Stainless steel scrap metal is one of the top scrap metal types found in multiple sources like medical equipment and household appliances. It has high value than regular steel scrap. The different elements in stainless steel scrap make it highly valuable. Stainless steel scrap is available in multiple types, and this guide will help you understand these types.
Stainless steel scrap types
Stainless steel available from metal scrap suppliers consists of multiple elements like chromium, nickel, and iron in different proportions. Due to the nickel content, stainless steel scrap metal has more value. Stainless steel scrap is mainly available in the following two types:
- 303 or 304 stainless steel scrap
It the among the most available stainless steel scrap metal and constitutes 90 to 95 percent of the metal scrap found daily. Both types of stainless steel grades have a similar rate of steel scrap in India and almost contain a similar percentage of metals like chromium and less nickel content. This stainless steel scrap is available as household gadgets like grills, ovens, kitchen tools, coffee makers, and refrigerators.
- 316 stainless steel scrap
316 stainless steel scrap price in India is higher than stainless steel grades 303 or 304 as it contains high nickel content. It is usually found in medical equipment due to its anti-corrosive nature, hygiene, and longer lifespan. This scrap metal is rarely found in household gadgets. This metal scrap is mainly found in the aviation and marine industries due to its high-temperature resistance and durability.
- 400 Stainless steel scrap
SS 400 stainless steel grade is found in medical equipment (surgical grade). It contains low nickel content than 300 SS scrap or SS scrap 304.
Is stainless steel recyclable?
Stainless steel scrap metal has 100 percent recyclability. However, one must note that not all household items are stainless steel due to their high iron content. Thus, these metals are often classified as iron scrap.
For some gadgets, not all parts are made of stainless steel and consist of other metals. One can get 316 stainless steel scrap prices in India just for the SS parts instead of the entire gadget. For instance, not all parts of the refrigerator are made of stainless steel rather than the doors. It also consists of iron and other elements.
Understanding the type of stainless steel scrap
Identifying stainless steel scrap is not easy. The best stainless steel scraps supplier uses an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer emitting small radiation rays in the metal to read the metal reading inside the piece. The process requires less than 30 seconds for the complete analysis, and one can determine the 304 or 316 stainless steel scrap price in India easily. The analyzer reads different metal readings like nickel, brass, lead, etc.
Some other indicators to identify whether the stainless steel scrap metal is SS scrap 304, SS 316L scrap, or 310 stainless steel scrap is to read the stamps on the metal like SS 304, SS 310, SS 316, etc.
Final thoughts
Stainless steel scrap metal offers 100 percent recyclability and contains high-value raw materials. It is environment-friendly and does not generate a lot of waste as most of its components can be recycled. Stainless steel scrap is obtained by recovering the metal through different processes and sending the recovered metal back for manufacturing.
Stainless steel scrap metal has high-value raw materials with contents like chromium and nickel that ensure economic recycling. Vardhman Ferro Alloys is the best stainless steel scraps supplier offering competitive 316 stainless steel scrap prices in India. The company is a top high nickel alloy scrap importer and ferroalloys supplier. For more information, visit their website today!