Meta Description:
Learn how to read and understand a stainless steel Mill Test Certificate (MTC). This guide explains MTC format, content, EN 10204 types, and what to verify before accepting a shipment.
Introduction
A Mill Test Certificate (MTC), also known as a Material Test Report (MTR), is a quality assurance document provided by the manufacturer. It ensures the delivered stainless steel material—such as tubes, pipes, plates, or fittings—complies with the specified standards and purchase order.
Understanding how to read an MTC is essential for engineers, QA/QC personnel, and buyers to ensure traceability and material compliance.
What Is a Mill Test Certificate (MTC)?
An MTC certifies:
- Chemical composition (from ladle or product analysis)
- Mechanical properties (yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, hardness)
- Heat treatment condition
- Test results (e.g., PMI, pressure, NDT)
- Manufacturing and dimensional compliance
It serves as the material passport—linking the product to the production batch and quality tests performed.
Types of MTC (per EN 10204)
| Type | Description | Witnessed by Third Party |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Declaration of compliance only | No |
| 2.2 | Declaration + non-specific test results | No |
| 3.1 | Manufacturer’s certificate with test data | No |
| 3.2 | Certificate validated by third-party agency | Yes |
For stainless steel tubes in industrial use, EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 is commonly required.
Typical MTC Structure
1. Header Information
- Manufacturer name and address
- Customer name and PO number
- Product description (e.g., ASTM A213 TP316L Seamless Tube)
- Quantity and delivery date
- Certificate number and date issued
2. Material Identification
- Standard: ASTM A213 / EN 10216-5
- Grade: TP304L / TP316L / S32205
- Heat number: Unique number assigned to the molten batch
- Production method: Seamless or welded, hot or cold worked
3. Chemical Composition
Usually presented in a table format, showing:
| Element | C | Mn | Si | Cr | Ni | Mo | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | … | … | … | … | … | … | … |
Values must fall within the specified range of the standard (e.g., ASTM A213).
4. Mechanical Properties
Also in table format:
| Test | Result | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength | … MPa | ≥170 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | … MPa | ≥485 MPa |
| Elongation | … % | ≥35% |
| Hardness | … HRB | ≤90 HRB |
5. Non-Destructive Testing (if applicable)
- Eddy Current Test
- Hydrostatic Test
- UT/RT/MT reports
- Grain size / IGC / PMI results
6. Certification Block
- Signature of QA/QC department
- Stamp of the mill or certifying body
- Inspector signature (for 3.2 MTC)
How to Verify an MTC
Before accepting delivery, verify:
- Material grade and standard match your order
- Heat number is stamped on the product or traceable through marking
- Test values meet or exceed requirements
- NDT results are present for pressure applications
- Third-party witness signature is valid for 3.2 certificates
- MTC is original, not photocopied or altered
Why MTCs Matter in Heat Exchanger Tube Procurement
In critical applications—like boilers, chemical reactors, or offshore platforms—wrong or fake materials can cause catastrophic failure.
A valid MTC ensures:
- Legal traceability and warranty claims
- Compliance with EPC/client specs
- Safe performance under pressure and corrosion
- Conformance to ASME/ASTM/EN standards
DLSS Tube MTC Example
DLSS provides fully traceable MTCs for every order, including:
- EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 certificates
- Heat & batch correlation
- NDT and mechanical test reports
- Witnessed inspection summary (for 3.2)
- Pressure test logs
- Optional PMI reports
SEO Keywords
mill test certificate stainless steel, how to read MTC pipe, MTR for TP316L tube, 3.1 vs 3.2 MTC explained, EN 10204 MTC example, stainless tube traceability, ASTM A213 MTC format, certified seamless pipe supplier, DLSS material certificate stainless, MTC sample PDF for heat exchanger tube
Contact DLSS for Certified Tube Supply
DLSS ensures every stainless steel tube is supported by a valid MTC with full compliance to ASTM, EN, and ASME standards.
Email: info@dlsspipe.com
Website: www.dlsspipeline.com
We don’t just deliver tubes—we deliver trust backed by documents.
