As described earlier, a wide range of raw materials are used in the EAF. Where possible, the lowest cost alternative is selected – usually a coarse heavy scrap – so long as the material stays within the chemical composition requirements.
In some locations of the furnace a coarse scrap is not advisable and a more expensive fine scrap should be used. The finer scrap is used in order to avoid operating problems in the furnace, or practical problems when handling the scrap baskets.