Category Archive: Uncategorized

What Are Combined Metals and How Do They Work?

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.

When Do You Need to Use 6061 Aluminum?

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.

Exploring 3 Types of Aluminum Sheet Metal for Your Next Project

If you need thin aluminum strips for your next metalworking project, it’s important that you choose the right type of aluminum sheet metal for the job. If you’re not sure what type of aluminum thin sheet metal you want to work with yet, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s review a few different types of aluminum sheet metal to consider.

Perforated Aluminum Sheet Metal

Perforated aluminum sheets, also known as plate aluminum, are commonly used for projects that require a strong aesthetic presentation. This is because this type of aluminum sheet metal is known for its aesthetic appeal. Some of the most common applications where this metal is used include interior and exterior design, decorative panels, ceiling detailing, and screens. It’s also common to see this metal used in food and pharmaceutical industries as a result of its durability and easy-to-clean nature.

Brushed Aluminum Sheet Metal

Aluminum typically comes in two forms: brushed and unbrushed. Brushed aluminum is preferred by some because it has a more consistent pattern on its surface than unbrushed aluminum. Brushed metal also comes with the benefit of already looking a little bit distressed, which can add aesthetic appeal to almost any project you’re working on. On unbrushed thin aluminum strips, it’s easier to notice a scratch or other imperfections that aren’t purposeful. Interior designers typically use this type of aluminum sheet metal to accentuate certain features or create an accent wall.

Composite Aluminum Sheet Metal

Composit aluminum sheets are some of the lightest sheet metal in the world as a result of their construction. Despite their low weight, they’re incredibly sturdy. In fact, their structure makes them an excellent choice if you need to do external cladding work. Considering that sheet metal accounts for almost $30 billion in revenue, there’s no question that aluminum is a top seller. Composite aluminum, in particular, is easy to install and transport.

No matter what kind of project you’re working on, it’s likely that there’s a type of aluminum sheet metal out there that can help you out. The key is choosing the right one. For all of your aluminum sheet metal needs, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.

Three Benefits of Recycling Metal That You Never Knew

Given the looming effects of global warming on the world, recycling metals has become a significant undertaking. North America recycles 69% of all steel every year, which is equivalent to more than 80 million tons of metal that are reused when consumers are seeking out metal sales near me. Recycling protects the environment, reduces cost, and promotes the proper management of limited resources. Here are three benefits of recycling metals that you did not know.

1. Prevent Environmental Pollution

The first benefit of recycling metals is less environmental pollution. The actual extraction and refining of raw materials to manufacture metals results in releasing large quantities of greenhouse emissions to the environment. The process is also associated with other types of pollution, including toxic runoff, the release of environmental hazards, groundwater pollution, and physical scars caused by excavation. These effects pollute the environment and can take many years to heal.

On the other hand, recycling metals is environmentally friendly. The process is efficient as it uses less energy. Moreover, recycling does not result in groundwater pollution or physical land scars. Recycling does not cause the release of poisonous emissions. The recycling process releases less greenhouse gas emissions than original manufacturing, making it safe for the environment. Overall, recycling metals prevents environmental pollution by reducing emissions to the environment.

2. Economic Development

Recycling metals contribute to economic development in a number of ways. One way is that recycling allows business owners, companies, and the government to save money that would have otherwise been spent on manufacturing new metals. The money is invested in other areas to foster economic development.

Recycling metals also contributes to economic development by creating employment. The metal recycling industry is labor-intensive. It creates jobs for thousands of people and contributes millions of dollars to the nation’s economy.

The recycled metals create jobs for other people. They can be used as tools to facilitate tasks or as raw materials for metal sales near me.

3. Less Landfill Growth

Waste metals are often put on dumpsites, leading to the creation of large landfills. This puts a toll on the environment because metals take many years to biodegrade. Also, landfills have limited space. Recycling metals reduces dumping and keeps metals out of landfills. This prevents landfills from growing and keeps the environment clean.

Even though metals can be hard to recycle, there are many benefits of recycling. The recycling process involves four stages, namely segregation, preparation, burning, and manufacturing. Remember to adhere to all health, safety, and environmental regulations while recycling metals.

Three Things You Didn’t Know About Combined Metals

Alloys or combined metals have existed since the dawn of time and alloys have been used in a variety of fashions and industries. The fascination with alloys goes all the way back to the study of Alchemy. Turning Lead into Gold was one of the aims of Alchemy with many trying to achieve this through experiments and other ways. Here are some interesting facts about combined metals that you may not know of.

I. Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel is one of the most popular alloys around and the one that you may be most familiar with. Stainless Steel is used in sinks, piping, and other uses in homes, businesses, and elsewhere. The main attraction to stainless steel lies within its rust-proof capabilities which make it ideal for rainy climates or other environments which may introduce water and condensation to the mix.

What makes up stainless steel? A mix of mostly iron and low levels of chromium and carbon. The surface of the steel has a thin layer of chromium oxide which forms its shield against rust. Rust can form when oxygen is introduced into the steel surface through water and air. Interestingly, stainless steel is not completely rust-proof as seawater (which is corrosive due to the levels of salt within) can eat away at the chromium oxide and penetrate the steel’s surface causing it to rust.

II. Gold

Gold is another combined metal that is quite familiar to most of us as gold is used most in jewelry. Gold has fantastic reactive qualities with other metals and alloys which is why it’s sometimes used in audio connections and high-fidelity compact discs. You may see the gold listed under a karat number, this number defines how much gold makes up the alloy.

Karat is listed in 24 parts, so for 24-karat gold, this means that the item is 100% gold with no other metals included. 18-karat gold would be 18/24’ths gold or put into percentage terms, 75% gold and 25% other metals.

III. Solder

Solder is a special alloy comprised of tin and lead and has excellent bonding qualities with other metals. This quality of metal bonding is precisely why computer manufacturers use solder to mate chips, resistors, and capacitors to logic boards inside your computer. The solder provides a solid pathway for the data from these chips to traverse through trace lines within the logic board to other chips.

There are no experiments and dream chasing these days with alloys as the combined metal forging industry has grown steadily over the years. This growth of the sheet metal market looks to continue with an average growth rate slightly above four percent between 2018 and 2022. The continued growth of this market means that combined metals will be important to the industry for years to come, and knowing more about the common alloys mentioned about will be helpful for growing with the industry.

5 Factors To Consider When Selecting Copper Sheet Metal For Sale

Copper remains an indispensable metal for a variety of industries, being the third-most consumed metal after iron and aluminum. The National Minerals Information Center under the USGS estimates that the U.S mine production of recoverable copper in 2020 was at 1.2 million tons valued at $7.5 billion. Globally, the production was approximately 20 million tons.

Picking the right copper sheet metal for sale requires a deeper understanding of its different properties. Here are five tips to help you pick out the right copper sheets for your application.

1. Copper Alloys

Copper sheet metal for sale is available in many different grades and alloys, including bronze and brass. You may need to research the different options available in the market before choosing the right one for your project. Alloys add certain physical properties that pure copper may not have. However, the combined metals may also contain some limitations too.

2. Temper Designation

Tempering in the copper industry refers to the process of using heat to produce thin sheet metal with specific metallurgical characteristics. The mechanical properties of copper alloys may vary depending on the thermal-mechanical processing of the metal during production or post-production processes.

There are two extremes of copper denoted as Soft (H01) to Hard (H04). There are different series available, depending on the standards used during production. The degree of hardness determines the application of brass and copper alloys. Soft temper copper is popular in etching and sculpturing as it is easier to cut or mold. Harder tempers are excellent for heavier and thicker applications.

3. Thickness

The thickness of copper sheet metal for sale may be measured in a variety of ways, including inches, gauge, MIL, millimeters, or ounces. 1 MIL is an extremely thin copper foil with approximately .001 inches. Establishing the gauge is another popular way of determining thickness. The larger the gauge value, the thinner the sheet metal will be. You may have to contact your thin metal sheet supplier to determine the right thickness for your project.

4. Quantity

You may also need to figure out the amount of copper sheet metal for sale that you require for your application. The quantity required may determine the supplier that you work with. Some vendors may have a minimum sheet order required before processing a transaction. Others, such as Thin Metal Sales, have no restrictions on the quantity ordered. You may need to verify that the supplier has the means and capability to source and delivery the copper sheet metal.

5. Certified Suppliers

You may need to find a trusted and reliable supplier for your copper sheet metal for sale. Building a steady and constant rapport ensures that you never run out of the metal products that you need for your project or fabrication. You can research more about the vendor online by checking comments, reviews, and testimonials left by past clients. Additionally, the pricing of their products is another key factor to keep in mind.

Copper remains a principal metal in most industrial applications. The tips above can help you make a smart, informed, and economical decision. Are you searching for copper sheet metal for sale? Reach out to Thin Metal Sales to discuss your needs.

The Future of Thin Sheet Metal

Thin sheet metal is a commonly used material in different industries – from construction to aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer production/manufacturing. The reason being, it has a bunch of benefits that make it easy to ship or transport as well as use. The metals can vary from 3003, 6061 aluminum, 17-7, 302, and 304 stainless steel, and a variation of alloys.

Sheet metal forming technology and trends are applied in many major industries to manufacture absolute-shaped apparatuses from a workpiece. There are factors like rising demand from main consumer industries facilitating the growth of the thin Sheet Metal Fabrication (SMF) services industry.

Since thin sheet metal is lightweight, compact, weather-resistant, and perfectly fabricated, its future in the global market is steady. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the metal fabrication industry will grow by at least 9% between 2016 to 2026.

Here are some thin sheet metal market dynamics

1. End-User Industries

The biggest market driver for the manufacture of fabricated metal and parts is an increased demand from most major end-user trades. They include automotive, aerospace, defense, and medical industries.

In 2018, the automotive trade witnessed substantial growth. Given that metal is the main raw material in the said trade, sheet metal forming plays a big role. Currently, there are increasing investments in these industries. As a result, the global SMF services market will grow at a CAGR of above 5% by 2026.

Subsequently, the aerospace and defense trades are most likely estimated to exhibit robust progress. Due to globalization, the need for aircraft production has increased. Air travel has become a lifestyle now in developing countries. The growing demand for these products leads to a boost in the global thin sheet metal market on a significant scale.

2. Material

The market can be categorized into two; aluminum and steel. Aluminum sheets are widely used as they are lightweight yet sturdy. In addition, the continued use of aluminum sheet metal will ensure a steady growth curve. This is because the metal is highly regarded in most end-user trades.

When it comes to thin sheet steel, there are several categories:

• Carbon steel: Good strength and formability
• Alloy steel: Easily available, more responsive, and affordable
• Stainless steel: Highly resistant, easy to weld, and great formability
• Tool steel: A combination of carbon and alloy steel

They all have different properties, strengths, and applications. There are many types of thin sheet metals including, (but not limited to) 17-7 steel, 3003 aluminum, 303 and 304 stainless steel, brass and copper, etc.

Bottom-Line

Thin sheet metal is one of the most common constructions and manufacturing materials, so its position in the market is safe. The global sheet metal market was approximated to hold a value of $265 billion in the year 2018. The market is anticipated to display a CAGR of not less than 5% in the 2019-2025 forecast period.

The key advantages of using sheet metal are recyclability, high strength, sturdy structures, resistance, and availability. For top-quality sheet metals, get in touch with Thin Metal Sales today!

Different Grades of Aluminum and Their Applications

What aluminum grade should you use for your project? There are many different grades of aluminum available, and they each have their benefits. In this article, we will discuss the differences between 1100, 6061, and 3003 aluminum and give some other recommendations on what to use for your next project.

Different Aluminum Grades

The first thing you need to know about aluminum is the different grades that are available. Aluminum comes in three basic types: 1100, 3003, and 6061. The grade of the aluminum will determine the end-use application and price point. For example, 1100 is a lower-cost material than 6061 but cannot be used for high-temperature applications like cooking utensils or pot lids.

3003 Aluminum

3003 aluminum is pure aluminum with an addition of manganese to increase its strength. As an alloy of aluminum, it has, nominally, 1.2% Mn, 0.12% Cu, and 98.6% Al. It is readily weldable, has a relatively low cost per pound, and can be used in most applications. It does not have the corrosion resistance of 6061 or 1100, but it is an economical alternative to those grades for some purposes.

3003 aluminum is the most commonly used form of aluminum. It is a general-purpose alloy that can be used for cooking utensils and pot lids, but it cannot handle high temperatures like those found in an oven or grill.

6061 Aluminum

Aluminum grade 6061 is often called “The Workhorse Aluminum.” It has much better corrosion resistance than 300 series alloys. Other benefits include its high heat welding properties as well as its strength when compared with the same thickness of 250 alloys.

This aluminum alloy can be used for products that experience a high level of wear and tear, such as guttering or furniture with exposed corners. The increased strength also makes it the best option to use in situations where there are high levels of humidity because it has an improved corrosion resistance over other grades.

1100 Aluminum

This is the purest form of aluminum commercially available, as it’s made with 99% min purity. It has excellent workability and ductility. This makes it a great choice for challenging forming operations. Even though this metal does not harden when worked or heated as other metals do, its corrosion resistance and weldability make it very versatile. Its high thermal conductivity also gives it an edge in applications that require thermal conductivity.

Aluminum 1100 is a versatile metal, which means it can be shaped into different shapes and products. These include chemical equipment, fin stock, dials, railroad tank cars, and nameplates in the manufacturing industry. This soft yet strong alloy is also used by industries like plumbing and lighting as well as many other manufacturers across various sectors, from cooking utensils to rivets for construction projects.

Aluminum is one of the most versatile metals on earth. It has a wide range of applications and is an important building material that can be used in many different ways, from construction to cooking utensils. However, you need to find the right supplier whether you need 3003 aluminum or any other grade. For more information on how you can get the highest grade aluminum, thin sheet metal, or combined metals, contact Thin Metal Sales today.

3 Factors to Consider When Selecting Thin Steel Sheet

Currently, sheet metal accounts for over $30 billion in U.S. revenue, which is not a surprise because every manufacturing industry utilizes sheet metal in its operations. The automotive, engineering, and aerospace industries have found major uses for thin sheet metal in their manufacturing operations. Sheet metal can be made from various metals, such as aluminum, copper and brass, nickel, steel, and titanium. Thin steel sheet is one of the most versatile, durable, and reliable sheet metal that manufacturers use for their every-day production.

When finding a supplier for your thin steel sheet, you should consider the following factors.

1. What’s Your Desired Thickness?

Thin steel sheet comes in different gauges. Thinner sheets have a higher gauge number, while thicker metal sheets have a smaller gauge number. Knowing the exact thickness of sheet metal that you need is crucial in your manufacturing operations. The thickness of thin steel sheet will influence sheet metal fabrication. Metal fabrication refers to the process of using sheet metal to create your desired products. Fabrication of thin sheet metal can be through welding, shearing, punching, machining, press brake forming, and laser cutting.

To make your metal fabrication process more efficient, it’s important that you order thin steel sheet with the exact measurements. This will reduce wastages and manufacturing errors that are not only costly but lead to operational downtimes. It’s estimated that manufacturers use 30-50% of their operational time to fix manufacturing errors in their products. Almost half of these errors, 24%, are design errors, and they can be prevented by ordering sheet metal of the right thickness. Also, the thickness of your sheet metal may also influence how you finish your products. Sheet metal can be finished through brushing, plating, liquid and powder coating, silk-screening, anodizing, and laser-etching.

2. Order Your Thin Steel Sheet From a Reputable Supplier

A good metal supplier will supply you with customized thin metal strips of the right thickness. The good thing about the top metal suppliers is that they can deliver thin sheet metal that is cut-to-size and has the exact thickness that you desire. This way, you can enhance your manufacturing operations because you won’t need to resize your metal sheets in your factory.

Although you’ll still need to invest in cutting tools such as snips, hacksaws, nibblers, jigsaws, and band saws, you won’t use a lot of time cutting your sheet metal because the supplier will have done much of the cutting. A good thin steel sheet supplier may even visit your factory to get a more accurate idea of how you want your sheet metal to be made and delivered. The supplier should also deliver your thin sheet metal in time so that your manufacturing operations can run as scheduled. Given that the quality of your sheet metal will determine the overall quality of your products, you must trust a top sheet metal supplier near you to provide you with quality thin steel sheet.

3. Look for Fair and Affordable Rates

While thin sheet metal doesn’t come cheap, a good supplier will offer you affordable rates that will give you a better ROI. In North America, 69% of all steel is recycled each year, which accounts for over 80 million tons. As such, there’s enough supply of stainless steel for all industries in the United States. Reputable suppliers may buy steel in bulk and take advantage of the economies of scale. When you buy your thin steel sheet from these suppliers, you may enjoy better prices. With sheet metal being a major raw material for your manufacturing operations, you’ll make great savings when you buy thin steel sheet at a discount. This will help you manufacture more products and increase your company earnings.

When buying thin steel sheet for your manufacturing industry, know your desired thickness and buy from a reputable metal supplier who will deliver top-quality sheet metal at a great price. Such a dealer may also supply thin aluminum strips, copper, brass, and other combined metals.

Properties and Applications of 6061 Aluminum

Aluminum alloys are known for their excellent corrosion resistance, machinability, and weight-to-strength ratio. Different grades contain components that may include zinc, silicon, copper, and brass. The elements are included in the alloy to give it additional properties for a wide range of applications. Let’s delve into the characteristics of 6061 alloys.

6061 Corrosion and Cracking

6061 aluminum was the first alloy to demonstrate acceptable levels of resistance to stress and corrosion. The grade primarily contains Magnesium and Silicon elements. Other elements in descending order include iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and titanium.

The 6061 alloy contains copper, unlike other grades such as the 5052. That makes it more resistant to corrosion than other alloys. It has excellent corrosion-resistance performance against ammonia hydroxide and nitric acid.

Strength and Structural Applications

The 6061 aluminum is a medium-to-high strength alloy with many structural applications. The alloy has 0.2% Chromium, which gives it additional strength characteristics. It has a tensile strength between 20 and 42 KSI.

The alloy has excellent formability and weldability, which is why it is viable for a wide range of uses. It has enough strength and corrosion resistance for automotive, architectural, and structural applications. Manufacturers will often choose the grade for sheet metal assemblies, electronic parts, chemical tanks, among others.

Heat Treatment and Mechanical Properties

To improve the machining and mechanical properties of the alloy, aluminum alloys have to be heat treated. The 6061 alloys can respond to heat treatment. It is used for making automotive parts and construction materials.

The 6061 grade is treated in a solution and then aged to enhance its properties. 6061-T6 aluminum is aged artificially; then, it is heat-treated to maximize its strength.

6061 Versus 6063 Alloy

The 6000 series alloys all contain magnesium and silicon and are usually for architectural extrusions. The 6063 grade is a natural choice for many extrusion applications. Its main advantage over 6061 is that it is easy to forge it into complex shapes and forms. For that reason, manufacturers use it to make steel frames, irrigation tubing, storage tanks, and truck frames.

6061 aluminum offers higher performance than 6063. The 6061-T6 temper has a comparable strength to steel, making it suitable for applications where strength is crucial.

6061 Versus 7075

While the 6061 alloy contains silicon and magnesium, the primary alloying element for the 7000 series is Zinc. The 7075 has high strength, which manufacturers achieve through tempering the combined metals. It is the top choice for high-stress applications and can replace stainless steel.

Because it has negligible amounts of copper, it is less reliable when corrosion resistance is required. The 6061 aluminum has better workability, weldability, and is more versatile than the 7075 alloys. The applications for 7075 are mainly in the aerospace industry, where high strength and low weight are critical factors.

The 6061 alloy is one of the top choices for extrusion and is referred to as structural aluminum. It is versatile and corrosion-resistant, and it has a combination of good mechanical properties. You can use it to make thin sheet metal and a wide range of industrial applications.