How Metal Scraps Are Turned Into Viable Metal Material

BCM Scrap Steel • August 21, 2024

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the old metal scraps collected from demolition sites, manufacturing offcuts or household junk? You might be surprised to learn that these seemingly useless bits and pieces are transformed into new, viable metal materials that power industries and build the world around us. Let’s look at how metal scraps are expertly refurbished and given a new lease on life.

The journey of transforming scrap metal into viable material begins with a thorough collection and sorting process. Metal scraps come from various sources and each type must be carefully separated.

• Ferrous metals like steel and iron are sorted separately from non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper and brass.
• Magnetic separation is often used to differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• Manual sorting may also be required for items that contain mixed materials, ensuring all non-metal components are removed.
• Cleaning the metal scraps to remove contaminants like dirt, oil, or paint is essential before proceeding to the next steps.

Once the metal scraps are collected and sorted, the next step is shredding. This process breaks down large metal pieces into smaller, manageable fragments. The shredded metal occupies less space and has a larger surface area, which helps speed up the subsequent melting process. Shredding also ensures that different types of metals are uniformly sized, allowing for more consistent processing later.

After shredding, the metal fragments are melted down in a furnace. The melting process is crucial as it removes impurities and refines the metal. 

During melting, impurities such as other metal types, dirt and other contaminants are separated out.

Special techniques are employed to purify the molten metal further, ensuring that the final product meets the desired quality standards.

Once purified, the molten metal is ready to be cast into new shapes and forms. The metal is poured into moulds, where it cools and solidifies. Depending on the intended use, the metal can be cast into a variety of shapes, from simple bars and sheets to complex components. After casting, the newly formed metal may undergo additional processing, such as rolling, cutting or machining, to achieve the final desired shape and size.

Quality control is the final and critical step in the refurbishment process. The newly formed metal undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets industry standards and specifications.



• Visual inspections check for surface defects or irregularities.
• Mechanical testing assesses the metal’s strength, ductility and hardness.
• Chemical analysis ensures that the metal’s composition is correct and free from impurities.
• Dimensional checks verify that the metal’s size and shape meet the required tolerances.

Turning scrap metal into viable materials is a sophisticated and meticulous journey that ensures every piece of metal is optimally reused. At BCM Scrap Steel, we transform scrap metal into high-quality products that meet the diverse needs of various industries. Whether you’re looking to buy scrap metal in Emerald or need reliable scrap steel, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes us your go-to choice. Partner with us today to see how we can fulfil your metal material needs.