MTC format checklist: what every mill test certificate needs
A complete MTC format checklist — every field a mill test certificate needs, from heat number and chemistry to tests and signatures, and why MTCs get rejected.
Author
MetalMitra Team
Sourcing, software and growth for the metal industry
About us
The MetalMitra team works every day with steel, pipe, fittings and flange companies — on sourcing requests, quotations, mill test certificates, websites and export marketing. Our articles explain grades, standards, documents and selling, in plain language.
How we write and check our articles
- Technical figures (dimensions, weights, chemistry and pressure ratings) are taken from the published standards named in each article, such as ASTM, ASME, API, EN and IS.
- Articles are updated when a standard or rule changes; the date at the top of each article shows the last update.
- Spotted a mistake? Email hello@metalmitra.com and we will check and correct it.
90 articles by MetalMitra Team
Quotation format for pipes and fittings: a complete template
A complete quotation format for pipes and fittings — header, item lines, weights, taxes, terms and certification — plus Excel vs software and a sample layout.
LinkedIn messages for buyers: templates that get replies
LinkedIn messages for buyers that actually get replies — connection notes, first messages, follow-ups and templates for steel and metal exporters.
LinkedIn Sales Navigator for exporters: find real buyers
How exporters can use LinkedIn Sales Navigator to find real buyers — filters, lead lists, saved searches, alerts and a simple daily prospecting routine.
LinkedIn company page for manufacturers: a complete setup
How to set up a LinkedIn company page for manufacturers — profile, banner, About section, showcase pages, posting plan and getting employees to amplify reach.
Steel pipe tenders: how to find, qualify and win them
Steel pipe tenders explained — where to find government, PSU and international tenders, vendor registration, pre-qualification, bid documents and tips to win.
GeM portal for steel suppliers: register and win orders
GeM portal guide for steel suppliers — registration, OEM vs reseller, catalogue listing, bids, reverse auctions, MSE benefits and tips to win orders.
B2B portal membership ROI: is IndiaMART or Alibaba worth it?
Is a paid B2B portal worth it? Calculate real ROI for IndiaMART, TradeIndia or Alibaba with a simple formula, a worked example and signs to switch.
IndiaMART BuyLeads tips: convert more leads into orders
Practical IndiaMART BuyLeads tips for metal suppliers — choosing the right leads, replying fast, qualifying buyers, quoting professionally and tracking ROI.
Website RFQ form that converts: a guide for metal companies
How to build a website RFQ form that converts — which fields to ask, file uploads, WhatsApp options, mobile design and follow-up for metal companies.
AI search visibility for manufacturers: get found in ChatGPT
AI search visibility for manufacturers — how ChatGPT, Gemini and Google AI Overviews pick suppliers, and 10 steps to get your metal company recommended.
Google Search Console guide for manufacturers and exporters
A practical Google Search Console guide for manufacturers — setup, the Performance report, indexing, sitemaps and monthly checks that grow traffic.
Backlinks for manufacturing websites: 12 safe strategies
Backlinks for manufacturing websites explained — 12 safe ways to earn quality links from suppliers, associations, media and content, and what to avoid.
Local SEO for steel dealers: rank in your city on Google
Local SEO for steel dealers made simple — rank for "steel dealer near me" with a strong Google profile, city pages, citations, reviews and local content.
12 must-have pages for a metal company website
The 12 must-have pages for a metal company website — from product and grade pages to certificates, industries and RFQ — and what each page needs to win buyers.
Manufacturer website cost in India: what you should pay
Manufacturer website cost in India explained — typical price ranges, what drives cost, hidden yearly charges and how to judge value for an industrial site.
How to find steel buyers in Europe: markets and tactics
How to find steel buyers in Europe — top markets, buyer types, standards like PED and CE, CBAM and trade rules, and the outreach channels that work best.
How to find importers using trade data and HS codes
How to find importers using trade data — free and paid sources, searching by HS code, reading shipment records, qualifying buyers and turning data into replies.
Follow-up after quotation: emails that win steel orders
Follow-up after quotation done right — timing, ready-to-use email templates, WhatsApp follow-ups and handling silence so more steel quotes become orders.
CBAM for Indian steel exporters: what changes from 2026
CBAM for Indian steel exporters — what the EU carbon border mechanism covers, what changed in 2026, what data EU buyers need and how to prepare your plant.
Container loading for steel: 20ft vs 40ft, weight and lashing
Container loading for steel explained — 20ft vs 40ft payload, why 6 m pipes need care, flat racks and open tops, lashing, dunnage and VGM rules for exporters.
How to verify overseas buyers and avoid export fraud
How to verify overseas buyers and avoid export fraud — red flags in enquiries, free checks you can run, fake LC and bank detail scams, and safe payment terms.
Export payment terms guide: advance, LC, DP, DA and CAD
Export payment terms explained for metal exporters — advance, LC, DP, DA, CAD and open account — with risk levels, costs and how to negotiate safe terms.
HS codes for steel pipes, fittings and flanges: export guide
HS codes for steel pipes, fittings, flanges, fasteners and plates explained — chapter 72 and 73 headings, common subheadings and how to avoid misclassification.