What Is The Price Of Calcium Carbide Today?

Current Market Price Ranges for CaC₂ Used in Metallurgy & Related Industries

Calcium carbide prices vary widely by region, quality, and quantity, generally ranging from $300-$1000+ per metric ton for bulk industrial use, with China often seeing lower prices (around $370-$430/ton) while the US and Europe can be significantly higher (over $1200/ton) due to demand, feedstock, and energy costs, with small lab quantities much pricier per gram. Expect prices in the range of $0.40 - $1.00 per kg for large orders, but much more for small packs.

The price of calcium carbide (chemical formula CaC₂) varies by region, purity, granule size, order volume, and raw material/energy costs. As of mid‑2024, typical prices are:

Product Form	Purity (Typical)	Granule Size	Price Range (USD / Metric Ton)	Remarks
Industrial grade lump	80–85% CaC₂	15–50 mm	450–650	Common for steel desulfurization, metal cutting
High purity lump	90–95% CaC₂	15–50 mm	600–850	Used where lower impurities are critical
Granules / Briquettes	80–90% CaC₂	2–10 mm	500–750	Easier handling, less dust in furnace charging
Powder	80–90% CaC₂	<2 mm	550–800	Fast reaction, used in specialized processes

What factors influence the price of calcium carbide?

Raw materials: Coke and lime costs directly affect production cost.

Electricity prices: CaC₂ is produced in electric arc furnaces; energy-intensive process.

Transportation & logistics: Remote buyers pay more due to freight and import duties.

Purity & sizing: Higher purity and custom granule sizes increase price.

Supply–demand balance: Strong demand in acetylene production, steel desulfurization, and mining sectors pushes prices up.

Market Trend: Prices have shown moderate volatility (2023–2024) - rising during energy cost spikes and falling when coke/lime prices drop.

What Is Calcium Carbide Used for in the Metallurgical Industry?

Core Applications in Steelmaking, Foundry, and Metal Treatment

Application	Function	Benefit
Desulfurization of molten iron/steel	Reacts with sulfur to form CaS	Lowers S content, improves steel quality
Carbothermic reduction processes	Source of carbon in some ferroalloy productions	Supplies C for reduction of metal oxides
Metal cutting & welding	Generates acetylene gas (via reaction with water) for oxy‑acetylene torches	High-temperature flame for cutting thick metal sections
Deoxidization aid	Provides carbon and calcium for combined deoxidation	Enhances cleanliness of steel
Precipitated graphite in cast iron	In special processes, contributes to graphite nucleation	Controls graphite morphology

What Are the Main Properties of Calcium Carbide for Metallurgical Use?

Characteristics That Influence Performance & Pricing

Property	Typical Range / Description	Metallurgical Relevance
Chemical composition	CaC₂: 80–95% (rest CaO, C, impurities)	Determines reactivity with S, O, and other elements
Melting point	Decomposes ~447 °C (releases acetylene)	Must be handled carefully to avoid unintended gas release
Density	~2.22 g/cm³	Influences feeding and reaction rate in furnace
Particle size	Lump (15–50 mm), granules, powder	Smaller sizes react faster but increase dust hazard
Hygroscopy	Reacts with moisture to produce acetylene gas	Requires dry storage and transport

What Should Be Considered When Purchasing Calcium Carbide for Metallurgy?

Key Factors for Quality, Safety, and Cost Efficiency

Check purity & composition via supplier's Certificate of Analysis (CoA) - critical for consistent metallurgical results.

Select appropriate granule size for your process: lump for furnace charges, granules for controlled feeding, powder for rapid reaction.

Ensure dry packaging (airtight steel drums or sealed bags) to prevent moisture contact and acetylene formation.

Assess safety protocols: CaC₂ reacts violently with water - proper PPE and storage required.

Compare total landed cost (FOB price + freight + duties) rather than just unit price.

Choose reputable suppliers with experience in metallurgical-grade CaC₂ to guarantee batch consistency.

Summary Table

Question	Answer
What is the price of calcium carbide?	450–850/MT depending on purity, form, and region; high‑purity and powder forms cost more.
What is it used for in metallurgy?	Desulfurization, carbothermic reduction aid, metal cutting (via acetylene), deoxidization, graphite control in cast iron.
What are its key properties?	CaC₂ 80–95%, decomposes ~447 °C, reacts with moisture to form acetylene, variable granule size.
What to consider when purchasing?	Verify purity, select proper size, ensure dry storage, follow safety rules, compare total cost, choose reliable supplier.

Visit https://www.metal-alloy.com/ to learn more about the product. If you would like to learn more about the product price or are interested in purchasing, please email market@zanewmetal.com. We will get back to you as soon as we see your message.

Get a Quote Today

Iron Silicon Alloy With 75 Silicon Silver Grey Powder For High Strength Alloy Steel Making

🏭 Why Choose ZhenAn?

We understand the common pain points in Ferro Silicon sourcing today:
•High local cost and unstable supply
•Long lead times affecting project schedules
•Incomplete product ranges
•Slow communication and lack of follow-up

We Help Solve These Problems With:
✅ Large stock ready for fast delivery
✅ One-stop sourcing for Ferro Silicon, silicon metal, Silicon Metal Powder , and more
✅ Strict quality control with international standards
✅ Experienced sales team with fast response and clear communication

We'd love to learn more about your needs and offer you competitive prices and efficient service.

one-stop solution

professional team

high quality

What Is The Price Of Calcium Carbide Today?