An assay report describes measured metal content; it does not, by itself, explain every part of a converter settlement. To understand a transaction, connect the report to the material tested, the reported units, the applicable metal-pricing basis, and the agreed purchasing terms.
Updated October 22, 2026.
Start with the material and lot reference
Ask which material the report represents and how the lot is identified. Check that the reference connects to the material you delivered and the records retained for the transaction. If the material was sampled, ask how the sample was prepared and linked to the lot.
Sampling and laboratory analysis are important parts of automotive catalyst recycling. BASF's catalyst recycling overview describes sampling and assaying as part of determining precious-metal content. The details of your transaction should be explained by the purchasing team handling it.
Check the reported metals and units
Catalytic converter discussions commonly refer to platinum, palladium, and rhodium, known as platinum group metals or PGMs. Ask which metals are included and what units the laboratory uses.
A concentration and a total metal quantity are different measurements. Before comparing two reports, confirm that they use the same basis. Ask the team to explain unfamiliar abbreviations or calculations instead of assuming that similar-looking figures are directly comparable.
Separate the analysis from the settlement
The analysis describes the measured content. The settlement also depends on the agreed transaction terms. Ask for an explanation that connects the report to the purchasing calculation.
- Which material quantity and weight basis are used?
- Which metal-price reference, currency, and pricing date apply?
- Which payable or recovery terms apply, if relevant?
- Which charges or deductions are included?
- When are results and payment expected under the agreement?
These are questions to clarify the terms of your transaction, not a statement that every agreement uses the same charges or calculation.
A checklist for discussing the report
| Check | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Lot identity | Does this report represent the material in our records? |
| Sampling | How was the sample prepared and identified? |
| Units | What does each reported figure measure? |
| Pricing basis | Which reference and date apply? |
| Settlement | How do the report and agreed terms connect to the payment? |
What if something is unclear?
Raise the question before treating the settlement as understood. Identify the specific report reference, figure, or term you want explained, and retain the related records. Ask how questions about sampling, analysis, or settlement are handled under the agreement.
Discuss an assay inquiry with Maxcore
Maxcore describes assay and code-based purchasing among its catalytic converter services. Contact the team to discuss your material and the reporting and purchasing process that would apply.
For the basic concept, read what an assay measures and why it matters. For market context, visit Precious Metals Pricing.
Industry reference: BASF ECMS automotive catalyst recycling overview. This provides general industry context; Maxcore's transaction terms must be confirmed directly.