One may have come across the term HMS being utilized within the scrap metal industry and experienced a sense of curiosity about its meaning. However, such wonder shall exist no more, as the term shall now be elucidated. Heavy Melting Steel, or HMS, is a category that combines used steel and wrought iron, which are then divided into two categories, HMS1 and HMS2.
The main difference between these two categories is that HMS2 contains blackened and galvanized steel, whilst HMS1 does not. Only obsolete scrap, which is scrap removed from disassembled or destroyed goods, makes up any of these classifications. When it comes time to actually sell the scrap metal and recycle it, this distinction method is helpful.
What is HMS?
HMS contains wrought iron and used steel, as was already indicated. The definition of used steel is very obvious: it’s used steel that has already been put to use. The look of wrought iron is fibrous, and it is quite pliable. By warming it and shaping it differently with the right tools, true wrought iron may be fashioned repeatedly. It becomes stronger the more you work it.
These two types of ferrous scrap are typically recycled from items like cars, particular kinds of fences, railroad tracks, etc. Two categories within HMS, HMS1 and HMS2, explain to scrap metal recyclers how to correctly recycle the two varieties of HMS.
Understanding HMS1
Because galvanized and blackened steel are not included, HMS1 is fundamentally defined by this exclusion. Regarding the size of the bits of scrap metal that can be sold and recycled, HMS1 is divided into two codes. The following are the ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries) codes for HMS1:
- ISRI 200 – Items with dimensions less than 36 x 18 inches.
- ISRI 201 – Items that are less than 60 by 18 inches.
For both of these codes, the pieces must be at least a 1/4 inch in thickness.
Understanding HMS2
It’s critical to understand that HMS2, which contains steel that has been galvanized and blackened, is practically identical to HMS1 when selling scrap metal. The HMS2 parts must be at least 1/8 inches thick in order to be recycled, which is another significant distinction between the two. These precise measurements are necessary for efficient furnace melting, reducing the amount of time needed to charge enough scrap for a full melt.
In comparison to HMS1, which has just two of the ISRI’s distinct codes, HMS2 has four.
- ISRI 203 refers to any galvanized and blackened wrought iron or steel that is at least 1/8 inches thick.
- ISRI 204 – This code is identical to ISRI 203 except that it only applies to items smaller than 36 by 18 inches.
- ISRI 205 – Comparable to ISRI 204, however this bracket might include thin-gauge automotive scrap.
Similar to ISRI 205, ISRI 206 requires that the parts be no larger than 60 by 18 inches.
What is Black nd Galvanised Steel?
What exactly do black steel and galvanized steel mean? As we all know, these two varieties of steel are categorized as HMS2 and are one of the main distinctions between HMS1 and HMS2.
Galvanized steel is steel that has had a zinc coating applied to it to extend its lifespan and provide corrosion and rust resistance. In plumbing, galvanized pipes are frequently utilized. They are regularly in contact with water and other corrosive liquids, thus galvanization is quite helpful.
Black or blackened steel is generally used for gas pipes that deliver gas into homes or other structures. Compared to galvanized steel, black steel is uncoated and more fire resistant. Due to the iron-oxide surface that is created during the production process, it has a black color. Black steel can be produced using a variety of methods, including hot and cold coatings, chemical baths, and finishes.
Why is it important to recycle HMS?
There is really no excuse for not recycling HMS. It saves resources by using fewer of them to produce products made of wrought iron and fresh steel, which is wonderful for the environment. Additionally, you may sell your scrap metal and HMS and profit from the proper disposal of it.