What Should Be Checked When Reading an MTC?
The mill test certificate (MTC) is the basic document showing that the received material matches the order. We go through the points to check at acceptance, in order.
Published: Move Metal
An MTC (Mill Test Certificate) is a manufacturer document that shows the chemical analysis and test results of a material together with traceability information. Having the document is not enough on its own; its content must match the order and the material delivered.
1. Document type
The type of the document (2.2, 3.1 or 3.2 according to EN 10204) should be the same as the type requested in the order. If 3.2 was requested, the signature and identity of the second validating party should appear on the document.
2. Material and standard
- Grade designation (e.g. 1.2344 / X40CrMoV5-1)
- The standard it was produced to and the revision of the standard
- Any additional specification requirements stated in the order
3. Traceability
- Heat number: The marking on the material and the number on the certificate must be the same.
- Batch, lot or part number (if any)
- Consistency of size and quantity with the delivery
4. Chemical analysis
The measured value for each element should be compared with the range in the standard or specification. The certificate states whether the analysis is a heat (cast) analysis or a product analysis.
5. Delivery condition and mechanical values
- Delivery condition (e.g. soft annealed, quenched and tempered, solution treated)
- Hardness, tensile, yield, elongation and impact values, and the location/direction where the test specimen was taken
- Whether the values are within the limits valid for the delivery condition in the order
6. Additional tests
If the order requires additional tests such as ultrasonic testing, grain size, inclusion rating or PMI, their results and acceptance criteria should be on the certificate or in attached reports.
Short checklist
- Is the document type the same as in the order?
- Does the heat number match the marking on the material?
- Are the standard and its revision correct?
- Do the delivery condition and mechanical values belong to the required condition?
- Are the results of the requested additional tests included?
If anything is unclear, ask the supplier for clarification before putting the material into use.