In today's modern world, people use scrap metal for many different things. We live in the ultimate age of recycling so it pays to know how to make the most of the scraps you may be using. Whether you're in the business of recycling scrap metal or you're purchasing it, knowledge of current scrap prices is essential. When you are aware of what is a true market value of the metal you're considering, you'll be in a better position to complete large transactions without fear of losing your shirt. This means that you need to be able to carefully identify the different types of scraps, and know how to research the market to make sure that you're able to get the best deal possible.
Know Your Scrap
One of the first things you'll need to do is know exactly what type of scrap you're dealing with. Metals come in all different types and weights and an equal quantity of one metal most likely does not represent an equal value with another. There are hundreds of different types of ferrous and non-ferrous categories that your scrap could fall under. Just knowing that this metal is copper and that another one is steel is not enough. If you really plan to trade in scrap metal you'll need to study the different types and variations of the metals and know how to determine them before you can even begin to understand current scrap prices.
Weight Percentages and Composition
One factor that will help you to know how to price these metals is to be able to ascertain the composition of alloys in percentages. You can do this by utilizing several portable hand tools that can help you to identify these weight percentages and composition with surprising speed and accuracy. There are x-ray fluorescence analyzers that can be easily carried around to give you accurate measurements that are reliable enough to even identify small trace materials and impurities that may be found in a particular piece of scrap metal. If this is your business, it would be wise to invest in one of these tools so you won't have to worry about the 'let the buyer beware' conundrum.
Additional Factors
There are additional factors that could also affect the current scrap prices that you may not have considered. Being able to analyze the metal to ensure that it is in sellable condition is just one of them. This means making sure that the scrap is clean and free of corrosion. The cost of cleaning the scrap and getting it ready for sale, the cost of collecting the metal and transporting it all should be considered as part of doing business in the scrap metal market.
Being in the scrap metal business can be very profitable but it also requires that you know how to gauge the metals you are working with. Getting the right knowledge in front of you beforehand can help you to determine whether the price of a certain type of scrap metal is really worth its weight.