How to Determine If Tungsten Carbide Contains Cobalt

Tungsten carbide is a common term used when discussing jewelry. However, tungsten carbide is used in a wide range of manufacturing processes. In many cases, tungsten carbide contains cobalt. Cobalt contains nickel and chromium. These chemicals can increases the chances of severe asthma and "hard metal lung" disease.
The average employee working with tungsten carbide does not have access to the testing equipment necessary to test for cobalt. However, thanks to government regulations, there is one way you can determine of the tungsten carbide you work with has cobalt in it.

Instructions

1
Locate the packaging for all tools that use hardened metal tips such as end-mills, drill bits, cutters and saw blades.

2
Read the labels on the packaging. If the packaging indicates the tips of these tools are hardened carbide, they have cobalt mixed in with the alloy. As you use these tools, they wear down and create dust contaminated with cobalt.

3
Locate the packaging for any tungsten carbide raw materials. All raw materials have a "material safety data sheet." The MSDS must indicate all of the ingredients used in the manufacturer of the raw materials. If the carbide has cobalt in it, it is listed on the MSDS.

Tungsten Carbide Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-carbide.com.cn
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
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