What are Mill Test Reports (MTRs)?

Mill Test Report - Definition

A mill test report (MTR), also known as a mill test certificate (MTC), is a document provided by the manufacturer that certifies the chemical composition and physical properties of the material produced. It ensures that the material meets the specific standards and specifications required by the customer or industry standards, such as ASTM, ASME, or EN.

The MTR includes detailed information about the material, including:

Manufacturer Details: The name and contact information of the mill where the material was produced.
Material Description: The type, grade, and designation of the material.
Heat Number: A unique identifier that links the material to its production batch, allowing traceability.
Chemical Composition: The precise percentages of elements present in the material, confirming compliance with specified requirements.
Mechanical Properties: Data on the material's tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and other physical properties.
Testing Standards: References to the standards and specifications used for testing the material, such as ASTM or ASME standards.
Results of Tests: Results from various tests conducted on the material, including tensile tests, hardness tests, and impact tests, demonstrating that the material meets the required specifications.

An MTR is crucial for quality assurance, as it verifies that the material used in a project meets the necessary safety and performance criteria. It is often required in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and aerospace to ensure the reliability and integrity of the materials used.

Why Mill Test Reports (MTRs) are Required

MTRs are essential information for the end user because different projects require different steel grades. For example, Special Bar Quality (SBQ) steel requires specific methods of preparation and chemistry levels that a mild/low carbon steel grade such as AISI 1018 would not. MTRs provide traceability and assurance to the end user about the quality of the material and the process used to produce it. MTRs typically include the following:

ASTM and/or ASME standards compliance

Specific size, shape, and/or diameter specifications

Chemical and physical property specifications

Country of the melt and manufacture

Mill Test Report (MTR) Standardization

MTRs are essential for steel manufacturers to ensure they provide their clients with quality materials that meet all specifications. The Material Test Reports are equally important for the end user of steel products. For example, sanitary products need specific material compositions to preserve the quality of the product that structural steel projects would not require. MTRS are confirmation that the material, in this case steel, complies with all standards needed for its future applications.

Mill Test Certificate

A mill test certificate (MTC), also known as a mill test report (MTR), also called a Cert for short, is a quality assurance document used in the metal industry that certifies a material's compliance with specific standards and specifications. The MTC, or mill test certificate, is essential for ensuring the material's quality and suitability for its intended use, providing a traceable link between the material and its production batch. It is commonly used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and aerospace, where material integrity and performance are critical.