions of hardware scrap tools.
Cemented carbide scrap consists of tungsten carbide materials which are primarily present in spent cutting tools. This includes carbide inserts, end mills, turning bars, and other tooling components. Tungsten is usually extracted via thermochemical decomposition processes such as chlorination, oxyhydrogenation, and sulfuric acid decomposition.
Cobalt is the second most critical metal sourced from used hand tools and carbide scrap. It is often present in the form of the carbide binder within cemented carbide-TCWC or cobalt coated. TCWC refers to tungsten carbide with cobalt. The amount of cobalt available can depend on the tool type as well as the wear level. Spent carbide tools with higher cobalt content can have higher cobalt concentration levels in the scrap.
Copper and brass scraps come from copper and -based tools and components like pneumatic hoppers, drills, motors, and hand tools. Both materials are frequently found in pneumatic and hydraulic tools. These include repairable components, rotors, and regulators. In addition, copper and brass are also found in electrical components like copper coils in electric hand tools and drills. It can also be found in the construction of electric tools.
Other materials that can be found in tool scraps are stainless steel and mild steel. Stainless steel is usually sourced from spent air tools, which is also known as pneumatic tools, and battery-powered tools. Mild steel is mostly retrieved from ferrous components in the tools. Stainless steel and mild steel are both ideal for recycling.
Last but not least, aluminum can also be found in pneumatic or battery-operated tools. This is usually in the form of aluminum housings, gears, and other parts.
Here are the commercial uses of tools scrap.
Once scrap tools reach the end of their lifespan, they are commonly recycled. Scrap metal dealers extract usable metals like steel, copper, aluminum, and brass from the tools. These metals are then used to manufacture new products. The use of recycled metal reduces the demand for virgin ore extraction. Furthermore, it lowers the overall energy consumption involved in metal refining. This makes it a sustainable option for production.
Some tools can still be easily refurbished. This can be done by replacing worn-out parts, cleaning, and repairing the tools to restore functionality. Refurbished tools cost lower than new ones. This makes them ideal for businesses and customers looking for cost-effective solutions. Moreover, refurbishing extends the life of the tools and reduces the waste amount ending up in landfills.
There is a resale market for used tools in a good working condition. This allows people to purchase affordable tools. This also helps minimize the demand for new manufacturing.
In some cases, specific components can be salvaged from scrap tools for commercial use. For instance, cutting blades from worn-out drills can still be used in specialized applications. Other components like gears, bearings, and chucks can also be extracted. They can either be used in other tools or in machinery.
Tool scraps can also be repurposed creatively by individuals or businesses for art projects. This includes sculptures, furniture, and home decor. Some schools and community organizations might use tool scraps for art or DIY projects. This encourages creativity and raises awareness about recycling.
Here are some strategies that could be used by buyers to choose usable tool scraps.
Buyers should consider the material that the tool scraps are made of. Those that are made of high-quality metal materials, such as high carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, or tungsten carbide should be prioritized. These materials are hard and wear-resistant. This makes them ideal for recycling or repurposing into new tools.
Although scrap tools are used, buyers should look for those that are still in relatively good conditions. Tools with damaged cutting edges may be a sign that they have worn excessive use. Tools that are heavily rusted or corroded should also be avoided as they can sometimes compromise the structural integrity of the metal.
Buyers should obtain as much information as possible regarding the usage history of the scrap tools. Tools that have been used for light applications are likely in better conditions than those that have been used for heavy-duty tasks.
It is common for old tools to come in different types and material compositions. Buyers should ensure that the tools they purchase are properly sorted according to their type and material composition. This is because sorted tools are easier to recycle. Moreover, mining companies often require specific types of scrap tools.
In the case of purchasing used power tools in bulk, buyers should select vendors with a history of offering quality service. Buyers should also conduct firsthand research to identify user reviews and testimonials. These reviews often provide insight into the vendor's material quality, customer service, and tool condition.
Buyers who are intending to resell the tool themselves should consider the repairability of the tools. Those that can be easily repaired or refurbished should be prioritized. This is because they will be able to offer them to other buyers who are looking for affordable options that will still serve the intended use.
Cutting tools are the biggest source of scrap tool residues. This includes drills, inserts, end mills, and lathe tooling. This is because most of these tools are made of high-speed steel which is a valuable material for recycling.
The short answer is yes. Recycling tool scraps helps divert waste from landfills to be used to produce new tools. This not only decreases waste but also lowers the need to mine and manufacture virgin materials. It reduces resource depletion and related environmental impacts.
There are some preventive measures that can be undertaken. These include practicing lean manufacturing techniques, optimizing machining processes, and using tooling with longer lifespans. All of these can reduce scrap residue.
The main economic benefit of reducing tool scrap residues is that it minimizes disposal costs. Furthermore, recycling can yield valuable materials that can be reused. This can reduce the purchase costs of raw materials. In addition, reducing scrap can improve operational efficiencies. This can lower overall production costs.