As China's export restrictions make tungsten harder to secure, tools using alternative materials are becoming more widely available. Sumitomo Electric Industries will expand its range of tools using 80% less tungsten by 30%.
Expectations are growing that China's export restrictions will make it more difficult to secure tungsten, a rare metal. Cemented carbide tools made primarily from tungsten are used to process automobile and aircraft parts and serve to cut hard materials.
Sumitomo Electric Industries announced that it will expand its range of tools using 80% less tungsten by 30%. The company appears to be seeking to increase its product lineup while responding to changes in demand.
Development is also progressing on tools using alternative materials to tungsten, with technological advances aimed at improving functions such as resistance to chipping. The impact of China's export restrictions is accelerating the review of material compositions in the tooling market.
The article focuses on difficulties in procuring tungsten and the expansion of new materials and technologies in response, while also reporting related news about new equipment and products from other companies.