Within the metal and steel industries, few themes are more important than quality assurance. There are several important areas here for both manufacturers and buyers, and one of these that’s applicable across numerous types is known as a mill test report.

At Wasatch Steel, we’re happy to provide clients with mill test reports and numerous other documentation methods that ensure the highest quality for all our steel products. What is a mill test report (MTR), why is it important to view in many metal or steel purchase situations, and what are some of the key elements you’ll see on these reports if you request one from a manufacturer? This two-part blog series will dig into these concepts and more.

Why MTRs Matter

Because there are several distinctly different parties involved in metal manufacturing, distribution and sales, the industry as a whole requires a broad set of checks and balances for quality standards. Mill test reports are one such system often used.

Through several areas of standardization and connection, they allow for the production processed to be organized and straightforward. This includes not only manufacturers and distributors, but also customers as well. In many cases, metal manufacturers and related businesses will earn valuable ISO certification based in large part on their adherence to MTR protocols.

Our next several sections will go over the kinds of things you can expect to see on a mill test report.

Basic Description

For starters, the MTR will contain a simple product description that allows the customer a broad overview of their desired product. This will include all the simplest characteristics involved, such as precise dimensions, temper, thickness, hardness, elasticity, finish and any alloys involved in the manufacturing.

In addition, the product description section will allow for any certifications involved. These may include ANSI, ASME and others.

Chemical Analysis

In many metal and steel manufacturing processes, some kind of alloy will be utilized. In such cases, the MTR will go a bit deeper on the alloy being used.

Such alloys may include aluminum, copper, bronze or many others with potential benefits for the primary metal in question. These are often used to add hardness, improve corrosion resistance or otherwise alter the chemical properties of a given metal as it currently sits. The MTR will discuss each individual alloy in detail, ensuring not only that it’s the proper choice for this application, but also that it falls within the proper product specification range as required by the manufacturer.

For more on reading and understanding mill test reports for your metal or steel, or to learn about any of our steel bar, plate, sheet or other steel services, speak to the staff at Wasatch Steel today.