Category Archive: Steel

What Do You Need to Know About Surcharges for Stainless Steel?

If you have ever worked with the financial side of the combined metals industry, then you probably know just how complicated things can get. Even if you’re not familiar with some of the exact details of the financial side of the industry, it’s important to understand some of the most common fees and surcharges that you can expect to come across at some point. One such surcharge is that of the stainless steel surcharge. Whether you’re looking for thin metal strips, thin steel sheets, or something more general such as copper and brass products, it’s a good idea to learn how to navigate surcharges. Here are a few things you need to know about surcharges for stainless steel products.

Stainless Steel Surcharges Fluctuate Based on the Market

As you probably know, the combined metals industry is quite a massive market across nearly all areas. As a matter of fact, were you aware that 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? These are no small numbers. Due to the widespread use of products made out of stainless steel, surcharges are used to mitigate the financial impact of sourcing the raw materials needed to construct stainless steel products that comply with industry standards and specifications. As a result, when you expect to pay stainless steel surcharges, you should expect them to be different all the time.

While there are many factors that go into determining the current surcharge rates, it’s a good idea to remember that size and form are typically two surcharge factors that remain fundamentally the same. Keeping up on the market by checking out relevant sources for thin metal strips and other combined metals can help you to avoid any unexpected price changes.

Raw Material Costs Are Also Prone to Fluctuation

It’s good to stay up to date on the costs of raw materials. If you’re planning to source thin metal strips for a particularly large upcoming project, for example, then knowing the costs of some of the raw materials needed to produce your thin metal strips may be of use. Even if you’re prepared to expend funds to meet demands, it’s always helpful to know what to expect in terms of surcharges.

If you have questions about stainless steel surcharges, or how you can obtain combined metals from a trusted supplier, please don’t hesitate to reach out and get in touch with a member of our team today. At Thin Metal Sales, we’re here to help you with each and every one of your combined metals needs. We can’t wait to hear from you.

What Should You Consider When Searching for Thin Steel Sheets?

Finding the right thin steel sheets and combined metals for an upcoming project can be challenging. Not only do you have to worry about making sure you find the right materials that you can depend on, but you also have to go through the process of locating a supplier you know you can trust. Whether you’re executing an entirely new project, or if you’re curious about switching up your approach on a typical project, it’s important to consider some key factors when you’re searching for thin steel sheets and other combined metals. Here’s our list of a few things to keep in mind.

Cost of materials

The wrong supplier can really weigh down your next project in the form of high costs and lagging delivery windows. Both of these issues are incredibly important if you’re aiming to finish your project in a way that keeps things moving on time, and without breaking your budget. Of course, finding the right thin steel sheets isn’t always a cheap investment. After all, were you aware of the fact that globally, the sheet metal market is expanding at a continuous average growth rate of 4.09%? This growth is projected from the year 2018 to the year 2022. Sometimes you may need to be prepared to pay more to ensure you’re getting the right quality of material for the job. But this doesn’t mean you have to fall victim to suppliers who overcharge for their materials. Keeping this in mind will help you as you reach out and contact suppliers.

Delivery windows

On a similar note, it’s a good idea to find a company that is well known for accurate delivery estimates. Even if you have plenty of time to obtain materials for a project, time can go by quickly. It’s all too common for projects to get delayed due to lengthy delivery times. Once again, you should never ignore the important role that your timeline plays in the success of your project.

Flexibility in choosing different types of thin steel sheet and combined metals

Even if you’re set on using one type of material for a project, it never hurts to explore your options. The good news is that once you find a supplier you can establish a trusting relationship with, you open up your options. Having to work with a single supplier for all your projects can really help your organization to be that much more efficient. Once trust is established, materials can be discussed and considered without wasting too much time or money. Keeping your flexibility in regards to different types of combined metals is key if you’re aiming to maintain consistent execution of each and every project you work on. And finding a supplier that understands this will only help your cause. Make sure you keep this in mind as you continue your search for thin steel sheets, and any other combined metals that you may need.

At Thin Metal Sales, our team of knowledgeable experts is here to help guide you through the process of procuring any kind of thin steel sheets that you may need. Whether you have an upcoming project that requires the use of thin aluminum strips, stainless steel, or something else, we have you covered. Finding a thin steel sheet supplier with industry expertise and high-quality customer service isn’t always easy, which is why we can guarantee you’ll be satisfied with our practical know-how and years of quality experience in the landscape of combined metals supplies. Looking for some more details about our thin steel sheet offerings? Curious about how you can get started on placing an order with us? No worries! All you have to do is reach out and get in touch with a member of our team today for more information.

Things to Consider When You’re Choosing a Metal Supplier

Whether you’re tackling a major project or a smaller routine project, it’s important to choose the right metal supplier. It’s all too common for companies to rush into choosing metals, only to discover that they’ve received a mediocre product. Here are a few simple things to consider the next time you’re choosing a metal supplier.

Your project’s budget

Sometimes getting an accurate quote from a thin sheet metal supplier can be difficult. When you don’t know the exact budget for your project, reaching a fair deal is even more elusive. For this reason, it’s a good idea to get specific on your budget from the very start. It’s never a bad idea to have a clear financial picture before you even begin the process of searching for thin steel sheets or any other metals for your project. Also, it’s worth noting that once you have a budget that can help to guide your decision regarding the type of suppliers that you even contact in the first place.

The scale of your project

Of course, the size and demand of your project is important as well. You need to be prepared to tell a supplier how much demand you have. Consider the kinds of materials that you’re most interested in for any given project. For example, the primary metals most often purchased by consumers include aluminum in bar, tube, sheet, or plate form; hot or cold rolled steel; and stainless steel. When you’re working on a larger project, you may need to also be considerate of the timeline. A lot of metal suppliers may require advance notice when you’re making large requests for substantial quantities of metal. In any case, don’t forget to always be mindful of your scale requirements when looking around for the right metal supplier. Doing so can save you lots of time and headaches.

The timeline of your project

Speaking of time, it’s only courteous to develop an accurate timeline for your project. Without the right time range, the rest of the planning process is difficult to complete. Make sure to meet with the rest of your team to set your calendar up for the completion of your work, from ordering all the way to execution and implementation. An ill-formed plan will only get you so far.

If you’re ever in need of thin sheet metal, stainless steel, or any other type of combined metals, then visit us at Thin Metal Sales. Our team of experienced industry professionals is here to service your every need. Whether you are in need of thin sheet metal for a major aerospace engineering project, or thin metal strips for a smaller scaled infrastructure undertaking, we have the supplies to meet your needs. Don’t delay! Reach out or get in touch with a member of our team today for more information on what we can do for you!

What Is ASTM A666?

Stainless steel is commonly used in many different industrial applications. Approximately 80 million tons of it are recycled in the U.S. every single year. There are various forms of stainless steel and different regulations on how it can be manufactured. Austenitic steel is most commonly used for numerous applications and is held to a specific standard for its use, known as ASTM A666. Here’s what you should know about austenitic steel and regulations for its use.

What Is ASTM A666?
ASTM A666 is the specification standard for how austenitic stainless steel is heated and cooled for various applications. It states that this metal needs to adhere to certain requirements regarding chemical composition and should be formed into a thin steel sheet, bar, plate, or thin metal strips. This standard requires the metal to retain certain mechanical properties in regards to overall hardness, bending, elongation, tensile strength, and yield strength. The material is subjected to controlled-bend, tension, and free-bend testing.

ASTM stands for the American Society of Testing and Materials. The organization was started by Charles Dudley in 1898 along with a group of engineers and scientists. It was originally created to address the frequent rail breaks that were occurring in the railroad industry. As this organization grew, it created the official standards for all the other various metals that are used in industrial applications around the world.

What Is Austenitic Stainless Steel?
Austenitic stainless steel is an alloy that features austenite as its main crystalline structure. The austenite is stabilized with nitrogen, nickel, and manganese elements. They can’t be hardened by heat treatment and are considered non-magnetic and resistant to corrosion. They are typically cold worked to improve their overall durability.

This metal is commonly used to make cookware, automotive trim, industrial equipment, and food and beverage equipment. Certain grades of steel are used for storage vessels, tanks, and indoor architecture. The specific uses will depend on the amounts of additional combined metals that help stabilize the steel.

ASTM A666 ensures that the standard of use for austenitic stainless steel remains consistent across the board for various industrial applications around the world. This ensures the highest quality during the manufacturing process on an international basis. By meeting certain standards, customers can be assured that the products they buy are highly valuable and will last them for as long as they need.

Understanding The Metal Fabrication Industry to Help You Grow Your Business

If you’re operating a business within the umbrella of the larger metal fabrication industry, then there’s no denying how helpful it is to understand your place within the larger market. In fact, doing so will not only help you with your current client communications, but it may also help you develop a stronger reputation which can lead to even further business growth down the line. But it all starts with learning more about the metal fabrication industry.

The Metal Fabrication Industry is Experiencing Growth

Because today’s world has so many moving parts, and because things are constantly changing and evolving, it’s crucial that you understand your place within the wider industry. When it comes to the metal fabrication sector, the good news is that things are currently experiencing a growth spurt. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metal fabrication industry is projected to add 12,000 jobs to the sector over the next 10 years. That’s a pretty good place to be if you’re in the business of using thin metal strips, thin aluminum strips, or any other types of combined metals.

Read Up on Industry News and Best Practices

CEOs of famous companies such as Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Microsoft’s Bill Gates did not get to be so successful without the right combination of hard work and knowledge. A large part of their knowledge came to them through a commitment to reading and staying up on the current news in their particular industries. It’s only once you have a firm understanding of your market that you can truly begin to capitalize on it. Whether we’re talking about the software industry or the metal fabrication industry, the same principles apply to both computers and thin aluminum strips. You can make significant progress by committing to learning the current best practices of your competitors and other industry experts. In this way, you will be far more prepared to capitalize on trends and improve the quality of your business.

At Thin Metal Sales we take pride in offering a wide variety of thin aluminum strips, stainless steel, brass and copper, and everything else you could need to cover your combined metals needs. Whether you’re looking for a company who has industry insights and experienced knowledge or a company that values every customer interaction, we are here to bring you high-quality service at an affordable price. Curious about how we can work together, or are you just looking for some more information on what we do? Well, do not hesitate to reach out and speak with a member of our team today. We can’t wait to work with you!

6 Tips For Improving Sheet Metal Design

Following manufacturing design steps is critical for a thin steel sheet metal project to ensure success without issues cropping up. Sheet metal is a $30 billion industry, so it’s important that the sheet metal part is ready for manufacturing to keep project costs down. Whether you’re working with 17-7 stainless, 302 stainless, 304 stainless, or stainless steel, here are a few tips for improving sheet metal design:

Determine Hole Sizes

If you design the wrong hole size, it could break your punch equipment. Determining the right hole size for the punch being used will help the thin steel sheet make its way through the manufacturing process. The hole’s diameter should be equal or greater than the sheet metal’s thickness.

Inside Radius

Strain inside the piece can increase as the bend radius reduces size. If you exceed a materials fatigue point, cracks will start to form. Use the 1x Thickness=Inside Radius Rule when working with thin sheet metal.

Simplify Folds

If you can simplify your design, it will be less expensive for production in the long run. Simple angled bends can help you achieve this goal. These bends feature a radius that is the same or larger than the sheet’s thickness. Keep in mind that designing small bends for large and thick parts may be inaccurate and costly. Consider how you can create the simplest design possible for your part that will also be cost-effective and easy to produce.

Tooling

The tooling you use will limit how that part is shaped, as well. Conventional brake tooling creates precision straight line bends for any length of parts made from fabricated sheet metal. Machined and precision sheet metal parts have very different terms in how they can be manufactured and what tolerances they will allow.

Limit Tight Tolerance

Having too many tolerance callouts on a part can be unnecessary and expensive. There are only a few surfaces to a part that are critical for its ability to function. These include distances, radii, and hole diameters. Limiting tight tolerance will help you create a more budget-friendly design.

Uniform Bend Maintenance

Maintaining proper uniform bends can increase the affordability of the part. Bends that are in the same place on a part should be designed in the same direction to avoid the occurrence of part reorientation. This helps create more cost-effective parts that are also easier to produce.

By following these tips, manufacturing designers can make sure a thin steel sheet is formed and produced accurately. This can help reduce project costs, improve lead times, and provide better quality to customers. Producing quality parts takes careful consideration every step of the way if you want to be successful.

7 Advantages of Manufacturing with Sheet Metal

Are you, or someone you know, involved in manufacturing? Or, are you perhaps thinking about investing in the manufacturing industry? If so, you may want to take a close look at the lucrative business of sheet metal. One key question to think about before making a decision might be: “Where are the best metal sales near me?” And once you have this answer, you will be ready to objectively assess the advantages of working in the sheet metal business. There are many benefits, and a few of them are listed here for you to consider.

Seven Advantages of Sheet Metal Fabrication

1. 1. 1. Employment: In the U.S. alone, there were 138,900 sheet metals workers recorded in the year 2016. This is a significant amount of workers who are steadily employed, which helps the economy.
      2. Easy to Transport: In general, thin sheet metal is low in weight and gauge. This makes it very easy to transport and easy to work with and install, as well.
      3. Economical: Sheet metal is light, high-quality, and efficient. It is also very affordable, which means customers can purchase it because of its low cost, answering the question of: “Where are the best metal sales near me?”
      4. Variety: There are several different types of sheet metal, such as thin aluminum strips, thin sheet metal, and stainless steel. It is even possible to find copper sheet metal for sale, as well as brass and copper sheets. With all these varieties of sheet metals, it means that the materials are available in abundance. This, of course, is beneficial for business, since an abundance of materials usually keeps prices down, while a scarcity of materials could lead to increased demand and higher prices.
      5. Benefits the Economy: Overall, the sheet metal industry currently adds revenue totaling about $30 billion to the U.S. annually.
      6. Accuracy: Sheet metal projects can be completed using modern technology. The sheet metal works very well with a punch press, for example. And measurements are extremely accurate, also, because of the use of computerized technology.
      7. Durability: Sheet metal can be formed into many shapes. It creates a very durable surface. This makes it ideal for use in many different climates and many different weather conditions, including extreme hot and cold temperatures.

So the next time you are thinking about manufacturing and how it affects business in general, remember to explore the advantages of sheet metal fabrication. Finding the answer to the question “Where are the best metal sales near me?” will be of great benefit to getting involved in the metal fabrication industry.

The Importance of Finding the Right Supplier for Your Thin Metal Strips

With industries using more and more metal each day, it becomes even more critical to find the right supplier for thin metal strips and other metals that you use to complete important jobs. The metal fabrication industry is projected to add 12,000 jobs to the sector in this decade alone, according to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you or your company fall into this figure, then it is wise to prioritize finding a metal supplier that can meet your needs and keep up with your demands.

Industry experience is vital when it comes to selecting a supplier. Every detail matters when it comes to thin metal strips and other combined metals, so you can afford to choose a supplier that has not demonstrated their worth and value in your particular industry. Checking for suppliers that are compliant and certified is a good way to filter out legitimate prospects from those that aren’t worth your time.

Assessing your needs before you enter into any type of supplier contract can also give you a better sense of your needs. When you align your focus to your company’s goal, it will be much easier to know whether or not your supplier works with a similar mission in place. For instance, finding a supplier that specializes in recycled metals will be absolutely necessary if you work within a company that wants to show its dedication to environmental sustainability. Of course, the quality of materials should never be overlooked, but a keen sense of purpose and customer service should not have to be sacrificed in order to get the metals you need.

Finding the right supplier for your thin metal strips, copper brass, and other types of combined metals is the first step toward operating a business that offers the highest quality materials. If you’re in need of a trusted manufacturer for your facility, then get in touch with us today. At Thin Metal Sales we have the experience and know-how to help you find the brass and copper and stainless steel products you need at an affordable rate.

3 Most Considered Characteristics Of Metals In The Aerospace And Medical Industries

If you were to say that the discovery of metal is the greatest thing that has ever happened to man, then chances are, you will be right. From transport, communication, health and even in your home or workplace, different metals define your day to day activities.

The world offers you an endless supply of metals which appear in their natural forms such as iron, copper, and silver. However, there is another category of metals known as combined metals. Combined metals play a significant role in the manufacturing of sophisticated items that significantly help humans realize a whole new world of technological advancements.

What are combined metals? These are alloys of two or more naturally occurring metals.

Alloying is done to improve the quality or achieve specific attributes of the metals. These qualities include electrical conductivity, heat resistance, strength, resistance from corrosion by other elements, durability, and other essential attributes. An excellent example of such metals is stainless steel which has several subtypes/specifications such as the ams5510, which is heat and corrosion-resistant.

A research conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicted that the metal fabrication industry will grow by 9% in a span of 10 years — from 2016 to 2026. The ever-growing technological advancements and research motivate this growth in areas such as the aerospace industry and the medical fields.

You might be asking yourself, what do these metals have to do with the aerospace industry? Well, these are some of the reasons combined metals are used in the aerospace industry.

Heat resistance

Jet and rocket engines produce a lot of heat. Jet engines produce up to 900 degrees Celsius (1650 F) while rocket engines produce heat up to 3200 degrees Celsius (5800 F). Exposure to these levels of heat for a long time can quickly melt most metals.

It is also important to note that at high speeds, aerodynamic friction can generate a lot of heat that can easily lead to melting of metals such as aluminum. Just like aluminum, titanium is lightweight but has a high heat resistance, which makes it the metal of choice when building crafts that are associated with high speeds.

Resistance to corrosion

Corrosion is a chemical process where air reacts with a metal to form the metal’s oxide. This can translate into expensive maintenance costs and a wide range of risks, including fatal accidents. Brass and copper are some of the most commonly used metals to provide corrosion resistance.

In the medical industry, stainless steel is widely used in the manufacture of medical and surgical equipment due to its high resistance to corrosion. This metal is an alloy of several materials that includes molybdenum, nickel, chromium, iron, manganese, and silicon.

Despite offering resistance to corrosion, stainless steel is one of the most durable materials that exist today which makes it ideal in the production of a vast number of medical equipment used in all medical fields. One such stainless steel specification is the ASTM A666.

Electrical conductivity

When you read or hear about electrical conductivity, copper automatically comes to your mind. Copper is a naturally occurring metal and one of the most used metals on the planet. From thin metal strips, copper can be converted into wires or plates to be used in motherboards for equipment used in the medical and aerospace industries.

As mentioned earlier, copper is a naturally occurring element/metal that can be combined with other metals to form alloys such as brass. It can also be recycled for reuse in the manufacturing of communication and electrical equipment.

It is clear that combined metals have been instrumental in the advancement of communication, medical, and aerospace equipment. However, the effectiveness of these metals is as good as the people doing metal fabrication work. Such jobs should be left in the hands of experienced metal fabricators who understand the wide range of products coming from metal manufacturers.

5 Types of Sheet Metal Finishes

Many types of metal are pliable and insulate great. These features make different types of metal extremely useful. But in addition to brass and copper, what is the most versatile of the primary metals? It would have to be the metal made from thin aluminum strips—sheet metal. Here is a look at the thin metal strips of stainless steel sheet metal, a few of the different finishes used on it, and some of the products — or applications — that are made from the different sheet metal varieties.

1. Applications of Number One Finish: When stainless steel is heated and then rolled, this creates number one finish. Next step of the process is a heat treatment to make sure that the thin metal strips of stainless steel look uniform and meets all requirements. This type of stainless steel typically has an inconsistent appearance. It is used in items such as furnace linings conveyors, oven liners, kiln liners, and parts for oil burners.
2. Applications of Number 2B Finish: Again, stainless steel is rolled, but this time it is cold. This cold rolling process produces a shinier and more reflective finish compared to the completed rolls. This type of stainless steel is used for wheel covers, flatware, laundry, and dry cleaning fixtures, bakeware, and plumbing fixtures, to name a few.
3. Applications of Number 2D Finish: The Number 2D finish goes on sheet metal rolls that have been thinned down by cold rolling. The final step in the process is pickling. The applications for this type of stainless steel include furnace parts, rail car parts, roofing, and chemical equipment.
4. Applications of Number 3 Finish: Stainless steel sheet metal with a Number 3 finish sets itself apart because it has a pattern pressed into a surface that gives it a look of scratching and abrasion. Additionally, it is fairly bright, offering a modest reflection. The roughness of the Number 3 finish is great for use in kitchen equipment, brewery equipment, and items used in food processing.
5. Applications of Number 4 Finish: Picking up where the Number 3 finish left off, the patterning of the Number 4 finish takes it to an even higher level — much brighter and more reflective. For applications with a Number 4 finish, think of luggage carousels, escalator trim, doors on elevators, and hospital surfaces and equipment.

It’s also interesting to note that brass and copper, as well as stainless steel, can be used in various applications. Just imagine a kitchen that is finished with stainless steel; then imagine one that is finished with brass and copper. The two kitchens would have completely different personalities. Working with copper and brass, and even stainless steel sheet-metal can produce a wonderful variety of looks.

And there is an added benefit: metal is recyclable! Right now all around the world, about 40% of all the steel that is produced is created from recycled metal. This is a win for aesthetics and the environment!