What is the Difference Between Tempering and Annealing?
Posted by: Dani Weinhandl on July 16, 2020
Tempering and annealing are both methods of heat treating metal. The purpose of heat treating is to intentionally alter the physical (and chemical) properties of metal in order to prepare it for manufacturing. Heat treatments can affect many properties of a metal product, including strength, hardness, formability, ductility, malleability, and machinability.
Read MoreWhat Exactly is ISO Certified? And Why Does it Matter?
Posted by: Jim Wilber on June 17, 2020
In a global marketplace, checks and balances need to be in place. Otherwise, it would be difficult to maintain consistency and quality across industries and nations. International standards help to keep a level playing field, and one such organization is ISO.
Read MoreWe Are Open: Tackling the Challenge of COVID-19 Head On
Posted by: Brian Rothstein on April 29, 2020
Over the past several weeks, the realities of COVID-19 have increasingly occupied our thoughts. The surge in cases across the globe and now here in Minnesota have made us all pause and reflect. With so much uncertainty, we would like to put your mind at ease.
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Did You Know: Falconry Bells Are Made from Phosphor Bronze
Posted by: Brian Rothstein 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: Brian Rothstein 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: Brian Rothstein 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.
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