What Is HSS Scrap? What Determines Its Value?

High-speed steel (HSS) is the main material of cutting tools such as drills, milling cutters, taps, saws and broaches. End-of-life tools and production residues are recovered as HSS scrap. Its value is determined by the alloying elements it contains.

Grades and alloy content

• M2 (1.3343): ~6% W, 5% Mo, 2% V — the most common grade.
• M35 (1.3243): M2 + ~5% Co.
• M42 (1.3247): ~8% Co, 9.5% Mo — high cobalt content.
• T series (T1, T15): Tungsten-based; W content 12–18%.

The higher the tungsten and cobalt content, the higher the value of the scrap; segregated lots of known grade are therefore priced better than mixed HSS.

Factors that affect the value

1. Composition and grade — tool markings or analysis where possible.
2. Cleanliness — share of foreign material such as oil, coolant, carbide tips, steel shanks.
3. Mix ratio — HSS mixed with carbide, tool steel or stainless lowers the value.
4. Form — whole tools, broken tools, swarf, bars; swarf is evaluated separately.
5. Quantity and continuity — regular monthly volume secures better terms.
6. Logistics — location, packaging and transport cost.
7. Market conditions — tungsten, cobalt and molybdenum prices.

Mixed HSS

Cutting-tool manufacturers and machine shops often accumulate mixed HSS scrap of different grades. This material is valuable too, but as its composition is uncertain it is evaluated by sample analysis. Photos, an estimated mix ratio and any analysis report speed up the evaluation.

How to prepare and ship

Separate by grade and form, collect carbide tips and steel shanks separately where possible, create de-oiled and weighed lots, take photos. Move Metal evaluates according to material details, quantity and location; we do not publish prices, each lot is quoted individually according to composition and the current market.