From Field to Factory: How MSMEs Can Standardise Steel for Farm Tool Production

When the same farm tool requires different bending settings or repeated adjustments during assembly, the problem may begin with the incoming steel. Differences in grade, thickness or material condition can disrupt a process that worked well on the previous batch.

For MSMEs manufacturing farm tools, standardising steel means defining what each component requires and buying to that specification consistently. It also means keeping enough records to trace a production issue back to the material used.

This guide covers grade selection, thickness control and procurement practices for more consistent production, with Tata Astrum available through DigECA.

A purchase description such as “HR sheet for agricultural tools” leaves too much open to interpretation. The same workshop may produce welded frames, mounting brackets, formed supports and soil-contact parts, each with different material requirements.

Create a material list linked to the component drawing. Record:

• Material standard, grade and subgrade.
• Nominal thickness and permitted variation.
• Sheet dimensions or coil width.
• Surface and delivery condition, where relevant.
• Any heat treatment or testing requirements.
• Drawing number and revision.

This gives purchasing, production and inspection teams one agreed reference. For repeat orders, use a component or material code linked to the specification rather than relying on a previous invoice alone.

Standardisation does not mean using one steel grade for every tool. It means using the correct grade consistently for each part.

Separate components into practical groups:
 

When comparing hot rolled steel grades, begin with the component’s function and approved design. A stronger structural grade is not automatically a suitable replacement for a hardened blade material.

Our agriculture range includes Tata Astrum IS 2062 E250 and E300 options, among other specifications. Choose Tata Astrum grades for agricultural equipment by component. The brand name is not a full specification.

Thickness variation can affect bend results, weld fit-up, component weight and assembly clearances. Buying only by nominal thickness can leave these production requirements unclear.

Specify an acceptable thickness tolerance based on the drawing and applicable material standard. Agree on how incoming material will be measured, including measurement locations and sampling frequency.

Use a calibrated micrometre suitable for the material. Record readings against the delivery and material identity, and check several locations rather than taking one reading from the top sheet.

Keep material outside the agreed limits separate while the issue is reviewed. Changing machine settings to accommodate it without a record can make the next batch harder to control.

For tractor implements made from Hot Rolled (HR) steel, check thickness against the approved drawing. A thinner sheet should not enter production simply because it is easier to bend or available sooner.

Consistent steel is one part of consistent production. Cutting, bending, welding and heat treatment also need defined settings and inspection points.

For a repeat component, retain a basic process record covering tooling, bend sequence, welding procedure and critical dimensions. Inspect the first component before releasing the rest of the batch.

If a bend cracks or a welded assembly distorts, compare both the material records and the production settings. Do not assume that every defect comes from the steel.

Each Tata Astrum product page lists chemical and mechanical properties, plus the thickness and width range. Match the selected product’s specifications to the workshop process, particularly where forming or welding is critical.

For heat-treated farm tools, also check the properties required after treatment. An incoming material certificate alone cannot confirm that the finished tool has achieved its specified hardness.

Check the mill test certificate for every delivery. It should match the material you received with the specification you ordered.

Check the manufacturer’s details, standard, complete grade, dimensions and material identification. Match the heat or cast number on the certificate with the identification supplied with the consignment.

Review the chemical composition and mechanical test results against the ordered specification. Where impact testing or another additional requirement applies, check that it is covered.

After cutting, preserve the link between the parent sheet or coil and the production batch. A simple batch register can record which material went into each work order. This makes it easier to investigate defects and identify affected components.

When buying steel for farm machinery manufacturing, compare quotations against the same written requirement. A lower rate may offer little saving if the supplied dimensions create more scrap or require extra processing.

Before placing an order, confirm:

• The complete material specification and required quantity.
• Dimensions suited to the cutting plan.
• Documentation and inspection requirements.
• Delivery timing and unloading arrangements.

Through DigECA, you can connect with authorised Tata Steel distributors, review online pricing and negotiate your requirement. Our platform also provides order progress updates for delivery planning.

MSMEs sourcing hot rolled steel for agricultural equipment online should use the same approved material description across enquiries, purchase orders and incoming inspection records.

If the same component repeatedly cracks during bending or requires weld rework, review the cause before ordering another batch.

Through DigECA’s Technical Assistance service, you can seek guidance from Tata Steel specialists on grade selection, process upgrades and quality issues. Share the drawing, material certificate, thickness readings, process settings and photographs of the defect.

This makes the discussion specific to your workshop and provides a basis for deciding whether the material, process or both require a change.

Can leftover sheets from different deliveries be used together?

Yes, but only after confirming that they meet the same approved specification and remain identifiable. Keep different grades and thicknesses clearly separated, including offcuts.
 

How often should incoming steel thickness be checked?

Set a sampling plan based on the component’s requirements, delivery size and supplier history. Increase checks when a discrepancy appears or the material specification changes.
 

When should a substitute steel grade be approved?

Before it enters production. Review its effect on strength, forming, welding and any heat treatment, then document the approval and any required trials.