Category Archive: Steel

What’s The Difference Between Stainless Steels?

The story of stainless steel seems complicated because there is not only one type of stainless steel. It is, however, easy to understand the types of stainless steel out there in a large industry. In 2016, there were 139,000 sheet metal workers active in the United States, but the number is substantially higher now. If you’re working with your local metal workers to figure out what the best stainless steel option is for your project, consider the following information about the different types of stainless steel.

The Different Types of Stainless Steels

Austenitic, ferritic, duplex, martensitic, and stainless steel alloys hardened by precipitation are the most common. Austenitic is the most extensively used and popular. Austenitic stainless steel is divided into two subgroups: 300 and 200. The primary classes of stainless steel will be discussed in the 300 subcategories since they are the most often used grades

304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is a low-carbon steel that includes at least 18 percent chromium and 8% nickel, earning it the nickname 18/8 stainless steel. This form of stainless steel resists oxidation and corrosion. This resilience makes manufacturing easier and prevents product contamination. When compared to 316 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel is the most flexible, least expensive and common austenitic stainless steel.

303 Stainless Steel

303 stainless steel is a class of 304 stainless with a minimum of 8% nickel, 17% chromium, and 0.15 percent sulfur/selenium. The inclusion of a small amount of sulfur decreases corrosion resistance somewhat while increasing machineability, which is why it’s used in fasteners, bushings, bearings, and other minor components. Due to the needed tolerances, these parts require more precise machining standards. Although 303 stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, 304 stainless is suggested for increased strength.

316 Stainless Steel

A minimum of 10% nickel, 16% chromium, and 2% molybdenum are included in 316 stainless steel. The fundamental difference between 316 and 304 stainless is the presence of much more molybdenum in 316 stainless. The use of this metal improves the corrosion resistance of 316 while also providing great heat resistance up to 1600°F. 316 stainless is a nickel-chromium stainless steel, similar to 304. 316 stainless steel and is recommended in environments with high levels of corrosive substances and/or items that will be put underwater.

Aside from the stainless steel types discussed above, you can also get 317, 321, and 347 types of stainless steel in the 300-class. The 400-class of stainless steel is the cheapest, but less popular.

How Infrared Thermometers Are Helping Engineers

Infrared thermometers measure temperatures across many clinical and industrial environments. These thermometers have no contact with the object. This thermometer is excellent for dangerous and fragile objects. Continue reading to see how thermometers are helping with engineering.

How Does an Infrared Thermometer Work?

An infrared thermometer uses infrared radiation to figure out the surface temperature of an object. This can happen without having any physical contact. For example, an Infrared thermometer can read shiny surfaces like 6061 aluminum. If parts are shiny like 6061 aluminum from a high surface finish. If you use a different thermometer on 6061 aluminum, you may get a lower temperature reading than the actual temperature. An Infrared thermometer is ideal for the primary metals used most often. Consumers most often purchase primary metals, including aluminum in a bar, tube, sheet, or plate form; hot or cold rolled steel; and stainless steel.

What to Consider When Purchasing an Infrared Thermometer

Accuracy – It is critical that a thermometer is accurate. This is even more important when it comes to an infrared thermometer. The accuracy of this type of thermometer depends on its distance-to-spot ratio. This is the ratio the indicates the distance from the spot where a thermometer evaluates surface area. The higher the ratio means that you can accurately take the temperature of an object at a further distance. The surface area continues to increase as the distance does.

Temperature Range – The temperature range of the infrared thermometer impacts the work you can do with it. The wider the temperature range means the thermometer can record the temperature of varying processing at various temperatures. When an infrared thermometer has a narrow range for temperature is best when a higher resolution is necessary to ensure accurate temperature control.

Response Time – The reading or response time is the actual time that it takes the thermometer to give an accurate temperature reading after starting the thermometer’s process. This is critical for measuring the temperature of moving objects or objects that heat up quickly.

An infrared thermometer is critical when reading the temperature of a dangerous surface or one that is difficult to reach. These thermometers give quick results, and they are easy to use.

What You Should Know When Choosing Materials For Springs

Springs are made from various materials and finishes. There are some factors that decide which material is best. These include the application, requirements of the project, and the environment. In addition, the quality of the spring can have an impact on the performance. Here are some tips you should know about choosing materials for springs.

Common Material Choices

Most springs are metal from some type of steel alloy. This helps them remain affordable, durable, and readily available. In addition, the smallest changes to the steel can make the spring ideal for one application over another. Music wire, chrome silicon, oil-tempered wire, and stainless steel are the most common types. Today, approximately 40% of steel production around the world is made with recycled metal.

Stainless Steel

There are two types of stainless steel: 301 stainless steel and 302 stainless steel. 301 stainless steel resists corrosion in many environments. 302 stainless steel is used in most stock commercial springs. 302 stainless steel has a higher corrosion resistance than 301 stainless. It can stand up to incredibly high temperatures. 302 stainless steel is ideal for medical environments.

High Carbon Steel

An oil-tempered wire is excellent for heavy lifting. This type of spring is used on machinery and farm equipment. These springs have a larger diameter and therefore can handle much heavier workloads.

Music Wire

Music wire is a highly durable material that is ideal for the automotive industry and construction. These springs can handle the heavy loads and still maintain their form and build.

Hard-drawn Wire

This is the most affordable steel wire you can buy. It is versatile, easy to use, and sturdy. It is best used for temperatures that stay under 250 degrees Fahrenheit. It can perform in just about every other condition. Unfortunately, it does not have a long life and, as a result not best for the medical industry.

When deciding which type of steel spring to use, it is critical that you understand how you want to use the spring. This will help you make the best selection and pick a spring that is going to hold up to the task. In addition, no matter which spring you select, you want to ensure that it has been tested for durability and strength to handle all types of strain and stress.

The Day in the Life of a Sheet Metal Worker

The metal fabrication industry is projected to grow by 9% from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means there will likely be an increase in demand for sheet metal workers, but what exactly do these professionals do?

Let’s take a look at the day in the life of a sheet metal worker that works with thin steel sheet materials, combined metals, and more.

Working Conditions

Sheet metal workers typically have 40-hour workweeks with consistent hours. They work indoors and must wear personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, work boots, hard hats, ear protectors, and gloves. This job is hands-on and often involves working closely with other sheet metal workers.

Daily Duties

What do sheet metal workers do on a daily basis? Take a look at a few typical duties:

  • Review blueprints and convert them into shop drawings
  • Establish project requirements, such as methods, needed materials, scope, and assembly sequences
  • Determine dimensions, measurements, and reference lines for project materials
  • Assemble products using a variety of methods
  • Repair thin steel sheet metal items
  • Smooth, grind, or trim parts using tools

Weekly and Monthly Duties

Depending on the company they work for, sheet metal workers perform the following tasks on a weekly or monthly basis:

  • Work on construction sites to fabricate parts using a variety of tools
  • Transfer prefabricated parts to construction sites
  • Install various fabricated parts
  • Lead maintenance of various equipment to ensure repairs are made in a timely manner
  • Perform mechanical inspections of a building’s various systems

Importance of the Metal Fabrication Industry

So, why is understanding what a sheet metal worker does on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis important? Our economy heavily relies on the metal fabrication industry. Without experts in combined metals, aluminum, brass and copper, and thin steel sheet and stainless steel materials, our home and building electrical systems would be very difficult to both create and maintain.

Sheet metal workers understand the ins and outs of the materials they work with, and they have the ability to warp them to meet the needs of systems that operate within homes and buildings alike.

The metal fabrication industry is an important one, which is why it’s paramount to have an understanding of what sheet metal workers do and how they keep our homes and buildings operating efficiently. If you’re interested in purchasing thin steel sheet materials and more, contact Thin Metal Sales today!

How the Sheet Metal Industry Is Helping the U.S. Economy

The American iron and steel industry is estimated to support around 716,000 in supplier jobs and pay an average of $53 billion in compensation and wages. The iron and steel industry contributes to the overall public finances of the nation, and the suppliers generate an estimated $173 billion in revenue. This also follows into the sheet metal industry, which currently accounts for around $30 billion in U.S. revenue.

But before we get too far into it, what exactly are we talking about here?

What Is Sheet Metal?

Sheet metal is a versatile form of metal wherein steel, aluminum, copper, brass, nickel, tin, titanium, or even precious metals are made into a thin sheet which can then be cut, bent, or otherwise molded to the desired shape and size. The term sheet metal refers to any metal which can be formed into a sheet of varying thickness, though very thick sheets are called plate.

How Is Sheet Metal Helping the U.S. Economy?

Being so versatile, sheet metal is a great choice for architects and innovative designers to work with. In addition to being malleable, it is also strong and finished in such a way that it is resistant to corrosion, sun, and moisture.

The sheet metal industry currently accounts for an estimated 30 billion dollars in U.S. revenue. While small compared to the 173 billion dollars believed to be generated by the steel and iron industry in the United States, that amount is still appreciable. Even simple aluminum sheeting brings in a hefty part of that figure.

The sheet metal industry helps form the backbone of the iron and steel industry in the U.S., providing workable, durable material from which all manner of things can be fabricated. While sheet metal does tend to suffer a bit when the economy is less than booming, it more than makes up for that in fruitful times.

Overall, sheet metal is clearly an important arm of the iron and steel industry, providing billions of dollars worth of strong, malleable, and corrosion-resistant material which can be used to fabricate all manner of parts and pieces, as well as be used for larger projects, such as those seen in architectural contexts.

Why the Metal Fabrication Industry Is Growing

Recent research within the metal fabrication industry has shown a growing trend towards increased demand and great profits through various niche markets. Continued research has highlighted a range of meaningful and actionable insights into the current situation within the metal fabricating market and the general landscape of the global market. Key areas of focus include the need for thin steel sheet metal production as well as other high-demand metals including aluminum, copper, and tin.

According to PR Newswire the global metal fabrication market is largely on the rise, and the industry will grow by billions of dollars by 2027. Data such as this highlights the growing demand and value of the metal production and fabrication industry as a whole. High-demand industries such as aeronautics, medical, industrial, and construction are fueling the need for reliable quality sheet metals and related products.

Key points to remember when it comes to monitoring the metal fabrication industry include the following:

  • The global market for metal fabrication continues to be very segmented when it comes to things like documentation, terms of service, niche industry specifications, customer demands, and regional shipments.
  • In terms of service, the metal fabrication industry generally gets broken down into the following: metal stamping, metal rolling, metal cutting, metal punching, metal forming, metal folding, metal shearing, metal welding, and metal machining.
  • Metals in demand range from thin steel sheets to pre-constructed aluminum paneling, to durable components needed for use with other metal pieces and mechanisms.
  • Many of these segments, particularly metal welding, cutting, and stamping are seeing an increase in demand throughout many industries and niche markets.
  • When looking at industries driving the metal fabrication explosion they include: aerospace, electronics, energy and power, construction, manufacturing, automotive, and others.
  • Of these, aerospace and manufacturing are poised to see the greatest level of growth. They are being watched closely as an opportunity for lucrative development within the global metal fabrication market.

As highlighted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metal fabrication industry can be expected to add more than 12,000 jobs to the sector in the next few years, which shows why there has been such a renewed interest in this industry today.

All You Need to Know About the AMS 5510 Standard

Integral to the manufacture of tools, appliances, and equipment necessary for modern life, the U.S. metal fabrication industry continues to grow by significant margins. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the industry will record a CARG of 9% between 2016 and 2026, adding at least 12,000 jobs to the workforce. The increasing demand for combined metals in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries will continue to drive up the growth of metal fabrication.

A critical aspect of thin metal sheet use is the industrial standards. Specifications such as the AMS 5510 provide a guideline of the technical, chemical, and physical properties of the different metal sheets. The standards also dictate the use of the specific metal in certain industries.

The AMS 5510

The AMS 5510 is a stainless-steel specification for the 321 stainless grades. Type 321 is a chromium-nickel stainless steel grade with an addition of titanium. The titanium sets it apart from the 304 stainless steel series and increases its industrial applications.

Learn more about the properties of the AMS 5510 stainless steel below.

Resistance to Intergranular Corrosion

One of the greatest challenges in welding stainless steel under high temperatures is carbide precipitation. At temperatures between 930°F and 1470°F, the chromium combines with carbon to form chromium carbide grains at the edges, becoming a detriment to the corrosion resistance properties of the stainless steel.

Manufacturers using thin metal strips of stainless steel can combat intergranular corrosion by using the AMS 5510 specification 321 grade. At high temperatures, carbon has a higher affinity for titanium over chromium, thus preventing the formation of chromium carbide grains. This makes the stainless steel 321 grade a better option than the 304 series.

Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance

The AMS 5510 specification for the 321 stainless grade guarantees better corrosion and oxidation resistance at higher temperatures of 800°F to 1500°F. This makes the stainless-steel grade an excellent metal for use in chemical manufacturing industries with high intermittent temperature ranges. Besides, the 321 has higher creep and stress rupture properties than the 304 or 304L stainless.

Fatigue Strength

The high endurance mechanical properties of the AMS 5510 make it an ideal metal for use in high-temperature exposures. In an annealed condition, the typical fatigue limits in the 321 stainless steel are higher than those in the 304 or 304L stainless. This increases the ductility of the 321 in high-temperature welding conditions.

Temperature Factors

The temperature factors in 321 are slightly higher than those of the 304 and 304L at elevated temperatures. This makes 321 an excellent choice for higher temperature ranges such as aircraft piston manifolds, exhaust pipes, refinery equipment, and high-temperature chemical plants.

Availability

You can order the 321 stainless steel grades in a variety of forms. The AMS 5510 is available in sheet, strip, bar, tube, plate, strip, or forging fork. You can discuss your exact thickness specifications with your compound metal supplier in Chicago.

The AMS 5510 321 stainless steel grade may provide better corrosion and temperature endurance properties than the 304 series. To discuss your order for the stainless steel or other thin metal sheets, contact Thin Metal Sales today.

The Main Advantages of 6061 Aluminum

The 6061 aluminum alloy is a popular choice among many metalworkers and manufacturers. It is advantageous because it can resist corrosion, which is its most notable attribute. Aluminum as a whole is not extremely strong. However, this particular one is more resistant to corrosion and places less stress on parts. The 6061 aluminum alloy has a steel-like texture, but it’s easy to work with and can be polished to achieve different colors.

What Is 6061 Aluminum?

Let’s define what the 6061 aluminum alloy is. This metal is composed primarily of three different elements: magnesium, silicon, and aluminum. The percentage varies depending on what use it will have. For example, parts for aircraft often contain about 1% magnesium and copper, while ball bearings contain more silicon than other varieties.

The remaining elements vary due to their alloy type, which refers to combining alloys made from two or more metals to create a specific characteristic. This makes them ideal for desired purposes, such as creating long-lasting parts with maximum strength and resistance to corrosion. It’s also worth noting that because aluminum itself has a low melting point, it’s often alloyed with other metals to increase its strength.

Here are some of the most notable benefits of using 6061 aluminum.

High Resistance to Corrosion

The combination of silicon and magnesium makes it more resistant than most others in its family of aluminum alloys. Because of this, you can use it inside or outside without having to worry about significant rust forming on your equipment – even if weather conditions aren’t ideal. In fact, it is one of the best materials available for water cooling and underwater welding. If your product is frequently exposed to moisture, humidity, or saltwater, 6061 aluminum is an excellent choice because it won’t corrode any quicker than other types of aluminum.

Strength

This is partly owed to the addition of silicon to the mix, which increases its ability to resist corrosion and increases strength. Additionally, it has excellent cold work properties, which means that it can be bent and molded without cracking or breaking. For example, if you need a certain curve in your product, 6061 aluminum is ideal because you can bend it into shape easily instead of cutting panels out then weld them together with high-strength joints. In fact, this type of metal is often used for bridges and buildings because they want something that will hold up over time while remaining cost-effective for consumers.

Marine Applications

Because of its corrosion resistance, this alloy is a popular choice for boat building and other marine applications. If your boat or ship will be exposed to salt water, the 6061 aluminum alloy makes an excellent material to use because it won’t rust as quickly as you would expect; some people have even used it in their underwater cars. It’s also worth noting that it can withstand marine environments with ease while remaining strong enough to handle the stress placed on it.

Most Affordable Variety of Aluminum

Because 6061 aluminum is used so often, and the machines that make pieces out of them are incredibly efficient, this alloy is very cost-effective when compared to other materials.

Additionally, some people and industries prefer 24-4 alloy or 5086 instead; these two have higher tensile strengths but are less resistant to corrosion than 6061 aluminum. It’s important to research what industry you’ll be working in before choosing which alloy is best for you. Regardless of whether you are looking for thin aluminum strips, combined metals, or stainless steel at Thin Metal Sales, Inc., we have you covered.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Purchasing Thin Metal Strips for a Project

Thin metal strips are a popular material for many different applications. They allow people to have the versatility of using metal in their projects without having to deal with the weight and expense of thicker metals. But how do you ensure you buy the right thin metal strips for your next project?

Here are some questions that will help guide your decision process.

1. What Is the Quality of Material Used to Make the Strips?

Your first consideration should be the quality of the material being used to make the thin metal strips or thin sheet metal. A high-quality metal will last longer, be easier to work with, and can endure more heavy use than lower-quality ones.

2. Does It Come with Different Thicknesses?

In some cases, you may need thin sheets that are slightly thicker or thinner than others. If this is the case, look for thin metal strips that offer multiple sizes of products so you have choices when designing your project.

3. What Is The Reputation Of the Supplier?

It is always a good idea to check the reputation of the supplier you plan on using. Find out what other people who have used their services had to say about their quality, service, and shipping times. This information can help give you a clear picture of how that company operates and whether or not it may be right for your needs.

When you purchase thin strips or metallic sheeting from an unknown supplier, there’s no way to be certain of the quality.

4. How Much Will This Material Weigh?

You should always look into this information before purchasing to ensure that your project can accommodate the extra weight associated with working with these types of materials. If not, you will need to find something lighter to reduce the overall load on your project.

5. What Type of Thin Metal Strips Do I Need?

If you are purchasing thin aluminum strips for a specific project, then you want to make sure that you know exactly which type of material is compatible with the project.

Thin aluminum strips: These strips can be found in very thin gauges as small as .020 inches thick. Many people choose to work with thin aluminum strips because they’re incredibly lightweight. This characteristic makes it easy to incorporate them into projects without worrying about extra weight putting strain on other parts of your project.

Thin copper strips: Copper is another type of material that can be purchased in ultra-thin gauges more than 60% thinner than standard gauge copper, so it may be worth checking out if this level of density is necessary for your project.

Steel strips: Another type of material that can be purchased in a thin gauge is steel strips. They are commonly used for projects like building boat hulls, but they also have other industrial uses, such as reinforcing and protecting the deck of an off-road vehicle.

6. How Durable Is the Thin Metal Strip That I’m Purchasing?

Several factors can affect the durability of thin metal strips. One of these is the gauge, which changes how thick or thin material is once it’s been manufactured. The thinner a strip is, the more vulnerable it will be to bending or breaking apart during use.

If you need something that will last for years on your projects and provide maximum protection against damage from everyday wear and tear, make sure you buy materials made from durable metals like stainless steel.

Thin metal strips are the best sheeting materials for use with a wide variety of projects due to their incredible flexibility, lightweight design, and resistance to damage. It’s important when working on your project that you choose thin metal from a reputable supplier so you can be certain about the quality of materials you’re using for your project.

4 Key Benefits of Purchasing Thin Sheet Metal From a Certified Vendor

The metal fabrication industry has a broad application across the manufacturing industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry is poised to grow by 9% from 2016 to 2026. The metal fabrication industry is also on track to add over 12,000 jobs over the next decade. This employment growth reflects the expected increase in industrial, commercial, and domestic use of combined metals.

Maintaining the quality of your thin metal strips is a critical factor to business success in the hyper-competitive manufacturing eco-system. Consumers are incessantly pushing for high-quality products, with the heat turning on plant managers. Manufacturers then request tight quality controls from their suppliers, aligning to regulatory compliance and consistency.

ISO 9001:2015 Certification

To meet the demands of both consumers and metal fabrication plants, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) creates an international standard for quality management systems. It allows manufacturers to find providers for thin metal sales near me that follow the best practices through QMS principles. Here are four advantages of ordering metal sales near me from an ISO-certified supplier.

1. Standardized Quality

The main pilar in ISO 9001:2015 is the standardization of GMP and QMS practices. Acquiring the certification can take months on end, as the company proves it can produce and supply quality products on a consistent basis.

For combined metals of Chicago consumers, it means the production of high-quality products throughout, reducing supply chain headaches. With a well-documented QMS, you can expect standard quality for your 3003-aluminum order from the certified vendor.

2. Reliability

With the increasing demand for combined metals, firms in the metal fabrication industry are finding it hard to meet their needs for the sheet strips. ISO’s complex framework covers data management and quality control that allows for the effective distribution of thin metal products, foils, strips, and sheets.

Certification makes it easier to find a vendor that has the capacity and technology to supply all the aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and copper that you need for your manufacturing.

3. Consistency

ISO certifications are not permanent. Companies have to reapply to renew their certificates after an inspection of their facilities. It ensures that the suppliers are consistent in their service delivery. QMS help to consistently improve the supplier’s distribution channels. Picking certified distributors of metal sales near me make it easier to establish long-term partnerships that quickly adapt to the changes in the fabrication industry.

4. Credibility and Trust

ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized standard of quality across 160 countries. The QMS is a flexible standard that allows businesses to define for themselves what their objectives are and how to achieve them. It creates an environment of trust where you can rely on a reputable supplier to provide you with all of the aluminum-grade metal sheets that you require. With a certification, you can have the peace of mind that the vendor has at least created systems that guarantee quality.

Finding a trustworthy supplier is critical to finding the right metal sales near me. An ISO-certified supplier goes over and above certification requirements to provide the best-in-class customer service. Thin Metal Sales is an ISO-certified distributor that you can rely on for all of your combined metal needs.