An MTR is a certifiable document that communicates critical data for raw materials, such as steel and other metal alloys.

The document certifies the material’s compliance with contract and regulatory standards required for an application. The MTR is generally supplied by the material manufacturer and will follow the material throughout the supply chain. An MTR is an important document that ensures materials used in a specific application can handle the requirements of use.

What information is in an MTR?

An MTR will contain several easily identifiable characteristics of a material and many that are not so easily identifiable. Easily identifiable information includes the material’s general size and shape. Other details include heat number, material weight, classification, and grade. The Heat number is particularly important. It provides a way to trace the material back to initial production units and the process conditions during fabrication.

An MTR also includes detailed mechanical properties and chemical analysis. Chemical analysis refers to specific levels of each element aligned with the tolerances set for the material’s grade and use. Mechanical properties refer to the physical properties of a material and how they satisfy the standards set by regulatory bodies and international standards organizations.

You can find a sample MTR, here.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


Below is a sample Material Test Report template, often called a mill test report or material test report. This guide on how to read important MTR documents includes an explanation of each relevant field. Manufacturers, inspectors, and customers should be able to easily identify and understand these fields. This will ensure the validity and conformity of materials and their proper application.

Sample MTR

an image of a sample MTR

Sample MTR Fields

The sample MTR contains eight (8) main fields. Read more about each field below.

#1 – Material Heat Number 

A material heat number is the main method of traceability for a given material. When comparing an MTR with raw materials, the corresponding heat number must be matched. This includes accompanying paperwork and marking on the surface of the material itself.

#2 – Material Grade (not pictured)

The material grade classifies various metals by their composition and physical properties. In the sample MTR, we can see that the material is 316/316L stainless steel.

#3 – Product Specifications Met

Product specifications refer to the ASTM and ASME standards applied to a given material. For example, metals used in pressure and vacuum applications have to meet specific product specifications. ASTM standards have a prefix including the letter “A”. Standards from the ASME have a “SA” prefix.

#4 – Material Dimensions

A material’s size and dimensions will be included on an MTR and displayed as material dimensions. This will change depending on the raw material. For example, metal plates are measured in thickness, while pipes are measured in diameter. In the sample MTR, the material is plate and labeled by thickness, width, weight, and length.

#5 – Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are specific tolerances a material has when used in specific applications. If a material falls within the outlined tolerances, it can be used. If the specification extends beyond those tolerances, it cannot.

#6 – Chemical Analysis

Chemical Analysis, like mechanical properties, refers to a specific chemical makeup that certifies a material can be used for a given application without risk of failure.

#7 – Heat Treatment (not pictured)

Heat treatment refers to a specific process of heating or cooling, usually to extreme temperatures, a material undergoes. The reviewer will identify all processes in the product specification and confirm details are accurate. In the sample MTR, the solution has a minimum arrival temp of 1900F and was water quenched.

#​8 – Certified Mill Signature

The certified mill signature is provided by the responsible employee at the source mill. The employee signs to certify that the information is accurate.

MTR FAQ

Want more information on MTRs? Please visit the Encompass Solutions MTR FAQ page.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Why Is An Material Test Report important?

An MTR is an industry-standard document that asserts all the characteristics of steel and alloy materials. It confirms the material meets regulatory standards for its many different grades, tolerances, and purposes. So, why is an MTR important? MTRs allow recipients to properly store the material to ensure quality is maintained most appropriately. The MTR also provides traceability that manufacturers, inspectors, distributors, and customers need for reference. This traceability goes back to its raw or recycled source materials. From the forge to the final destination, an MTR is used throughout the supply chain.

A Day In The Life Of An MTR

So, let’s say I work at a mill. My colleagues and I have sweated and bled through the process of creating a beautiful steel plate or pipe for you. It’s been forged, tested, and certified to meet or exceed all regulatory standards, as well as your project or order specifications.

The day it arrives on-site at your facility is joyous and the team comes together in celebration to welcome the inventory’s newest addition. Here’s where the MTR comes in. First, you need to confirm you got what you paid for. The MTR is your certified document that this is the case.

The problem with getting a new plate or pipe to add to your inventory is that it kind of looks like all the other plates and pipes in your inventory. Sure, within a few days of receipt you might be able to point it out and recollect the BOM it belongs to, its specific heat, chemical, and impact properties. However, as weeks and months may go by, its luster may dim, and your reference as to its specific qualities and characteristics alongside it.

Let’s face it, it’s nearly impossible to visually identify the differences in grades of steel for even the most seasoned metal fabrication veterans. The MTR is your certified record of all these details and more. It helps categorize, store, and dispatch materials when you need them. Without it, determining the materials’ exact specifications is exceedingly difficult. Getting the right materials out to customers, even more so. Now, you may be asking yourself, “how does a manufacturer or distributor keep track of all their MTRs?” in short, Encompass built a solution.

The MTR Solution

For many manufacturers and distributors, inventory from mills all over the world can fill warehouses throughout the operation. There it will patiently wait until called upon for any specific order or project. In that time, your MTR library is going to grow into a substantial catalog. Encompass has customers with more than 40,000 MTRs at their facilities. So, how do you keep track of it all?

In short, most people have a very hard time managing and interacting with their MTR catalog. Document management involves a lot of legwork. Whether your shop floor or sales force needs the info, keeping your MTRs in order can be a full-time job. Tracking it down MTRs, confirming the validity, and offering records involve enough back and forth to make your head spin. Keep in mind, that after a transaction has taken place records will be referenced for many years. Fortunately, purpose-built software can manage these records and help route them where and when appropriate. All this can be done within the confines of your well-ordered and secure ERP system. The tool even helps maintain your historical records in case you need to reference them years down the line.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions on the subject of Material Test Reports, visit our MTR FAQ.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.