Stainless steel
V2A against V4A, alloy surcharge and what welds and attachments mean.
Stainless steel is produced almost exclusively in the electric arc furnace, and there scrap is not admixture, but primary raw material. This explains why the trade in stainless steel scrap is expected to be different from iron scrap: it pays not for the iron, but for what is contained in the alloy side.
Buyers know this calculation path as an alloy surcharge. The works publish it monthly and derive it from the average quotes of the previous months for nickel, ferrochrome and molybdenum. When buying, the same principle works backwards: a month with weak nickel moves the stainless steel prices noticeably, while the iron scrap prices hardly twitch.
In practice, the piece shape also decides. Thin-walled containers and pipes bring volume without weight, full material the opposite: 500 kilograms of V2A sheet fill a grid box, 500 kilograms of shafts lie on half a pallet.
Those who regularly deal with mixed goodness do not get around a hand measuring device. The common spectrometers call chromium, nickel and molybdenum content in seconds. Magnets, spark tests and eye measurements cannot do this, and in the mixture the weaker quality counts.
Why is the price of stainless steel moving with the nickel price?
Because nickel is the most expensive alloy element and is listed on the London Metal Exchange: V2A contains about eight percent, V4A a good ten. Chromium is contained in it at about 18 percent, but is traded as ferrochrome and not on a stock exchange; the same applies to molybdenum in V4A. Therefore, the price of Stainless steel scrap Especially the nickel.
How do I know whether a sheet metal is V2A or V4A?
First at the material number: 1.4301 and 1.4307 are V2A, 1.4401, 1.4404 and 1.4571 are V4A. If the stamp is missing, the origin helps — chemistry, sewage treatment plant, swimming pool technology and seawater environment work with V4A. The magnet is not good: Both qualities are austenitic and become slightly magnetic due to cold forming on edges and cuts. I'm sure it's just a test with a measuring device.
Why are V2A chips under V2A waste?
Cooling lubricant hangs on chips, and it weighs with it. In addition, grinding dust from the same hall and the handle in the wrong container are added: structural steel chips in the stainless steel container are the most common reason for a lower classification — a magnet through the box makes them visible. Dripped, pressed and kept clean, chips are much better there.
Is it worth collecting V2A and V4A separately?
From the first grid box. In the mixture the whole delivery is evaluated according to the weaker quality, the advantage of the V4A is thus given away. Each goodness gets its own set, and each has its own set of sets, from which limit we pay more. Practically this means: two boxes instead of one, waste up to 1.5 meters long, chips in own containers. Picked up throughout Germany, delivered to Ludwigshafen without an appointment.
Do welded steel parts make scrap from a stainless steel container?
Not necessarily, but they're pulling down the classification. Foots, angles, frames and hinges made of mild steel can be seen at the seam: there the magnet adheres while it slips on the sheet metal. Saw or flex separate this in a few minutes. If insulating wool, galvanized fittings or plastic linings remain on it, they weigh with them without being stainless steel.
Questions on other topics
Price alert: We'll contact you when the price rises
Enter once and you will know as soon as the purchase price of your grade moves. No subscription, can be canceled at any time with one click.
Question answered?
Then it goes on: Choose grade, enter quantity, see revenue – and send in or pick up all over Germany.