Steel (Heavy Insize)
High-density steel scrap, typically from demolition or industrial sources, that fits within specific size constraints for efficient furnace charging. It’s a primary component in electric arc furnaces (EAFs).
Typical Applications:
- Construction
- Heavy Machinery
- Automotive parts
Purity Considerations:
Generally high purity, but contamination with non-ferrous metals or excessive rust can reduce value.
Market Relevance:
Crucial for steel production, a cornerstone of modern infrastructure.
Steel (Oversize)
Steel scrap that exceeds the standard dimensions for direct furnace charging. Requires pre-processing (shearing or torching) before it can be recycled.
Typical Applications:
- Large structural components
- Industrial equipment
- Shipbreaking
Purity Considerations:
Similar to heavy insize, but requires more processing due to size.
Market Relevance:
Important source of steel, but incurs higher handling and processing costs.
Steel (Cars / Shredded)
Scrap derived from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) that has been shredded into smaller, manageable pieces. It’s a mix of ferrous metals, with some non-ferrous and non-metallic contaminants.
Typical Applications:
- New steel production
- Foundries
Purity Considerations:
Lower purity than heavy insize due to mixed composition; requires further separation (e.g., magnetic separation, eddy current separation).
Market Relevance:
Major volume of scrap, vital for automotive recycling and circular economy goals.
Cast Iron
A ferrous alloy with a high carbon content, making it brittle but excellent for casting. Common sources include old machinery, pipes, and engine blocks.
Typical Applications:
- Engine blocks
- Pipes
- Fittings
- Cookware
Purity Considerations:
Relatively high purity for casting applications; needs to be free from non-metallic attachments.
Market Relevance:
Valuable for specific casting applications where its properties are desired.