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Metals

Metals are separated into one of two basic grades which are referred to in the scrap metal recycling industry as ferrous and nonferrous metals. Once a metal has been identified as one of these types, it is then further categorized into more specific grades for processing. We grade and process our metals according to international specifications which determine the price of the metal at the time of purchase. Please note that prices are regularly subject to change as dictated by the fluctuations in the world market (refer to our pricing page).

Ferrous Metals

These metals are magnetic, and are generally heavier than most non ferrous metals. Some of the most common grades of ferrous metals that are handled by Metalcorp are described as follows:

Steel
  • Grade
    Description
    Examples
  • Light Grade - Clean
    Steel less than 4mm in thickness
    Roofing Iron, Spouting, Drums, Ducting
  • Light Grade - Dirty
    Contaminated light grade steel; Contaminants may include wood, rubber, plastic or other metals
    Whiteware scrap, Insulated ducting, Deck chairs
  • Heavy - General
    Steel exceeding 4mm in thickness; Includes rusty and painted scrap
    Railway iron, Plate steel, Construction steel, I Beams, Pipes & Channels
  • Heavy - Oversize
    Steel exceeding 4mm in thickness; Includes rusty and painted scrap; Required gas cutting or extensive shear work
    Large equipment, Concrete bowls, Forklifts, Tanks
  • Car Body - Dirty
    Has greater metal content than non metal content
    Still contains motor and chassis
  • Car Body - Clean
    Has greater Non metal content than metal
    Has either chassis or engine removed, Utes with wooden decks

Nonferrous Metals

These metals are non magnetic and generally lighter than ferrous metals. They are typically more valuable than ferrous metals. There are numerous grades of nonferrous metals, including aluminium, copper, brass, stainless steel and lead. The most common products handled by Metalcorp NZ are described as follows:

Aluminum
  • Grade
    Description
    Examples
  • Cast
    Heavy, dense aluminium which has been cast into molds
    Mag wheels, Gear box Housing, Drain covers
  • Clip
    Flat sheet Aluminium
  • Domestic
    Mixed Aluminium products
    Pots & Pans, Registration plates, Aluminium roofing iron
  • Extrusion
    Aluminium which has been extruded through a die
    Window frames, Channel, Box section
  • Irony
    Aluminium containing steel contaminants
    Brake boosters, Cylinder heads, Vehicle water pumps
  • Swarf
    Aluminium turnings
Copper
  • Grade
    Description
    Examples
  • Domestic
    Copper based products containing various other non ferrous metals in nominal amounts
    Water cylinders, Toilet cisterns, Spouting
  • Grade 2
    Uncoated oxidized copper products free of welds and fittings, though may be painted. These products are typically thin walled
    Piping, Sheet off cuts
  • Grade 1
    Copper which is both clean and /or bright and uncoated
    New pipe off cuts, Punchings, Unsheathed copper wire (16 gauge and above)
  • Pyro
    Copper tubing filled with ceramic powder
Brass
  • Grade
    Description
    Examples
  • Solids
    Brass of varied appearance in weight and colour (though typically yellow)
    Fittings, Piping
  • Swarf
    Brass turnings
Stainless Steel
  • Grade
    Description
    Examples
  • Solids
    The hardest of all non ferrous metals, usually shiny in appearance and difficult to scratch or make and impression on
    Bench tops, Sinks, Shower trays
  • Swarf
    Stainless steel turnings
Lead / Zinc
  • Grade
    Description
    Examples
  • Solids
    Lead products which are both soft and hard in nature, although generally pliable or easily dented
    Flashings, Sinkers, Piping
  • Batteries
    Batteries containing lead/acid
    Sources from automotive vehicles and other machinery (does not include dry cell batteries)
Gunmetal
  • Grade
    Description
    Examples
  • Solids
    Dense items that have been cast from a mould. Oxidizes easily due to high copper content
    Bushes, Fire sprinklers, Pressure connections
  • Swarf
    Gunmetal Turnings