Metal alloys in a warehouse
By Dan Markham Construction • General Information 0 Comments

What Are Metal Alloys?

Metal alloys are primarily known for their hardness and strength and obtain metal properties by reducing material costs. In simple terms, metal alloys comprise two elements: one metal and the others tend to be carbon or silicon. The central metal, also known as the primary metal, is the base of an alloy, whereas the other elements are molded and integrated into the base. Alloys were first created back in 3500 BC and were initially made of bronze and tin to sharpen tools and weapons. By no surprise, alloys have heavily evolved as time has passed.

How Are Metal Alloys Created?

Metal alloys are created by melting and mixing metal and other materials together. Once they are mixed together, they are then set aside to cool off and solidify. They can also be created through a process of turning the materials into a powdered form, mixing the powder together, and then fusing together through very high temperatures. The last metal alloy creation process is called ion implantation, which includes placing ions into surface layers of metal.  In today’s world, there are many different types of metal alloys; keep reading below to learn more about some of the metal alloys we have highlighted. 

Steel Alloys

Steel is comprised of mostly iron and some carbon. This type of alloy is firm and resists fractures perfectly. The reason for its strength is due to its temperature during creation. The temperature affects the crystalline structure, which allows it to be body-centered cubic or face-centered cubic. The properties of steel alloys include:

  • Hardness
  • Toughness
  • Yield strength
  • Tensile strength
  • Ductility

Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum alloys are among the most popular and commonly used alloys due to their reliability and robustness. They are commonly found within and favored in the engineering, construction, and automotive industries. On top of that, aluminum alloys are considered to be lightweight and corrosion-resistant. They mainly include iron, copper, magnesium, silicon, and zinc. By including the right components, aluminum alloys can become stronger than steel alloys.  

Nickel Alloys

Nickel alloys tend to include other metals like chromium, iron, and copper. These types of alloys can withstand high temperatures, obtain excellent corrosion resistance, and resist high-temperature scaling. Other capabilities include returning to the original shape upon high heat and providing material expansion measurements. 

Contact Markham Metals For Quick Metal Delivery

Metal alloys are essential for almost every construction and manufacturing project. Choose Markham Metals as your leading supplier of metal alloys. We have been supplying metal alloys and other metal products for over 30 years! For more information, contact us by calling 978-658-1121 or by filling out our contact form!

metal being coiled and fixed with sparks
By Dan Markham General Information • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Best Tips From Metal Fabrication Experts

Metal fabrication is used in many industries, from constructing new buildings to creating custom parts. If you’re getting involved in metal fabrication or looking for ways to improve your results, learning from the experts can help. Here are some expert tips to help you get better results while saving money.

Understand the Material You’re Working With

One of the most essential tips from experts in metal fabrication is to have a solid understanding of the materials you’re working with. Different metals react differently to heat, welding, and cutting processes, and understanding that before you start is very important. Popular metals like steel, aluminum, and stainless steel each have unique qualities and need different methods to work with them. Learning their strengths and weaknesses before starting can save time and avoid mistakes.

Start with a Clear Design

Before anything, it’s essential to have a straightforward design in mind before starting. Use basic sketches or CAD software to visualize the part. The more detailed your design is, the better. This will help you plan, understand the project timeline, and determine the materials you’ll be working with.

Choose the Coil-Fed Approach

One way to improve your metal fabrication process is by choosing the coil-fed approach. This method involves feeding the metal directly from coils instead of using pre-cut sheets, making it easier to maintain consistent quality and speed. This approach is perfect for large projects and tight deadlines. 

Double Check Your Measurements

One tiny error in measurements can lead to costly mistakes or wasted materials. The best way to avoid this is to double-check your measurements before cutting, welding, or bending. Using digital measuring tools can make the process easier and more accurate.

Consider Tolerances

Tolerances refer to how much variation is acceptable in the dimensions of your part. Small tolerances require high precision. If your part needs tight tolerances, ensure you’re using equipment and methods designed for that level of detail. Knowing this in advance can prevent costly mistakes. 

Think About Post-Fabrication Needs

After the metal is shaped, you might need to do extra work, such as welding, painting, or polishing. Consider these extra steps early in your design process to ensure the metal is prepared to handle them. Knowing these needs upfront can streamline your whole project.

Receive a Free Metal Fabrication Quote in New England

These tips can help you make more intelligent, cost-effective decisions during fabrication. Whether you’re a starting or a seasoned pro, Markham Metals is here to assist you! Our expert team is ready to guide you through every step, ensuring great results in your next metal fabrication project. For more information and to receive a free quote, call 978-658-1121 or fill out our contact form!