It is widely known that length and weight are the most basic specifications of steel products. There are 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 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.

 Range of Fixed Length

 It is an effective measure to save materials. The range of fixed length means that the length or lengths must be no less than a certain size, and the delivery is within the range of the length.

 Indefinite Length

 An indefinite size length falls within the scope of the standard but does not require a fixed size. The indefinite length is also called usable 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 25 mm is 4-10 m, and round steels having a length within this range can be delivered.

 Fixed Length

   Fixed length refers to when the product size is categorized into a fixed size according to the delivery requirements. For example, the contracts stipulate that the delivered products must be at least 5 m long. If the material is shorter than 5 m or longer than 5 m, it will be deemed unqualified. However, in fact, all deliveries cannot be exactly 5 m long, so it is stipulated that positive deviations are allowed but negative deviations are not.

 Multi-lengths

   Multi-lengths are used when products are cut into multiple lengths 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 2 m in the order contract, then the length can be 4 m when cut into double lengths and 6 m when cut into triple lengths. Positive deviations are allowed, but negative deviations are not.

 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) for short length pipes with a length of 2 to 4 meters. 2 m is the lower limit of the indefinite length, and the shortest allowed length is 2 m.

Steel Weight Size

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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 materials 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.

Tare Weight

The weight of steel packaging materials is called tare weight.

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 (1,000 kg), as well as long tons (imperial weight unit of 1,016 kg) and short tons (U.S. weight unit of 907.18 kg).

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 can generally be used as the billing weight. For road transportation, freight is charged based on the load tonnage of the vehicle.

Summary

The above sums up 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 length delivery. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding this blog, or if you are looking for the right steel products for your business!