Payable Content by Grade
Nickel alloy scrap is valued from the elements inside it. The chart compares the nominal payable content per tonne of common grades. Nickel dominates by weight, but molybdenum, cobalt, tungsten, tantalum and rhenium usually carry much more value per kilogram, which is why Hastelloy and cast superalloys attract stronger offers than their totals alone suggest.
From Contained Metal to an Offer
Contained metal is the starting point, not the price. A buyer then adjusts for:
- How certain the grade is, and how it was proved.
- The form: solids, pipe and plate against turnings or mixed material. See solids vs turnings.
- Oil, moisture, coatings and attachments.
- Documents: PMI record, traceable certificates, export paperwork.
- Lot size, location and Incoterm.
FAQ
What is contained metal?
The weight of each element inside a lot, worked out from the lot’s weight and its composition. One tonne of Inconel 625 at nominal composition contains about 619 kg of nickel and 90 kg of molybdenum.
Does contained metal equal the price of scrap?
No. Offers start from contained nickel and payable elements, then move with grade certainty, form, cleanliness, documentation and lot size. See what decides scrap value.
Which elements are payable?
In nickel alloy scrap the elements buyers usually credit are nickel, molybdenum, cobalt, niobium, tungsten, tantalum and rhenium. Chromium and iron are normally not paid for separately.
Why does the calculator use nominal composition?
Because actual chemistry varies within each grade’s specification range. For a firm figure, use the lot’s own analysis.
Can I calculate a mixed lot?
Yes. Add a line for each grade with its weight and the calculator totals the contained metal across the lot.