Alternatives for Nail Drill Bits After Tungsten Price Increase

Tungsten powder prices surged from 800,000 yuan/ton to over 900,000 yuan/ton in a very short period (10 days), an increase of 12.5%, and are currently approaching the key psychological threshold of 1 million yuan/ton. This strong price increase cannot be explained solely by traditional supply and demand relationships; it is mainly driven by a combination of factors: In major producing areas, policy-driven and seasonal production cuts and reluctance to sell, the strategic premium of tungsten, speculative capital inflows, large enterprises raising long-term contract prices, and year-end stockpiling expectations have all contributed to the bullish market sentiment.

With rising prices of tungsten carbide raw materials, the price of tungsten carbide grinding heads on the market will also increase significantly. In this section, I will introduce several other grinding head materials to help you replace tungsten carbide grinding heads.

Ceramic Bits

Ceramic bits are a common type of nail polishing tool, made from materials such as alumina, silica, and zirconium oxide.

Compared to other bits, the biggest advantage of ceramic bits is their versatility in shape, making them suitable for various nail surfaces. They offer better polishing performance than metal bits, resulting in a smoother surface. Furthermore, due to their material properties, ceramic bits have better heat dissipation, generating less heat during polishing. High-quality ceramic bits, due to their high density, are less susceptible to bacterial invasion. They are easy to clean and disinfect, and can be sterilized directly with medical alcohol. Our company currently sells white, yellow, blue, pink, and black colors.

However, if the density of the ceramic bits is too high, the teeth are prone to chipping.

Diamond Bits 

Diamond Bits are a type of nail abrasive, primarily used for treating nails and surrounding skin during nail art procedures. They remove buildup through a scraping motion, but generate more dust and heat compared to other bits.

Diamond Bits are mainly used in the nail industry for pre-treatment. Our newly launched dual-ring Diamond Bits offer higher abrasive power, but still fall short of Carbide Bits in some aspects.

Sanding Bands 

Nail sanding bands originate from industrial sanding rings and are used with a spindle for polishing and shaping the nail surface. They are generally used for buffing and are commonly available in grits such as 60/80/100/120/150/180/240. The price is significantly lower than Carbide Bits, but sanding bands cannot be sterilized and need to be replaced after each service. Sanding bands are cylindrical, and many customers report difficulty in precise application when using them on small nail surfaces. Although we offer smaller mini sanding bands, they cannot completely replace Carbide Bits.

Buffer Band

Buffer band is a ring-shaped filing tool made of a high-density sponge matrix with ultra-fine abrasive particles. It boasts superior shaping capabilities, efficiently removing debris during use, while the sponge itself acts like a natural "airbag." It effectively absorbs accidental pressure from unsteady hands, preventing over-buffing or "deburring," making it far safer than ordinary sanding belts, especially when trimming natural nails, performing cuticle care, and surface polishing.

By changing the polishing band to different grits (120/180/240), a single filer can perform multiple tasks. While polishing bands may seem like a small accessory in the nail industry, their improvements in safety, efficiency, and final results are revolutionary.