What do grade names like bright wire, clean copper, mixed or heavy steel mean on a price list?
Short answer: Grade names describe the material's type, cleanliness and form, so clean or bright usually means free of coatings, solder or attachments, mixed means more than one type or quality is combined and is usually priced lower, and terms like heavy or light describe thickness, which means the same metal can appear on a list at several different prices depending on its grade.
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List Free →Why cleanliness changes the price
Material that is free of paint, plating, insulation or other attachments is easier and cheaper to process, so it usually sits in a higher price band than the same metal in dirty or mixed condition.
Why form and thickness matter
Thick, solid pieces and thin, light sheet are processed differently, so lists often split the same metal into heavy and light grades with different prices.
Why names are not always universal
Different buyers use slightly different names and definitions, so if you are unsure whether your material fits a grade, ask the buyer to describe it before you load up.
How ScrapTrade Fits In
ScrapTrade buyers state the grade and conditions behind each offer, so you know what your material needs to match.
Reading a price list well is half the job. ScrapTrade shows current market prices and connects you with verified buyers, transparent weighing and escrow-protected payments.
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