HMS 1 vs HMS 2 Scrap: Key Differences for Buyers

HMS 1 vs HMS 2: Overview

Heavy Melting Steel (HMS) is the most widely traded ferrous scrap grade globally. Understanding the differences between HMS 1 and HMS 2 is essential for steel mills, traders, and scrap importers to optimize procurement costs and furnace efficiency.

Both grades are defined by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI):

Side-by-Side Comparison

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For full HMS 1 specs: What is HMS 1 Scrap?

Thickness: The Primary Differentiator

The most important distinction is minimum material thickness:

Why Thickness Matters

In an EAF, thicker material:

Quality Differences

Contamination

HMS 1 has significantly stricter contamination limits:

HMS 2 permits:

Metallic Yield

The difference in metallic yield directly impacts steelmaking costs:

For a mill producing 500,000 MT/year, a 3% yield difference represents ~15,000 MT of additional scrap required annually.

Pricing Dynamics

Price Spread

HMS 1 typically commands a $15–30/MT premium over HMS 2:

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For CIF pricing: CIF Ferrous Scrap Suppliers

When to Buy HMS 1 vs HMS 2

Choose HMS 1 when:

Choose HMS 2 when:

Choose 80:20 blend when:

Applications by Industry

Rebar and Wire Rod Mills

Typically use HMS 1&2 (80:20) or (70:30) — adequate quality for construction-grade products where chemistry tolerances are wider.

Flat Product Mills (Sheet, Coil)

Prefer HMS 1 or shredded steel — tighter chemistry control needed for sheet and coil products. Some mills use busheling exclusively.

Foundries

Use HMS 1 for grey and ductile iron production where carbon and silicon levels must be precisely controlled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix HMS 1 and HMS 2?

Yes. The standard commercial blend is 80:20 (80% HMS 1, 20% HMS 2). Custom ratios like 90:10 or 70:30 are also common.

Is HMS 2 lower quality?

HMS 2 is a lighter gauge material with slightly higher contamination tolerance. It is not "bad quality" — it simply has different characteristics suitable for different applications.

Why is HMS 1 more expensive?

Higher thickness, lower contamination, better metallic yield, and more limited supply from heavy industrial/demolition sources.

What is the most common HMS blend traded?

HMS 1&2 (80:20) is the global standard for international seaborne trade. Most Asian buyers specify this ratio.

How do I verify HMS 1 vs HMS 2 content?

Through pre-shipment inspection where inspectors visually assess thickness and grade ratio using calibrated gauges and sampling.

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*Need HMS 1, HMS 2, or custom blends?*

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Nautica Metal Scrap B.V. — Premium Ferrous Scrap from Rotterdam