Heavy melting steel


Heavy melting steel or heavy melting scrap is a designation for recyclable steel and wrought iron. It is broken up into two major categories: HMS 1 and HMS 2, where HMS 1 does not contain galvanized and blackened steel, whereas HMS 2 does. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries breaks up the categories further:
  • ISRI 200 : Wrought iron or steel scrap and larger in thickness. All pieces must be smaller than
  • ISRI 201 : Same as ISRI 200 except pieces must be smaller than.
  • ISRI 202 : Same as ISRI 200 except pieces must be smaller than.
  • ISRI 203 : Wrought iron or steel scrap, black and galvanized, and larger in thickness.
  • ISRI 204 : Same as ISRI 203 except pieces must be smaller than.
  • ISRI 205 : Same as ISRI 204 except it may contain automotive scrap except for thin gauge material.
  • ISRI 206 : Same as ISRI 205 except pieces must be smaller than.
HMS 1 and 2 are widely traded, particularly in the western hemisphere.
Both HMS 1 and 2 comprise obsolete scrap only - iron and steel recovered from items demolished or dismantled at the end of their life.
HMS 1 is the term for heavier scrap which has a density of at least 0.7 tons per cubic meter, whereas HMS 2 would be lighter steel scrap
Because both grades guarantee a minimum piece thickness – at least for HMS 1, and for HMS 2 – consignments have a high density. Both also have defined maximum dimensions, and should be prepared to facilitate handling and charging to a furnace.
This density, sizing and preparation makes for efficient furnace operation by minimising the time to charge enough scrap for a full melt. In contrast, thin mixed scrap greatly increases charging time, cutting furnace productivity.
Variations on maximum piece size are covered by ISRI codes. HMS is usually traded as a blend of 1 and 2, either a premium blend or lower grade mixes and. Other major heavy scrap grades include Japan’s H2 and A3 from the CIS.