Author Archives: Jon

  1. How Does 17-7 Stainless Steel Differ From Its Counterparts?

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    According to the USGS, iron and steel constitute about 95% of all the tons of metal produced yearly in the U.S worldwide. This indicates a high demand for iron and steel in various industries. For instance, 17-7 stainless steel has various applications in the aerospace and general metal working industry. It’s also used for food processing, chemical processing, and oil and petroleum refining equipment. In this article, we explore 17-7 stainless and it’s differences from its counterparts.

    What Is 17-7 Stainless Steel?

    17-7 stainless steel is often compared to 304 stainless steel, but what’s the difference between the two? This type of steel has a mixed chemical composition that includes chromium, nickel, aluminum, manganese, silicon, carbon, phosphorous, sulfur, and iron. Heat treatments are often applied to harden this type of stainless steel, and the process typically involves conditioning with austenite, cooling, and then precipitation hardening. 17-7 stainless steel is regarded as having a high amount of strength and corrosion resistance. These properties make it suitable for manufacturing a wide range of products, such as springs, diaphragms, and washers. It’s the material of choice whenever highly specific and precise parts are required.

    Why Choose 7-17 Stainless Steel?

    It’s not hard to see why this type of stainless steel has a wide range of elaborate applications in various industries. For instance, 17-7 stainless steel is ideal for aerospace applications because of its high corrosion resistance, strength, and ability to be formed into meticulous parts. This type of stainless steel also meets aerospace requirements because of its ability to maintain its form even when exposed to high heat temperatures. 17-7 steel is also popularly used in food processing equipment, chemical processing equipment, oil, and petroleum refining equipment because it’s resistant to rust even with heavy use, it has high fatigue properties, and doesn’t wear and tear quickly.

    Finding the Right Supplier

    If you wish to benefit from the great qualities inherent in 17-7 steel, it’s important to ensure that you’re using the best steel for whatever purpose you may need it for. You should look for a supplier that produces quality steel with high corrosion resistance and high strength. The right supplier will ensure that the stainless steel on offer is precipitation hardened so that it also has high hardness and doesn’t get fatigued or distorted when exposed to high temperatures. If you’re looking for such a supplier, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Thin Metal Sales today.

  2. Why Domestic Raw Steel Production Continues to Rise

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    There’s no doubt that domestic raw steel production will keep rising. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, as of April 9, 2022, the United States produced 1,739,000 net tons of steel, with a capability utilization rate of 79.7%. Why does steel production continue to rise? Here are some things you may want to consider.

    Demand for Items Made Using Steel Keeps Increasing

    Steel is used in many different applications. As the demand for things made of steel like cars and machinery keeps rising, the domestic steel industry has to rise to the occasion. There is increasing demand for things like vehicles, appliances, and construction products. All these are made using steel, and unless people find alternative materials to use, the demand will keep rising. It’s almost impossible to imagine a world without steel. In fact, making steel in large quantities and thin steel sheet structures is commonly considered as the beginning of the modern industrial era.

    Steel Is the Basis of Modern Industry

    Today’s world depends on the reliability of steel for almost every aspect of progress. This is why steel is one of the most important materials for developing an orderly modern lifestyle. Closer observation reveals that the need for steel intensifies as society develops. As such, it will be right to assume that modern society will continue to utilize large amounts of steel for the foreseeable future. Steel has survived the test of time because it remains one of the materials with the broadest range of applications.

    The Future

    As a product, steel has shown itself to be quite versatile. After centuries of being in use, it still excels in areas like strength and excellent value. One of the reasons why domestic raw steel production keeps increasing is that the industry believes that new opportunities for using steel will keep materializing. In fact, some are already in the process of development. A good example would be the use of lightweight steel netting to capture the so-called space junk. There are already prototypes of fully automated cargo ships that are being tested. Apart from such activities, there are also prototypes of modularized dwellings made from thin steel sheet-like sides that will be developed in factories and transported to sites where they will expand into dwelling sites.

    The demand for steel keeps rising because the material has many applications. It only makes sense for the industry to keep producing more raw steel to meet the demand. Are you looking for a thin steel sheet supplier? Contact our team at Thin Metal Sales today, and we will point you in the right direction.

  3. The Environmental Benefits of Brass and Copper

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    According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in the metal fabrication industry is expected to increase by 12,000 over the next 10 years. Some of the success experienced by the metal fabrication industry stems from the environmentally-conscious process. Take copper, for instance. Copper and its alloy brass offer the following benefits to the environment. Here are a few of these environmental benefits.

    They Can Be Recycled

    The biggest benefit of brass and copper to the environment is that they can be recycled. Keep in mind that copper is a base metal while brass is an alloy of copper, which is made by mixing copper and zinc. Today, there’s a high demand for copper, and some of that demand is met by the production of recycled copper. In fact, copper is one of the most commonly recycled metals, and this offers several benefits since the process of recycling copper is less energy-intensive than manufacturing copper from scratch. In addition, the copper recycling process has fewer steps in it, which also results in economic benefits to relevant industries.

    They Save Energy

    Through the recycling of copper and its alloys, less energy is used. Recycling just one tonne of copper can result in a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to the amount of energy that would be used to mine, extract, and process the same amount of copper. Using less energy means the demand for fossil fuels also goes down. The burning of fossil fuels is one of the largest contributors to increased levels of carbon dioxide, which in turn results in climate change that has brought about global warming and higher sea levels.

    They Retain Their Quality

    As mentioned, copper and brass can be recycled to reduce environmental waste. The good news is that the recycling process doesn’t lower the quality of the copper metal. One of the steps in the recycling process is purification to ensure a high-quality final product without any contaminants. In most instances, copper can be recycled over and over again without losing its quality, so recycling copper can help eliminate wasteful production processes.

    These are the top benefits of brass and copper. As the industrial landscape and the world become, increasingly green, environmentally friendly processes like recycling are also becoming top success factors in metal fabrication. Get in touch with us today to learn more about brass and copper and how they can help reduce your environmental footprint and to purchase these metals for your industry.

  4. What Is Copper Sheet Metal Used for?

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    The industry of manufacturing metal products is very important to the economy. The installation and upkeep of the electrical systems in our homes and other buildings would be significantly more challenging in the absence of aluminum, brass, and copper, as well as materials made of thin steel sheets and stainless steel.

    According to the projections made by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry of metal fabrication will expand by 9% between the years 2016 and 2026. With more copper sheet metal for sale available, let’s look at what it is and what it’s used for.

    What Is Copper Sheet Metal?

    Copper sheet metal is consistently one of the most popular options among the other available metals. The malleable metal is easily identifiable by its one-of-a-kind color, which has an orangey hue. Additionally, it is available in various thicknesses determined by the applications.

    Even more useful is that the suppliers of the copper sheet metal for sale can cut it to the desired dimensions and provide you with the exact size you require.

    Uses of Copper Sheet Metal

    Copper sheet metal for sale is made from mined copper ore that goes through cleaning, crushing, milling, several chemical processes, purifying, and melting. Copper sheet metal for sale is typically purchased by manufacturers, artisans, and builders. Copper is used for a wide variety of purposes, including the following:

    • Architecture: Due to its non-ferrous nature, builders confidently employ copper for exterior features.
    • Automotive: Copper is high in electrical conductivity, which raises its demand in the automotive industry.
    • Home Improvement: Copper’s reddish-brown color complements any interior design.
    • Electrical: Copper, the second-most conductive metal, has a high thermal expansion coefficient and does not burn when carrying high voltage.
    • Electronics: Home and office electronics may contain high frequency and ultra-high-frequency tubes, printed circuits, and base brazing, which is why they may use copper.
    • Energy and Petrochemical Industries: Copper alloys are popular in corrosive-medium containers, offshore drilling platforms, and other undersea installations because it resists salt water corrosion.
    • Manufacturing and power plants: Copper is useful and highly popular for heat exchangers, copper printing machines, fermentation tank lining, and copper distillation pots in wineries.
    • Plumbing: Copper’s non-ferrous nature makes it useful for water purification and filtration tubes and pipes.
    • Transportation: Special types of copper resist fouling, which can increase ship weight and reduce buoyancy.

    Copper is very resistant to corrosion, and it is flexible. Copper sheet metal for sale and its fabricated components is the metal of choice for dozens of applications. Contact us today to purchase your own copper sheet metal.

  5. How is the Price of Stainless Steel Determined?

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    The main role a surcharge plays in the purchasing of stainless steel. It is used to offset how the costs of raw materials incorporated in an alloy fluctuate. It is an added charge that gets summed up with the overall price. There are some differences as to how the charges are calculated depending on mills or nickel and stainless alloys, but a common attribute they all share is the fundamental approach used in it. Let’s find out how these prices are determined.

    How is the Base Price of Stainless Steel Determined?

    The base price of individual alloys and the size range of the product get determined by paying attention to its alloy content, the price of creating the specific size, form, and the factor involving yield as well as the demand or supply in the market of metal sales near me.

    Materials that are easy to make may only need a 15% extra weight to create the amount needed after the processing of normal losses such as trimming or grinding before it reaches its final size. Difficult alloys and combination sizes might make 50% or lower. The price used in the production of a plate differs from the prices used in the production of a bar contained in the alloy. In general, thin areas carry a high price since it takes longer processing to create a small size.

    The base cost finally gets determined with the alloy content targeted and the referred cost for each alloy element. The surcharge gets calculated by using the difference in the calculation between elemental prices and referred prices. The real surcharge for a specific alloy size combined gets adjusted depending on what elemental percentage is in an alloy and also the expected yield after production.

    The high demand for specific alloys often leads to base prices that are low because of the scale of an economy which then leads to an increase in competition. Apart from the effects arising from supply and demand in metal sales near me, there are types of alloys that are more challenging to create than others.

    How Do Metal Sheet Workers Assemble Stainless Steel?

    An important part of the process other than creating the surcharge and base price is how metal sheet workers assemble this metal. Metal sheet workers specialize in the fabrication of sheet metal and use specific types of equipment in the formation and welding of sheet metals as well as in creating useful items to be used for commercial purposes and industrial usage.

    According to statistics, there were about 138,900 sheet metal workers in the United States in 2016. They assemble the pieces needed for parts of a product and join them together by using welds, bolts, screws, etc. You can research metal sheet mills by searching online “metal sales near me.” They are an important element in the succession of a mill.

    For more information or to purchase your own stainless steel, reach out to us today to see what we can do for you.

  6. Is Stainless Steel Recyclable?

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    Stainless steel is one of the most widely used construction and manufacturing materials across various industries. Its distinctive stainless properties and exceptional endurance make it ideal in construction and medical equipment manufacturing. But what occurs when stainless steel approaches the end of its useful life? Can stainless steel be recycled? Yes, it is actually the world’s most recycled material.

    Over 80 million tons of steel are recycled each year in North America, representing 69% of all steel. One ton of recycled steel saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone, according to the Steel Recycling Institute. These figures stand in striking contrast to the ecologically damaging procedures required to produce materials such as fiberglass or polyvinyl chloride conduit, which are sometimes chosen as less expensive alternatives to stainless steel in electrical conduit systems. Let’s look into how stainless steel is recycled and why it’s so important.

    How is Stainless Steel Recycled?

    Stainless steel meant for recycling can be categorized into reclaimed scrap and industrial scrap. Reclaimed scrap is obtained from finished items, such as chemical tanks, structural pieces, equipment, or demolition debris. Industrial scrap consists of the byproducts of manufacturing, fabrication, and construction of stainless steel. This includes reports of sheets, trimmed rods, and other scraps.

    While you can recycle any quantity of stainless steel, collecting them until you have enough for a recycling service is much more cost-effective. Professionals will then take the scrap to their facility for shredding, sorting the smaller pieces by composition to form new alloys used for other purposes.

    Advantages of Recycling Stainless Steel

    Environmental factors or concerns play a significant role in the modern economy. Businesses and industries can reduce their carbon footprint and actively participate in environmental conservation by recycling. Using recyclable materials is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. In a perfect world where all stainless steel was produced from 100% recycled stainless steel, the global energy consumption for the production of stainless steel would decrease by an additional 51%.

    Since the process of recycling stainless steel does not degrade the material, the recycled content in the final product is often determined by the availability of scrap. Using more recycled stainless steel means less pollution, lower energy demands, and lower costs for stainless steel producers and consumers.

    Recycled stainless steel offers great social and environmental benefits. Increased adoption of stainless steel products will promote a healthier and cleaner environment. Reach out to us today to learn more about recycling stainless steel.

  7. Top Metals Purchased By Consumers

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    When it comes to purchasing metals, consumers have their favorites. According to studies, aluminum bars, tubes, sheets, and plates, cold or hot-rolled steel, stainless steel are some of the most commonly purchased metals by customers. Here are the top metals that consumers purchase the most.

    1. Aluminum

    Aluminum is a silver-white metal that is light in weight and has a low density. It is non-toxic, non-magnetic, and has a high electrical conductivity. Aluminum is widely used in the manufacture of airplanes, spacecraft, and missiles because of its strength and weight. It is also used in the construction of buildings and bridges. Aluminum is an important component of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.

    2. Hot Rolled Steel

    Hot rolled steel is a versatile material used in various applications. It is often used in construction projects, as it can be easily formed into various shapes. It is one of the most affordable types of steel on the market today.

    As a result, it is an excellent choice for those looking to complete a project on a budget. Despite its low cost, hot rolled steel is still highly durable and can withstand heavy use. In fact, it is often used in commercial and industrial settings where strength and durability are paramount. Whether you are looking for a material to use in a construction project or you need tough and reliable steel for your business, hot rolled steel is an excellent choice.

    3. Titanium

    Titanium is a strong, lightweight metal widely used in the aerospace industry. It is also used in the construction of buildings and bridges. Titanium is non-toxic and has high corrosion resistance. It is often used in medical implants because it is compatible with the human body. Titanium is also used in the production of sports equipment and jewelry.

    4. Copper

    Copper is a ductile metal with a reddish-brown color. It has high electrical conductivity and is malleable, meaning it can be easily formed into various shapes. Copper is often used in the electrical industry because of these properties. It is also commonly used in plumbing because it does not corrode easily. Copper can be found in a variety of objects, including coins, jewelry, and cookware

    These metals have their own unique properties that make them ideal for different applications. When you are looking to purchase metals, consider what you need them for and choose the metal that is best suited for your needs. For more information about the different types of metals, contact us today.

  8. What Are Combined Metals and How Do They Work?

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    A combined metal is a metal made up of two or more metals. These metals are melted together and then poured into a mold to create a new metal. This new metal will have properties of both metals but is usually stronger than either one alone. So, what are combined metals? Here is everything you should know about combined metals.

    How Do Combined Metals Work?

    Combined metals work by taking advantage of the unique properties of each metal. For example, when iron and carbon are melted together, they create steel. Steel is stronger than either iron or carbon alone. This is because the carbon atoms fit into the spaces between the iron atoms, which makes the steel denser. The carbon also makes the steel harder, so it is often used to make tools.

    The Benefits of Using Combined Metals

    There are many benefits to using combined metals. One benefit is that it allows manufacturers to create new alloys with specific properties. For example, by adding chromium to steel, they can create stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion.

    Another benefit is that combining metals can help reduce waste. According to statistics, about 40% of steel production worldwide is based on recycled metals. By recycling old metal and melting it down with new metal, manufacturers can create a new alloy that still has all the properties of the original metals.

    Finally, combining metals can also help conserve resources. For example, by using aluminum instead of steel in cars, manufacturers can reduce the vehicle’s weight, saving fuel and reducing emissions.

    The Different Types of Combined Metals.

    There are many different types of combined metals, but some of the most common are alloys. Alloys are made by combining two or more metals to create a new metal with different properties. Some examples of alloys include brass, bronze, and stainless steel.

    How to Care For Combined Metals

    Caring for combined metals is similar to caring for any other type of metal. It is essential to clean them regularly to prevent corrosion and rust. When cleaning combined metals, it is best to use a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish of the metal.

    With the many benefits, it’s no wonder that combined metals are becoming increasingly popular. They offer a way to create new alloys with specific properties, reduce waste, and conserve resources. If you are looking for a durable and low-maintenance metal, then a combined metal may be perfect. Still asking yourself, what are combined metals? Call us today to learn more about combined metals and how to care for them.

  9. Brass vs Bronze: What to Know

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    You may not immediately notice a stark difference between brass and bronze. Despite the fact that sheet metal in itself currently accounts for about $30 billion in American revenue, much of that sheet metal is made up of bronze and brass. Aesthetically, they look quite similar, and they can potentially be used for similar purposes. But of course, we should know what separates brass from bronze, and what would be best to use under certain circumstances.

    With that being said, we’re delving into what brass and bronze are made of, what separates the two of them, and what makes each one the right material for certain projects.

    What Are They Made Of?

    Firstly, let’s look into what brass is made of. Brass is made up of copper and zinc, which is why you’ll sometimes hear it referred to as copper brass. It has that distinct coppery look, but it’s stronger and more useful than copper. Brass is an alloy (a combination of multiple metal materials), as is bronze.

    Bronze is also has a base of copper, but it’s made up of copper and tin. Phosphorous and aluminum have been added in with that cooper as well. The copper base of both brass and bronze is why they look so similar, but they function very differently.

    What Is The History Behind Them?

    Copper brass and bronze have both been in existence for quite some time. It’s estimated that copper brass was first created around 500 B.C.E., and at that time it was largely used for decorative purposes. Bronze is actually even older, dating back to 3,500 B.C.E. This product was actually used to create sculptures, some of which still exist to this day, which attests to the strength of the metal. Right now, brass and bronze are used for everything from plumbing to ammunition.

    What’s Better, Bronze Or Brass?

    There isn’t a particular advantage to using brass or bronze. It depends on the project you’re undertaking. Bronze is harder and therefore has often been used on ships and fittings. However, it’s more brittle. Brass is more malleable, on the other hand, and more easily manipulated, which is why it serves as decorative projects better. You can look at bronze being better in terms of durability, and brass being better in terms of its creative qualities.

    Know the difference between bronze and brass to make sure you know what you’re using. If you want to learn more about these metals or others, contact us today!

  10. Understanding Combined Metals & Alloys

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    Currently, the sheet metal market is already expanding and it will only expand more in future years. It’s been estimated that the market’s average growth rate is 4.09%. The growth was projected to occur between 2018 and 2022. This growth is reliant in part on the usage of combined metals and alloys. Combined metals and alloys differ from the metals that we are able to find naturally in the ground. True metals are actually pure elements, while alloys are blends of metals.

    What can we get from combined metals and alloys? How can they benefit us? Let’s look into some of the things you should know about these metal products.

    Why Do We Use Combine Metals And Alloys?

    We create combined metals and alloys for multiple purposes. For one thing, metals can become stronger if we combine them. This allows us to, for example, combine the flexibility of one metal with the strength of another, creating a metal that better serves all of the purposes required.

    Other times, metals are combined to approve the appearance of the end product. A metal may be combined with another in order to create a final product that is shinier, or perhaps a specific color. Metals may also be combined to create a product that is less prone to corrosion.

    In some cases, a product that is made of combined metals performs similarly to another metal but is less expensive. This makes combined metals quite frequently more convenient to use and procure than pure metals.

    What Are Some Common Combined Metal Products?

    You might be surprised by how many metals you encounter in your daily life are combined metals and alloys. For example, stainless steel, one of the strongest metals in the world, is a combined metal. One of the main reasons why stainless steel is so often used is that it’s rust-proof. Therefore, it’s perfect for damp climates, and ideal to use for products like sinks, which are often in contact with water. Low levels of chromium and carbon are combined with iron to create stainless steel. Other common combined metal products include gold, which is utilized for jewelry, and solder, which is used for its binding properties.

    There are so many benefits to using combined metals. You just need to know exactly what each one should be used for. Get in touch with us today to learn more about combined metal and alloys.