Archive: Feb 2022

What Makes Aluminum So Sustainable?

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Aluminum is one of the most-used metals in the world. This durable but lightweight metal is made from bauxite and has a variety of applications in transportation, construction, and packaging. The best part is that it is completely recyclable. In fact, three-quarters of all aluminum created in history is still in use today. So, why is aluminum so sustainable?

Lightweight

Because it has a lower atomic weight than other metals, aluminum has a low density. Its density is between 2.6 and 2.8 grams per cubic centimeter. Aluminum has a density of around one-third that of steel, which is why it is often known as a light metal.

Resistant to Corrosion

One of the key reasons for aluminum’s exceptional corrosion resistance is this oxide layer. When left untreated, aluminum corrosion resistance is excellent in most conditions. This is due to the fact that aluminum generates a thin but efficient oxide coating on its surface that prevents further oxidation. Aluminum oxide is impermeable and sticks strongly to the parent metal, unlike the oxide coatings on many other metals. The oxide layer of aluminum repairs itself promptly if it is mechanically damaged.

Durable

Aluminum has the potential to become one of the toughest metals on the planet. Aluminum alloys are utilized in a variety of applications that require strength and durability. High-strength aluminum is used in the construction of planes and automobiles as well as some of the world’s tallest buildings. The strength of aluminum is increased by adding components like silicon, magnesium, and lithium to the pure metal. This method can produce a metal that is as robust as, if not more so than, steel.

Affordability

Aluminum metal used to be more valuable than gold when it was first discovered. Although aluminum is now the most abundant metal on the planet, it is still a costly metal. This is due to the significant quantity of electricity consumed in the extraction process. However, when compared to other metals for production, the price of aluminum might be considered as reasonable due to its many favorable features.

The metal fabrication industry is expected to add 12,000 jobs over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means that more and more workers will be using metals like aluminum. Thankfully, aluminum is also called a green metal because of its sustainability. It is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, durable, and affordable, among other reasons. Get in touch with us today to learn more about aluminum.

What To Know About Stainless Steel

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We have all heard about stainless steel and that it’s superior to other types of metal. Because of this, a lot of people use it in various applications. However, what is it exactly and how is it made? Here’s some information about stainless steel.

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is the name used for a group of iron-based alloys. These are metals made by combining two or more elements. However, every alloy must contain at least 10.5% chromium for it to count as stainless steel. It’s the presence of chromium that makes stainless steel resistant to corrosion. The chromium found in stainless steel creates an ultra-thin layer known as the passive layer on the steel. This layer is essential for stopping rust and other kinds of corrosion.

Stainless has several advantages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metal fabrication industry is likely going to grow by 9% from 2016 to 2026. This will see more application of stainless steel in various areas.

Can Stainless Steel be Affected by Rust?

One of the most common misconceptions is that stainless steel is a magical metal that never gets affected by rust. This can’t be further from the truth. Because of how it’s made, it’s highly unlikely that stainless steel will rust. However, it’s not entirely impossible. If the conditions allow, stainless steel can be affected by rust. It’s important to do proper maintenance of steel products so they don’t rust or get exposed.

Stainless Steel and Other Types of Corrosion

It’s important to understand that rust is not the only type of corrosion out there. There are several other chemicals or substances that are strong enough to corrode stainless steel. One of the most common types of corrosion that affects stainless steel is known as putting. This usually happens when the surface of stainless steel is exposed to corrosive agents for too long. The surface will start looking like there are tiny pits on the surface of the steel. If this is not quickly dealt with, it will have an impact on both the look and performance of the steel surface.

These are some of the things you need to know about stainless steel. It’s a strong material that’s fairly resistant to rust and other types of corrosion. Contact us if you want to purchase stainless steel.

When Do You Need to Use 6061 Aluminum?

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Sheet metal can come in different forms, and aluminum has a few different grades that it can come in. If you need sheet metal for your job, which you might, as in 2016 the United States had 138,900 sheet metal workers, then you should know what grade you need. Here is an explanation about 6061 aluminum, and what it can do for you.

This is one of the most versatile and flexible aluminum alloys on the market. It has a high level of workability and is resistant to corrosion over time. Due to this, it can be used in places that receive a lot of wear and tear. It also contains a very high percentage of aluminum, making it purer compared to other options. It has a tensile strength of 45,000 PSI, a yield point of 40,000 PSI, and a Brinell Hardness rating of 95.

Due to the durability of 6061 aluminum, it is used for flooring, ramps, and stairs in residential and commercial buildings. This thin sheet metal is also used in aircraft fittings, the frames of vehicles, hydraulic pistons, and some other structural components. Because it can be shaped well with a high degree of strength, this is a very commonly used grade of aluminum and could be right for your job.

There are other thin aluminum strips like 1100 aluminum and 3003 aluminum. These and 6061 are the three basic types of aluminum alloys that can come as thin metal strips. 3003 uses manganese to increase its strength and is generally used for things like pot lids and cooking utensils. It is not great at handling high heat. The 1100 aluminum alloy is the purest form available at 99%. Because it has such a high thermal conduciveness, it is great for any job that would require thermal conductivity.

Talk to your partners and team today about the best type of aluminum for your products and services. You should take into account the longevity you desire in your products, the heat required in the work you do, and the strength needed by your customers. Share this information to educate your team about aluminum strengths and grades, and do more research before making a decision. Call a metal sales company today to ask more questions about what they can provide for you.