Category Archive: Steel

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!

4 Great Benefits of Using Recycled Steel

Recycled Steel

Combined metals of Chicago deals with all sorts of metal including brass, copper, stainless steel, thin aluminum strips, and so much more. These metals are important for aerospace engineering and other manufactured metal parts across various industries. Today we wanted to discuss the benefits of going with recycled steel. In fact, nearly 70% of the steel in the U.S. is recycled steel, which is a pretty big testimony to how great recycled steel actually is.

Sometimes there is a misconception that recycled goods are not as high quality, or don’t have as much durability as their “newer” counterparts. In the case of steel, that just isn’t true. Here are a few advantages of recycled steel:

Using Recycled Steel is Environmentally Responsible: Keeping the planet a little greener and healthier is important. Using recycled steel on your next project is a great way to help reduce your carbon footprint and go green. Just how eco-friendly is recycled steel? Using one ton of recycled steel will save a half a ton of coal and one and a half tons of iron. Additionally, it saves thousands of gallons of water! This is absolutely one of the best ways to better maintain the world we live in.

Quality Retention After Recycling: Combined metals of Chicago are rigorously tested to ensure only the top quality goods are utilized throughout industries. This is especially true with steel. Steel, even when recycled, doesn’t lose any of its strength because it retains its natural qualities. It doesn’t matter if the steel is being used for construction or for ornamentation, its durability and appearance is always preserved.

Super Easy to Recycle: Steel is very easy to recycle and doesn’t need to be sorted by size or color. Additionally, steel can be recycled many times over, meaning that it’s easy to re-recycle your own recycled steel when the need arises.

Massive Waste Reduction: Waste reduction is a big deal. Rather than let scrap metal take up space in a junkyard, have it recycled. This will put all that metal to good use. No need to unnecessarily clutter landfills with scrap metal when it is so easy to recycle.

If you want to learn more about combined metals of Chicago, give Thin Metal Sales a call today!