Did You Know: Falconry Bells Are Made from Phosphor Bronze
Posted by: Mike Baufield on December 17, 2019
When you work for a metal vendor, you end up learning a lot. Especially when it comes to different metals and how they’re used. People typically have some grasp on the most common items made from various metals. Some examples include cookware from stainless steel, electrical wires from copper, construction beams from steel, to name a few. But phosphor bronze isn’t a household name like those other materials are. In general, people are less familiar with it and what it goes into.
Read MoreHow is Stainless Steel Used in the Food Service Industry?
Posted by: Mike Baufield on December 3, 2019
As we’ve covered before, stainless steel has a wide range of uses. And throughout its history, perhaps its most well-known use has something to do with food. Stainless steel cutlery has been around since the 1910s. Stainless steel sinks were first introduced in the 1930s, and stainless steel cooktops and backsplashes date back to the 1940s and 50s. Not to mention stainless steel in the kitchen really became a household name in the late 1980s when General Electric started pushing stainless steel dishwashers, side-by-side refrigerators, and built-in cooking products in TV advertisements and print materials.
Read MoreWhat are the Strongest Metals?
Posted by: Mike Baufield on November 19, 2019
What is the world’s strongest metal? This is one of those questions that sounds simple enough but is actually quite complex. When it comes to metal, making direct comparisons based on strength doesn’t work. Why? First of all, because there isn’t a single, universal scale for strength. At best, there are four. In today’s blog, I’m going to outline these four types of strength as they relate to metallurgy before giving some insights and comparisons of the metals leading the pack in terms of strength. Let’s get started.
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The Many Uses of Copper in Creating Art
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on November 7, 2019
Copper is well-known as a versatile material with many applications and uses. Oftentimes, the conversation around copper centers around its many functions in everyday life, namely its electrical and thermal conductivity. Because of this attribute, you’ll find copper wiring and copper connectors in your computers, your cell phone, your garage door opener, and in your appliances. But copper’s usefulness doesn’t end there.
Read MoreHow is Cold Rolled Steel Used for Home Design and Decor?
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on October 8, 2019
When you think of steel, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? For a lot of people, their minds go to construction, where steel beams form the foundation of sky-high buildings. Others might first think of the automotive industry, where steel accounts for up to 60% of a vehicle’s total weight. The fact of the matter is steel, in some form or another, is around us much of the time. In our buildings, in our vehicles, and even in our home decor.
Read MoreSafely Loading Metal Coils with a Forklift [How To]
Posted by: Chris Schwartz on September 10, 2019
Loading, transporting, and storing metal coils is pretty standard procedure at a metal service center, but we realize that might not be the case for other businesses, production facilities, and local artists we work with. Still, regardless of frequency, properly transporting metal coils will keep internal employees safe and protect the product from damage. Two things every business wants. In this blog, I’m providing a basic how-to for safely loading and transporting metal coils with a forklift. Let’s get started.
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All About Steel: Cold Rolled vs. Cold Drawn vs. Hot Rolled
Posted by: Brian Rothstein on August 20, 2019
In the steel industry, you may have heard the terms “cold rolled,” “hot rolled,” and “cold drawn.” Understanding how these types of steel are processed, as well as proper applications for each type, is crucial in making sure you are getting the right material for your project. Buying the correct type of steel will save you both time and money, and ensure you are offering the best quality products to your customers.
Read MoreFAQ Series: What Can a Metal Slitting Machine Do? [VIDEO]
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on August 7, 2019
There are many factors you might consider when looking for a metal service center, including customer service, quality of materials, and secondary services. One helpful secondary service is metal slitting.
Read MoreHow is Brass Used in the Automotive Industry?
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on June 6, 2019
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and can have many different properties depending on the balance of these two materials. Additionally, brass can include other metals such as aluminum, lead, and arsenic, which will each create a different alloy with its own unique properties.
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What is the Difference Between Surgical Steel and Stainless Steel?
Posted by: Mike Baufield on May 13, 2019
It’s not uncommon to wonder about the differences between different types of steel. At least, it’s not uncommon around here. In our industry, understanding the small, unique differences between different steel varieties is big business. After all, choosing the best material for a given application is an important step in any project. In the case of metal materials, the characteristics of different materials will show up when they are cut, bent, punch-pressed, and otherwise processed.
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