Metals & Alloys FAQ

Product Selection & Grades

What's the difference between LME Grade A and other copper grades?

LME (London Metal Exchange) Grade A is the international standard for traded copper. It guarantees 99.99% purity, standardized weight (99kg±1kg cathodes), and full traceability. Other grades may have lower purity or custom specifications.

Which stainless steel grades should I use for food contact?

Grade 304 (18/8): Standard food-grade, good corrosion resistance, cost-effective
Grade 316 (16/10+Mo): Superior corrosion resistance, ideal for high-salt or acidic foods
Both are fully FDA-compliant for food contact

What's the minimum purity for industrial metals?

Industrial minimum purity typically 99.5%. High-purity materials (99.9%+) used for electronics, aerospace, and medical applications. Custom purities available per specification.

Sourcing & Supply

Which suppliers do you source from?

Copper: Codelco (Chile), Freeport-McMoRan (USA), Aurubis (Germany)
Aluminum: Norsk Hydro, Alcoa, Pechiney
Stainless Steel: Arcelor-Mittal, China Baowu
Iron Ore: Rio Tinto, BHP, CVRD
All suppliers certified for quality and sustainability

What's the typical delivery time for metals?

Standard: 3-6 weeks (logistics + production)
Spot purchases: 1-2 weeks (available inventory)
Large contracts: Negotiable lead times
All shipments via secure logistics with full tracking

Can you source specialty alloys?

Yes. Titanium, nickel-based alloys, molybdenum, and custom compositions available. Lead time 4-8 weeks depending on requested specification. Full ASTM/EN certification provided.

Quality & Certification

What certifications are provided with metal shipments?

Standard certifications include:
• ASTM (American Society for Testing & Materials)
• EN (European Norms)
• ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
• Mill certificates with full composition analysis
• Traceability documentation
• Testing reports (tensile strength, elongation, hardness)

How do you ensure metal quality?

Quality assurance includes:
• Supplier verification and audits
• Sample testing before delivery
• Third-party lab verification available
• Full documentation and traceability
• Dispute resolution and replacement guarantees

What's the difference between cathode and ingot forms?

Cathodes: Flat, standardized form (99kg), used for melting/refining
Ingots: Varied shapes and sizes (custom weights), ready for direct use
Billets: Pre-shaped for specific applications

Pricing & Economics

How are metal prices determined?

Commodity metals trade on global exchanges (LME, COMEX). Prices fluctuate daily based on supply, demand, and market sentiment. Our pricing includes: • Spot price + premium (typically 3-10% depending on form)
• Logistics and handling
• Certification costs
• Volume discounts for bulk orders

Can you lock prices for future delivery?

Yes. We offer price-fixing options for confirmed orders (typically 30-90 days out). Long-term supply contracts at negotiated premiums available.

What delivery terms do you offer?

EXW (Ex Works): You arrange transport
FOB (Free on Board): We handle loading
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Fully delivered
All terms are negotiable based on order size

Recycled & Sustainable Metals

How are recycled metals different from primary metals?

Recycled metals have 85-95% lower environmental impact (energy and emissions). Purity is as high as primary metals (99.5-99.9%). Typically 10-20% lower cost. Full certification available.

Are recycled metals suitable for food/medical contact?

Yes, with proper certification. Food-grade and medical-grade recycled metals are available with full traceability. All contaminants removed through advanced refining.