Archive: Oct 2020

Understanding The Production Processes Behind Aluminum And Steel

Leave a Comment

thin metal strips

When investing in different types of metal, one must first understand what each of those types is really made up of, as well as what purposes those different metals can ultimately serve. It’s one thing to invest in thin metal strips, but it’s another entirely to buy metal strips that actually serve the purpose you intend them for. Of course, there are obscure metals that can be much more difficult to get. But generally speaking, the most common metals to be purchased by consumers include aluminum in bar, tube, sheet, or plate form, then hot or cold-rolled steel, and finally stainless steel. With that being said, let’s look into the different qualities carried by these different types of metals.

What Is Aluminum? What Are Its Qualities?

Essentially, aluminum is made of alumina, from which it is melted down and condensed. Therefore, it does not exist in a pure form. It first has to be chemically refined into aluminum, after initially existed as an ore called bauxite. Bauxite itself is often found in the topsoil of tropical and subtropical regions. Looking at it, you would never imagine that the thin metal strips you may buy would be sourced from such a simple ore. Aluminum found within the bauxite is then extracted into alumina, and then smelted into pure aluminum. From then on, it can be turned into the metal we’re more familiar with, from thin metal strips that you may be more familiar with to cans, foils, kitchen utensils, and even airplane parts. The reason why aluminum is so valued as a metal is that it ultimately is quite malleable, and can therefore be used for a variety of different types of projects. However, it won’t necessarily stand up to pressure the way that certain other metals might. The affordability of this type of metal, as well as its versatility, keeps it popular among metalworkers.

What Does It Mean For Steel To Be Hot Or Cold Rolled?

To define hot or cold-rolled steel, you are essentially discussing the milling process used during the steel’s production. Hot rolled steel is steel that is rolled at a temperature higher than its recrystallization temperature, which would usually be around 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. As you may imagine, cold-rolled steel is processed further within cold reduction mills. The material would be cooled down to room temperature and then treated with annealing or tempers rolling. Whereas hot-rolled steel would be used within welding and construction trades, ultimately being used to create railroad tracks and I-beams, cold-rolled steel is relied upon more in projects that require an emphasis on straightness, as well as concentricity and surface condition. When looking for thin sheet metal, you may very well find yourself working with cold-rolled steel.

How Is Stainless Steel Created?

Though we may all be more familiar with stainless steel than other types of metals, and may have encountered some thin steel sheets made out of stainless steel, many of us don’t understand how it is made and why. Stainless steel is created when a combination of its base ores, which are melted down on an electric furnace and then cast. It will then go through a shaping process, followed by annealing, and then descaling. Ultimately, the metal will be cut and then finished after the descaling, and finally further shaped and molded. This is how you can ultimately end up with the thin metal strips that you are more familiar with.

Clearly, the processes used to create and refine different metals can vary wildly. But the more than metalworkers understand about these metals, the more they can ultimately do with them.

How the Right Thin Sheet Metals Can Help You Achieve Your Business Goals

Leave a Comment

thin sheet metal

If you operate any business that deals with thin sheet metal, then you are probably aware of just how much of an impact they can make on your jobs. Customers notice when you use high-quality materials on your jobs. Your competitors and others in the industry notice as well. So why would you cut corners when it comes to your thin sheet metals? There are many reasons, most of which depend on the overall goals and vision that you have for your business. That’s why we have decided to present this list of a few of the ways in which the right thin sheet metals can help you get closer to achieving each and every one of your business goals, no matter how large or small they may be.

The Right Thin Sheet Metals Make for More Efficient Projects and Workflow

Efficiency is one of the most important metrics that you can use when you are looking at the overall productivity of your business. Without effective workflow and production methods, you are simply throwing money right out the window. It is far better for you to be aware of the areas where you may be lacking so that you can correct them. If you are anything like most businesses who work in the metal fabrication industry, then you are probably not using the right thin sheet metals for the job. Realizing this is the first step towards creating more effective systems for getting the job done the right way.

When you invest in the right metals for your tasks, you will instantly notice that your team is more productive and your workflow is enhanced for each project that you take on. This is helpful for standing out in an industry that is only going to continue to grow. After all, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metal fabrication industry is projected to add 12,000 jobs to the sector over this decade.

The Right Thin Sheet Metals Make a Strong First Impression

When you are working with clients every little detail matters. This is especially true if you have a new client whose favor you are trying to win over. Those who require special metals for their jobs will take notice if you are not working with the absolute best materials that are on the current market. Most clients will not be fooled by this. Instead, they will usually turn tail and end up spending their money with another provider. Thankfully you can make a great first impression by simply investing in the right sheet metals. Contact an experienced supplier to get an estimate and learn more about how you can enhance your business with the most current thin sheet metals.

At Thin Metal Sales our team is here to offer a large variety of thin sheet metals from thin aluminum strips and stainless steel all the way up to more specialized forms of metals such as 6061 aluminum and ASTM a666. If you are ever wondering how you can make your business that much more effective and reliable through the use of thin sheet metals, then please do not be afraid to take the first step and get in touch with a member of our team today for even more information on everything that we have to offer. We are excited to help you make your business goals a reality with the latest and greatest thin sheet metals.