Introduction
Scrap metal has been used as a resource in the United States since the late nineteenth century. Initially, it was simply used for recycling, but over time it became an important commodity used in the manufacturing industry. During the 1980s, concerns about the quality of scrap steel, began to rise. In response to the public’s demands for higher quality scrap steel, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) developed a standard for scrap steel in 1991. This standard was developed to ensure that the scrap steel purchased by manufacturers and recyclers were of appropriate quality so that the finished products would be safe and reliable. This paper will discuss the principles of the scrap steel standard, as well as its impact on the steel industry.
Definition
The AISI defines scrap steel as a “non-melted steel or iron-based alloy consisting of fragments or cuttings”. It is typically a by-product generated by manufacturing processes and consists of scrap materials such as bars, plates, sheets, rods, and pipes which have become polluted or contaminated by foreign materials. The AISI standard is intended to provide a reliable method used to evaluate the quality of scrap steel.
Principles of the Scrap Steel Standard
The scrap steel standard sets numerous requirements for acceptable scrap steel. Firstly, it states that scrap steel should be free from hazardous waste, including any substances that are corrosive, flammable, explosive, or radioactive. Secondly, it limits the amount of non-metallic material that may be present in the scrap steel. Thirdly, the standard states that the scrap steel must meet a minimum purity threshold as defined by the “apparent purity” requirement. Finally, any steel scrap which contains holes or other structural defects must be sealed or covered in a way that ensures the integrity of the scrap during transport and handling.
Impact on the Steel Industry
The scrap steel standard has had a significant impact on the steel industry. Firstly, it has resulted in an increase in the quality of scrap steel. This has allowed steel producers to produce better quality products, while simultaneously reducing the cost of production. Secondly, the standard has enabled manufacturers and recyclers of scrap steel to have more confidence in the materials that they are purchasing. Finally, the standard has ensured that steel made from scrap is safe and reliable, resulting in a higher level of customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
The AISI’s scrap steel standard has had a positive impact on the steel industry by increasing the quality of scrap steel and making it easier for manufacturers and recyclers to purchase the material. This has resulted in safer, more reliable steel products, and reduced production costs. It is a testament to the importance of maintaining high standards for materials in the modern manufacturing industry.
