About
Established in 1993, Sterling Commodities has grown rapidly to establish itself as a leader in sourcing and trading of aerospace superalloys & metals. As the requirements of our clients diversified, so did our services and team of experts. With our expanded team came two new sectors to the business: Revert Alloys Management and Recovery Metals Technologies.
Collaborations with different sectors and organisations have allowed us to gain valuable insight into what is required by our customers. And with a wide network of associates, partners and industry specialists, we can ensure our customers get the highest quality service.
A third generation family business operating on a national scale from head offices in Sheffield, Sterling Commodities has the freedom to explore unconventional projects utilising both internal knowledge and cutting-edge facilities.
With a large portfolio of corporate customers within the Aerospace, Oil, Gas and power generation industries and long standing relationships with established and up-and-coming SMEs - We are continuously exploring business opportunities.
Services
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UK’s leading purchaser of aerospace alloys
Our processes allow for an increased scope of materials that can be used. Accurate valuation reports and prompt payments help us secure our place as market leaders. In a competitive market where the value of alloys and metals are high, choosing the right partner can be a challenging decision. Holding the necessary waste management permits allows waste streams to be maximised financially.
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Patented processes to maximise revert & waste solutions
We always look to maximise value in waste recovery or revert opportunities whilst keeping the overall carbon footprint to a minimum for our customers. Our innovative briquetting processes have opened up new opportunities in Alloys Metals recycling - where previously materials were landfilled they are now able to be facilitated back into the recycling process improving environmental and commercial credentials.
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Revert Alloys Management
A technically competent business with unique revert processors enabling companies to get the commercial advantage on utilising lower cost materials verse virgin blends.
With over 20 Years experience, one of our professional team can help develop the right solution for your business.
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What value is in your waste? - Recovery Metal Technologies
Sterling are the perfect partner to recover the value in your waste materials. With our customised processes and expert technicians we are one of the leading businesses in recycling associated waste streams from the metals industries including furnace innings (refractories). Talk to one of our professional team who will develop a personalised quotation for your business needs.
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Sourcing Metals & Alloys
Use the form below to find out which metals we can process and purchase
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Stainless
Alloys
304, 304L, 316, 316L, 317, 347PlateSolidsTurningsMillingsPowdersSludgeBriquettes - Toll Only -
Nickel/Chrome
Alloys
309, 310 In800, Ra330 In600, In601PlateSolidsTurningsMillingsPowdersSludgeBriquettes - Yes -
Titanium
Alloys
CP IMI230, 318, 550, 679, 829PlateSolidsTurningsMillingsPowdersSludgeBriquettes - Toll Only -
Tungsten
Alloys
Tungsten, Carbide, tips, S/Grade & Dies etcPlateSolidsTurningsMillingsPowdersSludgeBriquettes - Yes -
Cobalt
Alloys
Stellite 6, 8, 21 25, 31, x45, 188 ElgiloyPlateSolidsTurningsMillingsPowdersSludgeBriquettes - Yes -
Copper/Nickel
Alloys
Monel, 70/30, 80/20, 90/10, Kunifer, FerryPlateSolidsTurningsMillingsPowdersSludgeBriquettes - Yes -
High Speed
Alloys
M1, M2, M3, M35, M42, T1, T15PlateSolidsTurningsMillingsPowdersSludgeBriquettes - Yes -
Nimonics
Alloys
Nim C263, Nim 90, Nim75, Nim80, Nim86, Nim105PlateSolidsTurningsMillingsPowdersSludgeBriquettes - Yes -
Ni Cr Mo
Alloys
Hastelloy, nco625, 904L, A286. Inco713, Carp20PlateSolidsTurningsMillingsPowdersSludgeBriquettes - Yes
If you want a personalised quote for metals and alloys then please contact us.
Briquetting, pelleting and agglomeration
Densification of powders, grindings and sludges though briquetting, pelleting and agglomeration allows for more materials to be recovered and converted into forms which can then be melted directly in furnaces including Electric Arc Furnace and Air Induction furnaces.
Densification through routes such as these allows for more difficult materials to be utilised which can benefit commercially through increase yield on melting programmes.
Case Study
Nickel Chrome Grindings had been used for a number of years in an EAF facility producing stainless steel. The material provided lower cost Nickel and Chrome units when compared to virgin. When a new dust extraction system that was installed over the furnace subsequently created a new problem of the grindings being pulled up into the extraction system loosing the melter the benefit of this low cost resource.
While this was a problem is also gave an opportunity to capitalise on the issue. Densification allowed the grindings to go through a process to eliminate moisture, standardise density and increase yeild.
Grindings from a typical machine would have a density of 1.5g/cm2, because we knew the issue which wasn't just the extraction system but also wanting to allow more grindings to be added as and when in the ladle then there was a second problem that we overcame through creating a dense briquette of 2.5g/cm this was able to breach the slag crust and get into the melt. This has allowed our customer to increase the tonnage of these low cost materials while improving yield and control.
REVERT ALLOYS MANAGEMENT
Reverting a material means putting it through a series of processes to extract the product so it can be melted to produce new nickel, titanium or cobalt based alloys. In addition to standard revert procedures, Sterling Commodities offer a range of customised options for its customers. These processes are leading the way in the industry of revert alloy management, allowing our customers to maximise the value from their revet products. Our revert processes include:
Testing and Segregation
At the heart of the operation is the ability to accurately test and sort metals. Using on-site Niton analysis and off-site, independent laboratories, Sterling Commodities use the very latest technologies and facilities to asses the chemical compositions.
Turnings, Chipping and Granulations
Sterling Commodites have their own turn-key, turnings process line. This is a powerful tool in the revert management process, allowing us to easily customise our service to our clients’ issues. Depending on what needs to be achieved, our equipment can cut, chip or granulate.
Degreasing of turnings and swarf
Sterling Commodities only use environmentally friendly cleaning agents to ensure materials are fit for direct melting. Options for customisation include “just intake”, where the turnings can be scheduled with our customers' melting program.
Tethlon Coating Removal
The removal of Tethlon Coating from metals can change how the metal goes on to be used and often significantly increases its value. This service can be used on aerospace alloys including CP Titanium.
Toll Melting
Direct toll melting services are available through the following routes into ingot form. Our expertise, both technically and commercially, enables us to provide comprehensive toll melting services that meet our clients exacting requirements.
Recovery Metal Technologies
Recovering metals from waste streams offers companies an opportunity to recapture value and decrease their carbon footprint. These valuable waste streams are often mixed with other nominal value materials, including refractories, which contribute to the commercial viability of recycling.
Refractory recycling
Sterling Commodities offers the niche service of recycling used furnace refractory bricks and materials back into the refractory and metallurgical industries. These materials are obtained from the steel, glass, non-ferrous, alloy, lime, cement and chemical industries. The materials are analysed and the options for their use are presented to the customer. This service avoids expensive landfill costs for the client, in addition to reducing their environmental impact.
When spent refractory lining are mixed with high value metals, our processes allow for both waste streams to recovered.
Materials recycled included:
- Firebrick
- High alumina materials - both bauxite and alumina silicate based
- Magnesia carbon
- Magnesia chrome
- Dead burnt magnesite
- Fusion cast refractories
Partners
Over the years we have developed, tackled and ultimately patented new process and techniques that have transformed alloy metal management and recovery. This is not through our thinking alone, we’ve had the help of some key industry people along the way to help drive the sector forward.
Through effective collaboration, something we feel is necessary to grow the business continues on a daily basis with ongoing projects to overcome problems where materials may be downgraded or even landfilled as it may be not be able to be used in its current formation.
Our partners are vital to our business and to the industry as a whole. It is safe to say when you work with Sterling Commodities there is intangible bond made that acts as the backbone to future operations - we are about building productive and sustainable relationships and not fulfilling quick outsourcing opportunities.
Careers
A family-run business that cares not only about the industry in which we operate and our subsequent impact on the environment, but also the team that's in place to deliver our industry-defining solutions. Working for Sterling Commodities will expose you to a professional and hardworking environment in a corporate but fun setting, with owners that truly take responsibility over your welfare and development.
If you think you are the right person for Sterling Commodities, then click on the job title within the current vacancies list you feel you are most suited to. If there are no current vacancies, then please don’t hesitate to send us your CV and covering letter to careers@sterlingcommodities.com as we always love to hear from exciting people who want to join our business.
Sectors
Aerospace, Oil, Gas and Power Generation
We work with many companies who have close links with the industries of Aerospace, Oil, Gas and Power Generation. These industries have some dependancy on the metals that we process and source. Our approach to accurate testing and processing tailored to their exact, individual requirements allows for an unparalleled services to be delivered.
In a market where the value of alloys and metals is substantial, finding the right partner who can manage the needs of a business is a high priority for most manufacturers.
Holding the necessary waste management permits, gives our customers assurances that their waste / resource streams are managed correctly.