A mill test certificate (MTC), also called a mill test report (MTR), is issued by the steel mill and certifies that a specific heat of material meets the required standard. For pharma, chemical and pressure equipment, your customer or inspector will almost always ask for it.
1. Certificate type: EN 10204 2.2, 3.1 or 3.2
- 2.2 — a general statement of compliance, without test results for your specific material.
- 3.1 — actual test results for the heat, signed by the mill's own inspection department. This is the industry standard.
- 3.2 — like 3.1, but also countersigned by a third-party inspector (SGS, BV, TUV, LR, etc.) or the purchaser's inspector.
2. Heat number
The heat number links the certificate to the physical material. It is stencilled or printed on every sheet, plate, pipe or bar. Always match the heat number on the material with the certificate.
3. Product details
Check grade (for example 304/304L dual certified), specification (ASTM A240, A312, A276), size, finish and quantity against your purchase order.
4. Chemical composition
The certificate lists the percentage of carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, sulphur, chromium, nickel, molybdenum and nitrogen. Compare each value with the limits for the grade. Our grade pages list typical limits.
5. Mechanical properties
Tensile strength, 0.2% proof (yield) strength, elongation and hardness. Each must meet the minimum (or maximum, for hardness) in the specification.
6. Other tests
Depending on the product: intergranular corrosion (IGC) test, hydrostatic test for pipes, flattening and flaring tests, ultrasonic testing and solution annealing temperature.
Quick checklist before accepting material
- The heat number on the material matches the MTC.
- The grade and specification match your PO.
- Chemistry and mechanicals are within limits.
- The certificate type (3.1 / 3.2) is what your customer asked for.
- Do a PMI check on critical items.
All material from Sagar Sales Corporation comes with traceable mill certificates. See our certificates and quality page.