SMU Data and Models
SMU crossword: Essential 11 steel terms for fun and business
Written by David Schollaert & Ethan Bernard
June 7, 2024
Steel 101
The final countdown to our Steel 101 course has arrived. Held in Fort Wayne, Ind., on June 11-12, all the main ins and outs of steelmaking will be covered. And there will be a tour of SDI’s Butler mill. You can still register here for one of the few spots left, or reach out to us at events@steelmarketupdate.com.
Essential 11
Over the past few weeks in these crosswords, we’ve covered a lot of ground. With this our final crossword before our Steel 101 course on June 11-12, we thought we’d do something a little different.
We’ve covered the past in previous puzzles. We’ve puzzled about mills no longer around. And we’ve riddled about key moments in steel history. This one is for the present, tomorrow, and even the day after tomorrow.
Whereas our Steel 101 course methodically covers all facets of the industry, this week’s crossword covers 11 terms. Now, they are not exhaustive. They are in no particular order. But they are good terms to throw around, especially if you want to prove to others that you know what you’re talking about.
Why 11? Because it’s one less than a Baker’s Dozen. Or think of it as 10 with one extra thrown in for good luck. However you view these 11 items, we hope you will enjoy the puzzle, and that you can throw in at least one of the terms in your next steel conversation.
Crossword
Click here to attempt this week’s essentials crossword.
Need help? Click here to see the answers.
David Schollaert
Read more from David SchollaertEthan Bernard
Read more from Ethan BernardLatest in SMU Data and Models
SMU Survey: Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices stable to start 2025
Both SMU Steel Buyers' Sentiment Indices remain in positive territory, indicating that steel buyers are optimistic about the success of their businesses.
SMU Survey: Mill lead times short and steady to start 2025
Buyers participating in our first market survey of 2025 reported a slight decline in mill lead times compared to our last survey in mid-December. After rising moderately in early December, lead times edged lower through this week and are now only slightly above the lows seen back in July and November. Overall, production times have remained historically short since last summer, with minimal movement since then.
SMU’s December at a glance
SMU’s Monthly Review provides a summary of important steel market metrics for the previous month. Our latest report includes data updated through December 31st.
SMU Survey: Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices contrast at year end
Both of our Sentiment Indices remain in positive territory and indicate that steel buyers are optimistic about the success of their businesses.
SMU Survey: Mill lead times contract slightly, remain short
Steel mill production times have seen very little change since September, according to buyers participating in our latest market survey.