A set of stainless steel cookware sits on a white tabletop. You can see pans, pots, kettles and plates among the group.
By Dan Markham General Information • • • 0 Comments

How Does Alloying Metal Make It Better?

Metalworking processes can accomplish a lot of things in terms of gifting metals with desirable traits. For example, galvanizing your metal can make it stronger. Polishing your metal can give it extended life and greater corrosion resistance. Forming and shaping metal can get it into the shape it needs to be in for a noteworthy application. But, how does this apply to metal alloys? Alloying a metal with another element or metal has the ability to enhance its current traits. But, what exactly does it do and how is it accomplished? We give you a crash course on alloying metal below!

Increased Corrosion Resistance

The key thing to remember about metal alloys is that the two components are combined to strengthen a certain characteristic. For example, if a metal like iron is alloyed with a metal that has increased corrosion resistance, the resulting product will have a much higher corrosion resistance! The most common example of this is stainless steel, which is the result of the aforementioned combination of iron and chromium. It helps make it useful for applications such as cookware and automotive parts.

Increased Strength

Sometimes, the pure strength of a single metal won’t be enough to be useful in applications. Another common reason for alloying metals is to increase its strength to a point where normal metals can’t reach. For example, titanium is considered one of the world’s strongest metals. When alloyed with metals like iron, however, they become durable enough to be used in heavy duty applications such as airplane parts and automotive applications. Gold and silver are usually alloyed together to make stronger and longer lasting jewelry.

Decreased Conductivity

In terms of conductivity, metals will vary on how much of it they need. Alloying metals also has the ability to decrease a property’s effectiveness. Conductivity is a prime example of this trait. Pure metals tend to have higher conductivity than metal alloys, but decreased conductivity is necessary for certain applications. For example, stainless steel is commonly used in building structures, where conductivity isn’t necessary. In fact, conductivity may actually be dangerous here, which makes it all the more important!

Metalworking at Markham Metals

Do you have a metal alloy or pure metal that you need to be fitted for a specific application? Bring it down to Markham Metals! We offer a full range of metalworking services to bend, cut, form and shape your metal into any product you wish. To increase the effectiveness of your metal and get it ready for use in the field, click here to contact us directly!

A worker polishes a steel rod using a red polishing tool. You can see several sparks flying from underneath it.
By Dan Markham General Information • • • 0 Comments

Metal Polishing vs. Metal Galvanizing

When it comes to the different ways that you can bend, shape and form metal, there are no two processes that are the same. Metalworking services are usually done with a specific goal in mind, and with each goal comes a specific process tied to it. However, that doesn’t mean that different metalworking services share no benefits! Metal polishing and metal galvanizing, while two entirely different processes, can give your metal similar performance improvements. So, what similarities and differences do these two metalworking practices share? We go into detail below!

Corrosion Resistance

Take a look at the technology and appliances around you. What’s one thing that they all have in common? They use corrosion resistance to properly function! Galvanizing your metal and polishing it are both proven ways of increasing this trait. Both of these metalworking processes involve adding a protective coating to the metal that gives it further protection from outside elements. The only difference between the two processes is how it gets to that corrosion resistant final product.

Increased Durability

If you look at how both of these processes work, the fact that they share this trait should be a no-brainer. After all, adding a protective coating to your metal gives it a shield against the elements that decrease its lifespan! Metal polishing and galvanizing are both proven to create metals that are durable in long-lasting applications. However, galvanized metal tends to be more durable than polished metal. Galvanized metal has a stronger protective coating than polished metal, which encourages its use in building materials among other applications.

Unique Traits

Though these metalworking processes share certain characteristics, there are plenty of areas which set them apart. Galvanizing metal gives it a more complete coating of protection, even covering those areas that are inaccessible or recessed. Metal polishing can’t offer the same protection, but it can offer a much greater look and feel. It can sharpen its color and increase how bright and shiny it appears. This is part of the reason why it’s a common practice in the automotive industry. In short, galvanized metal is stronger and polished metal is cleaner. However, both offer a solid layer of protection.

Metalworking at Markham Metals

Whether you need your metal polished, galvanized, cut or shaped, there’s no better place to turn than Markham Metals! We’ve spent years offering a variety of metalworking services to our clients to get them ready for any application. We also carry our own in-house line of sheet metal products! To get your metal ready for practical use, click here to contact us directly!