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 specialized materials have a wide array of industrial applications, from cutting tools and wear-resistant components to advanced electronics and aerospace engineering. As a critical input for numerous manufacturing sectors, the cermet industry plays a vital role in the broader global economy.

Cermets are typically produced through a powder metallurgy process. Raw ceramic and metallic powders are mixed, compacted, and then sintered at high temperatures to fuse the components together. This allows for the creation of materials with tailored properties, combining the hardness and heat resistance of ceramics with the toughness and conductivity of metals. Specialized techniques like hot isostatic pressing may also be employed to enhance the density and performance of cermet products.

The main inputs for the cermet industry include a variety of ceramic powders, such as tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, and silicon carbide, as well as metallic powders like cobalt, nickel, and iron. Specialized machinery for powder mixing, compaction, and sintering is also a critical resource. Additionally, the industry relies on advanced research and development to continually innovate new cermet compositions and production methods.

Cermets produced under HS code 811300 find applications in a wide range of industries. They are commonly used to manufacture cutting tools, wear-resistant components, and abrasive products 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). Cermet materials are also used in the production of 854011 Cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes and other electronic components, as well as specialized aerospace and defense applications.