| Grade | ISRI Code | Yield (IF) | Yield (EAF) | Bulk Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMS 1 | 200–202 | 90–93% | 89–93% | 0.7–1.0 t/m³ |
| HMS 2 | 203–206 | 88–91% | 87–91% | 0.5–0.7 t/m³ |
| Shredded | 210–213 | 91–93% | 90–93% | 0.9–1.2 t/m³ |
| #1 Busheling | 207 | 92–95% | 91–95% | 0.4–0.6 t/m³ |
| Plate & Structural | 232 | 91–94% | 90–94% | 0.8–1.1 t/m³ |
| Turnings (loose) | 220 | 82–87% | 80–86% | 0.3–0.5 t/m³ |
| Turnings (briq.) | — | 85–90% | 84–89% | 3.0–5.0 t/m³ |
| Cast Iron | 250–257 | 85–88% | 84–88% | Variable |
| Sponge Iron (DRI) | — | 82–88% | 80–86% | 1.6–1.9 t/m³ |
| Pig Iron | — | 93–97% | 92–97% | 7.0–7.2 t/m³ |
Scrap yield is the percentage of charged material that converts into usable liquid steel. The remainder becomes slag, fumes, and oxidation losses. This single number determines how much scrap you need to buy per tonne of finished steel — and therefore drives your raw material cost.
A furnace charging HMS 1 at 91.5% yield needs 1.093 MT of scrap per MT of liquid steel. Turnings at 84.5% yield need 1.183 MT — that's 8.2% more material for the same output. At $350/MT scrap, this difference is $31.50 per tonne of liquid steel before accounting for higher electricity consumption with low-density material.
Read our comprehensive Steel Scrap Grades Classification Guide for detailed specifications, melting characteristics, and trading practices for every grade. Or use the Scrap-to-Steel Production Cost Calculator to build a complete cost waterfall from scrap to finished product.
HMS 1 is clean, heavy steel and wrought iron scrap — minimum ¼ inch (6.35mm) thick — that does not contain galvanised or blackened steel. It falls under ISRI codes 200–202. HMS 2 is lighter scrap — minimum ⅛ inch (3.175mm) thick — that may include galvanised and blackened materials, and is classified under ISRI codes 203–206. HMS 1 has a bulk density of at least 0.7 t/m³ and yields 90–93% liquid steel. HMS 2 yields 88–91%. The price premium for HMS 1 over HMS 2 is typically 2–5% in global markets.
Shredded scrap and HMS 1 are preferred for induction furnaces due to their high bulk density (0.7–1.2 t/m³), clean composition, and consistent chemistry. Shredded scrap is considered premium because its uniform piece size enables rapid, efficient melting. Turnings and borings should be avoided unless significantly discounted — their low density (0.3–0.5 t/m³), high oil contamination, and poor yield (82–87%) make them uneconomical at comparable prices.
Liquid steel yield varies by scrap grade and furnace type. In induction furnaces: HMS 1 yields 90–93%, shredded 91–93%, busheling 92–95%, HMS 2 yields 88–91%, and turnings yield 82–87%. In EAFs, yields are similar but slightly lower for some grades due to longer tap-to-tap times and oxygen usage. The remainder becomes slag, fumes, and oxidation losses.
Standard electricity consumption is approximately 550–650 kWh per tonne of liquid steel in an induction furnace, and 380–550 kWh per tonne in a modern EAF. Actual consumption varies with scrap quality (denser, cleaner scrap melts faster), furnace condition, and operating practice. Electricity is the second-largest cost in scrap-based steelmaking after the scrap itself.
Bulk density varies significantly: Shredded scrap: 0.9–1.2 t/m³ (highest). HMS 1: 0.7–1.0 t/m³. Plate & Structural: 0.8–1.1 t/m³. HMS 2: 0.5–0.7 t/m³. #1 Busheling: 0.4–0.6 t/m³. Turnings (loose): 0.3–0.5 t/m³. Turnings (briquetted): 3.0–5.0 t/m³. Higher density means more metal per furnace charge, fewer charges per heat, and lower melting cost per tonne.
ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries) codes: HMS 1 = ISRI 200–202 (variations by piece dimension). HMS 2 = ISRI 203–206 (may include galvanised/auto scrap). Shredded = ISRI 210–213. #1 Busheling = ISRI 207. Plate & Structural = ISRI 232. Machine Shop Turnings = ISRI 220. Cast Iron Borings = ISRI 224. These codes are the global standard used in international scrap trade.