Grades and purity
Technical grade (industrial grade)
Definition
Commercial quality for industrial use, with a basic specification and no food, pharma or lab claims.
Technical or industrial grade material meets a commercial specification agreed with customers, usually covering assay and a few key impurities. It is used in manufacturing, water treatment, construction, textiles and similar applications.
Technical grade must not be used in food, medicines or cosmetics unless it also meets the relevant standard. Ask for the specification sheet, because technical grades from different makers can differ a lot.
Related terms
- Food gradeMaterial that meets a recognised food additive or food ingredient specification and is made under food safety controls.
- AR grade (analytical reagent)High purity laboratory chemical for analytical work, with tight and stated limits on impurities.
- SpecificationThe list of tests, methods and acceptance limits a product must meet, agreed between supplier and buyer or set by a standard.