Japan's Sumitomo Electric offers more low-tungsten tools to cut China reliance

What happened: Sumitomo Electric Industries is broadening its lineup of ultrahard tools with reduced tungsten content, showcasing tools with 80% less tungsten on Oct. 26 at the Japan International Machine Tool Fair. Key numbers: 80% less tungsten content; showcased Oct. 26. Why it matters: Chinese export curbs on tungsten are pushing manufacturers toward alternative materials, and alternative alloys are attracting new interest as prices of the critical metal soar.

Sumitomo Electric Industries is broadening its lineup of ultrahard tools with reduced tungsten content, showcasing tools with 80% less tungsten on Oct. 26 at the Japan International Machine Tool Fair.

Chinese export curbs on tungsten are pushing manufacturers toward alternative materials, and alternative alloys are attracting new interest as prices of the critical metal soar.