What is a metal service center?
Related Terms
Steel Distributor
A steel distributor purchases steel from mills and resells it to manufacturers, fabricators, and machine shops. Also called a steel service center, they stock common grades and sizes for fast delivery.
Cut to Size
Cut to size means metal is cut to the buyer's specified dimensions before shipment rather than shipping a full-length piece. Service centers and online metal suppliers commonly offer this for plate, sheet, and bar.
Lead Time
Lead time is the time between placing an order and receiving the material. For service centers, lead times range from same-day (stock items) to 6+ weeks (mill orders or specialty alloys).
Mill Test Report(MTR)
A mill test report (MTR) is a quality document provided by a metal manufacturer that certifies the chemical composition and mechanical properties of a batch of metal. Required for aerospace, defense, and many industrial applications.
Request for Quote(RFQ)
An RFQ (Request for Quote) is a document a buyer sends to suppliers asking for pricing on a specific material, quantity, and specification. It is the standard first step in B2B metal purchasing.