It is widely known that length and weight are the most basic specifications of steel products. And there is quite a number of commonly used terms for both length and weight in the steel industry. The importance of being aware of the appropriate usage of such terms in the right context is often understated, though it is very crucial for us to keep in mind how they differ from one another.

Steel Length Size

The length size of steel is the most basic size of various steels, which refers to the length, width, height, diameter, radius, inner diameter, outer diameter and wall thickness of the steel. The legal units of measurement for steel length are meters (m), centimeters (cm), and millimeters (mm). In current custom, it is also expressed in inches (″), but it is not a legal unit of measurement.

1.Range of Fixed Length

It is an effective measure to save materials. The range of fixed length means that the length or length times the width is not less than a certain size, or the delivery is within the range of the length, length times the width from a certain size to a certain size.

2.Indefinite Length

Any product size (length or width) that is within the scope of the standard but does not require a fixed size is called an indefinite size. The indefinite length is also called usual length. Metal products delivered according to indefinite length can be delivered within the specified length range. For example, the normal length of ordinary round steel with a diameter of no more than 25mm is 4-10m, and all round steels having a length within this range can be delivered.

3.Fixed Length

Fixed length applies when the product size is processed into a fixed size according to the order requirements. For example, if the contract states that the delivery is to be in a fixed length of 5m, then the delivered products must all be 5m long. If the material is shorter than 5m or longer than 5m, it will be deemed unqualified. However, in fact, all deliveries cannot be exactly 5m long, so it is stipulated that positive deviations are allowed but negative deviations are not allowed.

4.Multi-lengths

Multi-lengths is used when products are cut into integral multiples according to the fixed size required by the order. When delivering goods in multi-lengths, the length of the delivered metal material must be an integer multiple of the length specified by the buyer in the order contract (called a single length). For example, if the buyer requires a single length of 2m in the order contract, then the length will be 4m when cut into double lengths, and 6m when cut into triple lengths. Positive deviations are allowed but negative deviations are not allowed.

5.Short Length

A short length refers to a length that is less than the lower limit of the indefinite length specified in the standard, but not less than the shortest length allowed. For example, the standards for steel pipes for water and gas transportation stipulate that each batch is allowed to have 10% (calculated by the number of pipes) of short length steel pipes with a length of 2 to 4 meters. 4m is the lower limit of the indefinite length, and the shortest allowed length is 2m.

Steel Weight Size

Similar to the length size of steel, the weight size of steel, as another most basic specification, also has a number of ways of expression that stand for different meanings respectively.

1.Theoretical Weight of Steel

The theoretical weight of steel is calculated based on the nominal size and density of the steel and is called the theoretical weight. This is directly related to the length size, cross-sectional area and size allowable deviation of the steel. Due to the allowable deviation of steel during the manufacturing process, the theoretical weight calculated using the formula may be slightly different from the actual weight, so it is only used as a reference for estimation.

2.Actual Weight of Steel

The actual weight of the steel refers to the weight obtained by actual weighing of the steel, which is called the actual weight. Actual weight is more accurate than theoretical weight.

3.Gross Weight

Gross weight is the opposite of "net weight" and is the total weight of the steel itself and packaging materials. Transportation companies calculate freight based on gross weight. However, steel purchases and sales are calculated based on net weight.

4.Net Weight

Net weight is the opposite of "gross weight". The weight of the gross weight of the steel minus the weight of the packaging material is the actual weight, which is called the net weight. In the purchase and sale of steel products, it is generally calculated based on net weight.

5.Tare Weight

The weight of steel packaging materials is called tare weight.

6.Weight Ton

It is the weight unit used when calculating freight based on the gross weight of steel. Its legal unit of measurement is the ton (1000kg), as well as long tons (imperial weight unit 1016.16kg) and short tons (US weight unit 907.18kg).

7.Billing Weight

Billing weight is the weight of the steel for which the shipping department charges freight, also known as “billing tons” or “freight tons”. Different transportation methods have different calculation standards and methods. For example, for railway vehicle transportation, the marked load capacity of the truck used is generally used as the billing weight. For road transportation, freight is charged based on the load tonnage of the vehicle.

Summary

The above sums up nowadays the commonly used terms for length and weight in the steel industry. For both steel suppliers and purchasers, it is crucial to understand their exact meanings and the contexts in which they often appear to avoid any confusion and mistakes in order fulfillment as well as freight delivery. Please feel free to reach us if you have any questions regarding this blog, or if you are looking for the right steel products for your business!