small TC blanks

[goowls]

I posted this yesterday on the General Metalworking board, and it was proposed that I try placing it here.

I am in the process of locating sources for tungsten carbide cylindrical blanks, 1.6mm OD by 19mm OAL. So far I've heard from only 4 or 5 suppliers who claim to even have the ability to produce to this size, and only one so far has given me a bulk price ($.98 per blank) that I'm close to comfortable with.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to enhance my search? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[miljnor]

I have never bought carbide blanks, so take this with a grain of salt.

I have heard that there arn't very many carbide blank manufactures world wide. There are probably more than 4 or 5 but I wouldn't be supprised if you don't find many more in the US (if your in the US).

[nurbs32]

my 2 cents

.98 per blank is not bad.

i pay about $12 for a 12 inch piece of 1/16 ground carbide stock. for a wire edm job i do.

[goowls]

My main objective is to keep it under a dollar, so that one was not bad news. But the other quotes I've received have been from $3-$5 per blank, which definetely won't work.

[MBG]

I would like to be up for this challenge