A fabricator in Surat once received 8 tonnes of plate for a pressure job. The paperwork said IS 2062. The plate looked fine. Three weeks later, his client’s inspector asked for the test certificate, and the heat number on the certificate did not match the number painted on the plates. The whole lot was put on hold. Nobody had checked the document when the truck arrived.
A mill test certificate takes five minutes to check. Skipping it can cost you the whole job.
Quick answer: A mill test certificate (MTC) is the document that proves what your steel is made of and how it performed in testing. It lists the heat number, the chemical composition and the mechanical properties, and it should match the grade on your purchase order and the marking on the material. Always check that the heat number on the certificate matches the number on the steel before you accept delivery.
What is an MTC?
An MTC, also called a mill test report or material test certificate, comes from the steel mill that produced the material. It records the test results for one specific heat, which is one batch of molten steel. It is the paper trail that connects the steel in your hands to the tests that were done on it.
Buyers in construction, pressure equipment, structural work and export fabrication are often asked to produce one. If your client or inspector may ask for it later, ask for it now.
The 4 types of certificate (EN 10204)
You will often see certificate types written as 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 or 3.2. They come from the EN 10204 standard, and they are not all the same.
- Type 2.1: A declaration of compliance from the manufacturer. It contains no test results.
- Type 2.2: A test report with non-specific results, such as typical values. It is not data from your delivered batch.
- Type 3.1: Specific test results for the heat supplied to you, validated by the manufacturer’s authorised inspection representative, who is independent of production. This is the type most buyers mean when a purchase order says “MTC required”.
- Type 3.2: The same as 3.1, but also checked and co-signed by an independent third-party inspector. This is used for critical services.
If your project needs a particular type, say so in your enquiry. A 2.1 declaration is not a 3.1 certificate, and the difference can fail an inspection.
7 things to check on every MTC
- Heat number. It must match the number stamped, painted or tagged on the steel you received. This is the most common problem.
- Standard and grade. It must match your purchase order exactly. For example, IS 2062 for structural plate, or IS 1786 for TMT bars.
- Chemical composition. Check each element against the limits in the standard. Carbon and similar elements affect strength and weldability.
- Mechanical properties. Yield strength, tensile strength and elongation must meet the minimums in the standard. TMT and structural buyers should look at these first.
- Size and quantity. Thickness, diameter and weight on the certificate should match what was delivered.
- Certificate type and signatures. Check that the type matches your order, and that the stamp and signature are present.
- Traceability. If the steel is cut or processed, the heat number should still be traceable. Keep the marked offcuts or record the number before cutting.
Common problems we see
- Heat number mismatch. The certificate belongs to another lot. Reject or ask for the correct certificate before using the material.
- Grade written loosely. “MS plate” on a purchase order, with no standard, makes the certificate hard to check. Our guide on boiler quality plates shows what this costs.
- Certificate asked for after cutting. By then the markings are gone. Ask for it before processing.
- Wrong type supplied. A declaration of compliance sent when the client wanted test results.
How to ask for an MTC in your enquiry
Add one line to your quote request: the grade or standard, the certificate type you need, and that the heat number must match the material. Our bulk steel quote checklist has the rest of what to include.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MTC stand for?
Mill test certificate. It is also called a mill test report, MTR or material test certificate.
What is the difference between a 3.1 and a 3.2 certificate?
A 3.1 certificate is validated by the manufacturer’s authorised inspector, who is independent of production. A 3.2 certificate is also co-signed by an independent third-party inspector.
Does every steel purchase need an MTC?
No. General fabrication often does not. But structural, pressure, export and inspected jobs usually do. Check your client’s specification.
What if the heat number on the steel does not match the certificate?
Do not use the material. Ask the supplier for the correct certificate, or return the lot.
Can I get an MTC for TMT bars?
Ask when you place the order, and mention the grade, for example Fe500D. We will confirm what is available for the material you want.
Do you supply from Bhavnagar and Surat?
Yes. See our Bhavnagar and Surat pages.
Need Steel With Proper Paperwork?
Send us the material, grade, quantity, delivery location, and tell us if you need a mill test certificate and which type. We will confirm availability and come back with a clear quote.
Call 7226060911 or send your requirement below.
