Metals, alloys and elements

Buyers range from metallurgy, electronics and battery makers to catalyst producers, pharmaceutical synthesis and research labs. Elements are offered as ingots, granules, shot, wire, foil, sheet, powder and sputtering targets, and the right form depends on the process. Purity is usually stated in nines, from 99.9 percent (3N) to 99.9999 percent (6N) and higher, with a list of trace impurities measured by ICP or GDMS.

For powders, ask for the particle size distribution, oxygen content and morphology. Fine metal powders and alkali metals can be pyrophoric or water reactive, so they ship under inert gas or oil as dangerous goods. Several technology metals face export controls. In customs, non-metals fall under HS headings 2801 to 2804, alkali and alkaline earth metals under 2805, and most other metals in their unwrought forms under chapters 74 to 81.