## Common ground
All options refer to tungsten carbide in various forms used primarily in industrial cutting, drilling, or wear-resistant applications.
## Options at a glance
**2849.90 – Unmixed powder**
- **Defining trait:** Pure tungsten carbide in powdered form, not combined with other materials.
- **Typical examples:** Raw powder for sintering, additive manufacturing feedstock.
- **Best fit when:** You're sourcing raw material for further processing or manufacturing.
**3824.30 – Non-agglomerated mixed powder**
- **Defining trait:** Tungsten carbide mixed with metallic binders (like cobalt) but not yet sintered or agglomerated.
- **Typical examples:** Pre-mixed powders for pressing into tools, metal injection molding feedstock.
- **Best fit when:** You need a ready-to-process mixture for forming parts without further blending.
**8209.00 – Sintered plates/sticks/tips (unmounted)**
- **Defining trait:** Finished, sintered shapes used as tool components but not yet mounted on tools.
- **Typical examples:** Cutting tips for machining, drill bits, wear-resistant inserts.
- **Best fit when:** You need ready-to-use tool elements for assembly or direct application.
**8209.00 – Inserts and blanks (sintered)**
- **Defining trait:** Pre-shaped, sintered components designed to be mounted on tools (e.g., lathe inserts).
- **Typical examples:** CNC insert tips, turning tool inserts, milling cutter blanks.
- **Best fit when:** You're equipping machine tools with replaceable cutting elements.
## Key differences
| Feature | 2849.90 (Powder) | 3824.30 (Mixed powder) | 8209.00 (Plates/sticks) | 8209.00 (Inserts/blanks) |
|-----------------------|------------------|------------------------|--------------------------|----------------------------|
| Form | Raw powder | Mixed powder | Sintered shapes | Sintered, mountable parts |
| Processing stage | Raw material | Pre-mixed | Semi-finished | Finished, ready to use |
| Mounting required | No (raw) | No | Yes | Yes |
## How to choose
- Is it a raw powder with no additives? → 2849.90
- Is it mixed with metal binder but not sintered? → 3824.30
- Is it a solid shape (plate, tip) for mounting later? → 8209.00 (plates/sticks)
- Is it designed as a replaceable insert for machine tools? → 8209.00 (inserts/blanks)
## Overlaps & pitfalls
The two 8209.00 entries overlap significantly—both describe sintered tungsten carbide tool components. The distinction is subtle: "plates, sticks, tips" implies basic shapes for mounting, while "inserts and blanks" suggests standardized, replaceable cutting elements. If unsure, prioritize **function**: use “inserts/blanks” if intended for CNC or machining tools; use “plates/sticks” for general wear parts. Do not assume one is more advanced—context determines fit