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The Environmental Benefits of Brass and Copper

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

They Can Be Recycled

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

They Save Energy

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

They Retain Their Quality

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

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

What Is Copper Sheet Metal Used for?

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

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

What Is Copper Sheet Metal?

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

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

Uses of Copper Sheet Metal

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

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

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

Top Metals Purchased By Consumers

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

1. Aluminum

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

2. Hot Rolled Steel

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

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

3. Titanium

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

4. Copper

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

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

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!