Steel quality evaluation

[demsha]

Hello,

We would like to purchase I-beams, Channels and 5" thick plates from North American steels suppliers. How one should evaluate quality of these products prior to purchasing them. Do we have check their steel processing technology or anything else?

Thanks in advance

 

[metengr]

Most of the suppliers in the US will be distribution centers or warehouses versus mills. Having been down this path before, most likely you would need to submit an inquiry to review documentation related to original source of the steel and material test reports. This is about it.

 

[SJones]

The approach to supplier evaluation will be driven by the criticality of the items in their end use application. If you are operating under ISO 9001, check what your quality management system says you should do.

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.