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Non-prime and secondary steel

Non-prime steel is material that did not pass the mill's final inspection: surface marks, dimensions out of tolerance, a chemistry off the target grade, or plates and coils left from a cancelled order. Structurally it is ordinary carbon steel. It is sold as seen, without certificates and without claims, at a price well below prime. Otelrom supplies non-prime lots from European mills to buyers who need weight and shape rather than paperwork.

What is usually available

ProductsHot-rolled heavy plates, hot-rolled coils and strips, galvanised and cold-rolled coils, occasionally sheets and cut pieces
PlatesTypically 15 mm to 50 mm, formats around 1,250–1,500 x 6,000 mm; indicative grades S235–S355, not guaranteed
CoilsHot-rolled and galvanised coils in mixed widths and thicknesses, mostly 1.5 mm to 6 mm
QualitySecond choice: surface defects, out-of-tolerance dimensions or unknown chemistry; described in the offer with photos
DocumentsNo mill certificates and no analysis. Origin declaration EU. Sold as seen, no claims
TermsMinimum one truck, about 22 tonnes; payment at sight before shipment; credit terms for regular high volumes

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Typical uses

  • Counterweights and ballast for cranes, forklifts, elevators and vessels
  • Base plates, machine beds and foundations
  • Road plates, trench covers and site protection
  • Wear liners, chutes, hoppers and skips in quarries, cement and recycling
  • Brackets, gussets, frames and general fabrication where no certificate is required
  • Cutting stock for service centres and traders

Why buy non-prime from Otelrom

  • Regular EU-origin lots, described honestly with photos and measured dimensions
  • Well below prime price for the same steel by weight
  • Trial order of one truck, then any volume
  • Straight terms: what you see in the offer is what you get

FAQ

What exactly is non-prime steel?

Steel that failed one of the mill's checks: surface, dimensions, flatness or chemistry, or that was overproduced for a cancelled order. It is the same material by weight, without the guarantee of the grade. Mills sell it as second choice; we buy it in lots and resell it.

Can non-prime steel be used for structures?

Not where a certified grade is required by code or by the customer. It is right for counterweights, machine beds, road plates, wear parts and any fabrication where the fabricator accepts the material as seen.

Why are there no certificates?

Because the material did not pass the inspection that a certificate documents, or the documents were separated from the lot. That is why it costs less. If you need a value, you can commission your own test on a sample.

How is the price set?

Per tonne, based on thickness, format, quality description and quantity. It is quoted per lot; there is no list price.

What are the payment and claim terms?

Payment at sight before shipment for new customers; credit terms can be agreed for regular volumes. Material is sold as seen: no claims on surface, dimensions or grade after acceptance of the offer.

Do you sell to Ukraine and Bulgaria?

Yes. Every buyer and destination is checked against EU and UK sanctions lists before we confirm.

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