Question 1

What are the common IS 2062 grades for structural steel, and which one should I specify?

Accepted Answer

IS 2062 is the governing standard for hot-rolled structural steel in India. The most widely used grade is E250 (historically called Fe410W), which serves as the general-purpose baseline for construction and fabrication. For applications requiring higher strength, such as heavy industrial structures or long-span frames, E350 is the standard step up. When placing an enquiry, always specify the grade alongside the section type and size. If your structural engineer has designed to IS 800 (the Indian code for structural steel design), the grade will already be called out in the drawings.

Question 2

What section types are available in hot-rolled structural steel?

Accepted Answer

Indian mills and stockists supply several standard section types: equal and unequal angles (L-sections), channels (ISMC, ISLC), I-beams and joists (ISMB, ISJB, ISHB), plates, and flats. Each comes in a range of sizes defined by IS standards. When you send an enquiry, specify the section designation (for example, ISMB 300 or ISMC 200), the grade (E250 or E350), the length, and the quantity in metric tonnes. Clear specs prevent back-and-forth and get you accurate quotes faster.

Question 3

Should I insist on a mill test certificate (MTC)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always. A mill test certificate (also called a test certificate or TC) is issued by the producing mill and records the heat number, chemical composition, and mechanical properties of the steel. It is your proof that the material actually meets IS 2062 requirements. Reputable suppliers, whether mills or stockists, will provide the MTC as a matter of course. If a supplier hesitates or cannot produce one, treat that as a red flag and move on.

Question 4

Is it better to buy structural steel directly from a mill or from a stockist?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your order size and timeline. Mills like SAIL, Tata Steel, and JSW typically have minimum order quantities of several tonnes per section and lead times of a few weeks. For large project requirements, mill-direct pricing is usually the most competitive. Stockists, on the other hand, hold inventory across multiple sections and can deliver smaller quantities quickly, which is useful for fabrication shops or projects with tight schedules. Many buyers use a mix: mill-direct for their bulk requirements and a local stockist for top-ups and odd sizes.

Question 5

Is Sauda really free for buyers? How does it make money?

Accepted Answer

Sauda is completely free for buyers. There are no fees, commissions, or hidden charges on the buying side. Sauda earns from the supplier side of the transaction. For you as a buyer, the service is straightforward: you send your structural steel requirement on WhatsApp (https://wa.me/919987549010), and Sauda finds suppliers, verifies them through their GST filings and returns, contacts and negotiates with them, and returns the cheapest live quotes within 24 hours.

Question 6

How does Sauda verify structural steel suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Sauda checks each supplier's GST filings and returns before presenting a quote to you. This verification confirms that the supplier is a real, tax-compliant business rather than a dormant listing or a broker misrepresenting their capacity. Combined with direct calls to confirm stock availability and pricing, this process means the quotes you receive are live, current, and from genuine suppliers. You can start by sending your requirement on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/919987549010.

How to Source Structural Steel in India: Angles, Channels, Beams and IS 2062 Grades

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