Alternative alloys attract new interest as prices of critical metal soar Sumitomo Electric Industries showcased tools with 80% less tungsten content on Oct.
Alternative alloys attract new interest as prices of critical metal soar Sumitomo Electric Industries showcased tools with 80% less tungsten content on Oct. 26 at the Japan International Machine Tool Fair. (Photo by Yuzuki Kohara) TOKYO -- Japan's Sumitomo Electric Industries is broadening its lineup of ultrahard tools with reduced tungsten content as Chinese export curbs on the critical metal push manufacturers toward alternative materials.