HMS 1

Heavy melting steel (HMS) or heavy melting scrap is a designation for recyclable steel and wrought iron. It is broken up into two major categories: HMS 1 and HMS 2, where HMS 1 does not contain galvanized and blackened steel.

ISRI 200 (HMS 1): Wrought iron or steel scrap 1⁄4 inch (6.35 mm) and larger in thickness. All pieces must be smaller than 60 in × 24 in (1,524 mm × 610 mm)

ISRI 201 (HMS 1): Same as ISRI 200 except pieces must be smaller than 36 in × 18 in (914 mm × 457 mm).

ISRI 202 (HMS 1): Same as ISRI 200 except pieces must be smaller than 60 in × 18 in (1,524 mm × 457 mm).

HMS 1 and 2 are widely traded, particularly in the western hemisre.

Both HMS 1 comprise obsolete scrap only - iron and steel recovered from items demolished or dismantled at the end of their life.

HMS 1 is the term for heavier scrap which has a density of at least 0.7 tons per cubic meter, whereas HMS 2 would be lighter steel scrap

Because both grades guarantee a minimum piece thickness – at least 1⁄4 inch (6.35 mm) for HMS 1, and 1⁄8 inch (3.175 mm) Both also have defined maximum dimensions (usually 60 in × 24 in or 1,524 mm × 610 mm), and should be prepared to facilitate handling and charging to a furnace.

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This density, sizing and preparation makes for efficient furnace operation by minimising the time to charge enough scrap for a full melt. In contrast, thin mixed scrap greatly increases charging time, cutting furnace productivity.

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Variations on maximum piece size are covered by ISRI (North America’s Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries) codes. HMS is usually traded as a blend of 1 and 2, either a premium blend (80:20) or lower grade mixes (70:30) and (60:40). Other major heavy scrap grades include Japan’s H2 and A3 from the CIS.[2]