When it comes to industrial machinery such as drills, dies and cutting tools, tool steel is the favored choice. As you can tell by the name, it’s designed for this very purpose. High amounts of carbon and other alloying elements gives tool steel enhanced hardness and strength, qualities which allow it to weather the repeated … Continue reading Selecting Tool Steel Grades
The Strongest Metals
Out of the many metals found on Earth, which is the strongest? It’s a straightforward question, but not one with a simple answer. You may find yourself becoming rather philosophical, because first you must define exactly what it is you mean by “strength”. When it comes to metal, being strong isn’t just a matter of … Continue reading The Strongest Metals
Aluminum Alloys for Anodizing
Anodizing the Aluminum Series While aluminum is the most common metal to be anodized, not every grade of aluminum alloy receives this type of processing. As time passes, aluminum oxide naturally forms on the surface of aluminum, creating a layer of corrosion resistant protection. This layer not only halts continued oxidation and corrosion, it also … Continue reading Aluminum Alloys for Anodizing
What is Anodizing?
One of the greatest advantages of aluminum is its natural resistance to corrosion. Ferrous metals such as steel are highly vulnerable to corrosion due to their iron content; iron atoms react with oxygen to produce rust, which wears away and damages the metal. Aluminum atoms react even more quickly to oxygen, but its oxide doesn’t … Continue reading What is Anodizing?
Hot Rolled Steel Grades
When it comes to steelmaking, production can be divided into two basic groups: cold rolled and hot rolled steel. In earlier eras, molten steel was cast into blocks known as ingots. These ingots were convenient to stack and ship, and could be melted back down when needed for use. In current times, steel manufacturing is … Continue reading Hot Rolled Steel Grades
What are Pipe Schedules?
For people new to working with pipe, referring to their “schedule” may be unfamiliar. Imagine you have two pipes in front of you: one labeled schedule 40, while the other is schedule 80. Both are manufactured of the same type of metal, with the same grade, and the same 3-inch diameter. So, what is it … Continue reading What are Pipe Schedules?
What are the Differences between Tube and Pipe?
It’s not uncommon for someone to assume tube and pipe are interchangeable terms. You yourself may not have ever considered what the difference might be. If asked, what might be your guess: maybe they’re called pipes when made of metal, and tubes if made of PVC? Are they simply the same thing no matter what … Continue reading What are the Differences between Tube and Pipe?
Popular Metals for Welding
Welding is a complicated process, and there can be several pitfalls on the way to completing a successful weld. The choice of welding method, how carefully all materials are cleaned before proceeding, the experience of the welding operator: just a few of the many factors that can make or break a welding job. But one … Continue reading Popular Metals for Welding
Ten Differences between Aluminum and Steel
At first glance, aluminum and stainless steel may appear similar: both a silvery gray, softly shiny, and used to make many of the same products. Many food service and kitchenware items, for instance, are made available from a manufacturer in both types of metals. What separates these two, other than price? 1. Thermal ConductivityAluminum is … Continue reading Ten Differences between Aluminum and Steel
What is Tool Steel?
As you might guess, tool steel earns its name by being primarily used for tools. If you then picture a steel screwdriver, pliers, or a wrench, you’d be right – but the items created of tool steel group consist of much more. Within the steel industry, tool steel also refers to machine tools, including those … Continue reading What is Tool Steel?