The metric/imperial split matters for US buyers
European and Turkish suppliers spec wire in metric (mm, N/mm²). Many US buyers still work in imperial (inches, ksi). Miscommunication between the two systems causes real problems in RFQs and specifications.
Getting the conversions right — and asking the right questions — saves a lot of back-and-forth.
Diameter conversion basics
Common conversions: 0.020″ ≈ 0.508 mm, 0.062″ ≈ 1.57 mm, 0.125″ ≈ 3.18 mm, 0.250″ ≈ 6.35 mm. AWG (American Wire Gauge) is a separate system used for fine wire and adds another translation layer. When quoting from Turkish suppliers, state the metric diameter you want — do not force the supplier to interpret AWG.
Tensile conversion
Metric tensile is stated in N/mm² (or MPa — same thing). Imperial is stated in ksi or psi. 1 ksi ≈ 6.895 MPa.
Common conversions: 80 ksi ≈ 552 MPa, 100 ksi ≈ 690 MPa, 150 ksi ≈ 1034 MPa. When specifying tensile to a Turkish supplier, use MPa or N/mm² — that is what the mill certificates will report.
Grade equivalents
SAE grades (1006, 1008, 1010) are used in both metric and imperial specs. EN grades (C4D, C8D, C10D) and DIN grades (1.0035, 1.0212) are metric-native. AISI grades (1006, 1008) map closely to SAE.
A supplier’s certificate will typically state chemistry in weight percent, so the underlying steel is the same regardless of designation.
The one RFQ mistake to avoid
Do not send a Turkish supplier a spec that mixes systems — ‘diameter 0.156 inches, tensile 700 N/mm², elongation 12%’. Pick one system for the entire RFQ. Metric is preferred for exports to Europe and Turkey; convert everything before sending.
That signals professionalism and eliminates translation errors. Send ourquote desk a clean metric spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do you supply EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificates by default?
Yes. Every export shipment travels with an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate showing chemistry, tensile properties and dimensional data for the actual heat. This is our default, not a paid add-on.
What are your typical lead times for EU and US buyers?
Standard grades ship 2–4 weeks from PO confirmation. Add 5–10 days sea freight to European destinations and 20–25 days to US East Coast under normal conditions. Custom grades or specialty packaging may extend production time.
Can you handle small trial orders before volume commitment?
Yes. We support new customers with sample lots and small trial orders — typically 1–5 tonnes — before ramping to volume. Contact our quote desk to arrange a sample.
What documentation do you provide for EU and US customs clearance?
For EU shipments we provide A.TR movement certificate to support duty-free entry under the EU-Turkey Customs Union. For US shipments we provide certificate of origin and any HS-code-specific documentation required. Discuss requirements with our export desk.
Ready to discuss your steel wire requirement? Request a quote and our technical desk will respond within one business day.