Cermets; articles thereof, including waste and scrap

hs code 811300 covers a diverse range of materials known as cermets, which are composite materials composed of ceramic and metallic components. These materials are highly valued for their unique properties, such as high hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability, making them essential in a wide range of industrial applications. The cermet industry plays a crucial role in the broader manufacturing and engineering sectors, contributing to the development of advanced technologies and the production of high-performance components.

The production of cermets typically involves a powder metallurgy process, where ceramic and metallic powders are mixed, compacted, and then sintered at high temperatures. This process allows for the creation of a homogeneous material with a controlled microstructure, tailored to meet specific performance requirements. Depending on the desired properties, different ceramic and metallic components may be combined, and various processing techniques, such as hot isostatic pressing or spark plasma sintering, may be employed.

The main inputs required for the cermet industry include ceramic powders (such as carbides, nitrides, or oxides) and metallic powders (often based on cobalt, nickel, or iron). Additionally, specialized machinery and equipment, such as powder mixing and compaction systems, as well as high-temperature sintering furnaces, are essential for the production of cermets. The availability and quality of these raw materials and production equipment are critical factors in the success of the cermet industry.

Cermets produced under hs code 811300 have a wide range of applications, including cutting tools, wear-resistant components, thermal barrier coatings, and various industrial parts. These materials are often used in 820720 (Interchangeable tools for hand tools, whether or not power-operated, or for machine-tools (for example, for pressing, stamping, punching, tapping, threading, drilling, boring, broaching, milling, turning or screwdriving), including dies for drawing or extruding metal, and rock drilling or earth boring tools), 848620 Machines and apparatus for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuits, and 848640 Machines and apparatus for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuits, among other industries that require high-performance, durable materials.