By Dan Markham General Information • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Which Metal Best Conducts Electricity?

Electricity is the lifeblood of our modern world, powering everything from our homes to high-tech industries. One crucial aspect of the electrical conductivity puzzle lies in our materials. Metals, known for their excellent conductive properties, are pivotal in transmitting electric current. In this blog, we delve into the world of metals and explore which stands out as the best conductor of electricity.

The Conductivity Contenders

Metals, by nature, have free electrons that can move quickly, making them conducive to electrical conductivity. However, not all metals are created equal in this regard. The contenders for the title of the best conductor include copper, silver, and gold. These metals have long been the go-to choices for electrical wiring, thanks to their impressive conductivity ratings.

Copper: The Workhorse of Electrical Conductivity

Copper has earned its reputation as the workhorse of electrical conductivity. It boasts a combination of high conductivity, durability, and affordability, making it the most widely used metal in electrical wiring. Copper conductivity is second to none among non-precious metals. Its ability to carry electric current with minimal energy loss has made it a staple in power transmission lines, household wiring, and electronic devices.

Copper also exhibits excellent thermal conductivity, efficiently dissipating heat generated during electrical operations. This property is beneficial in high-performance electronic applications with critical heat management. Despite competition from other metals, copper maintains its dominance in electrical conductivity.

Silver and Gold

While copper takes the lead in practical applications, silver and gold showcase exceptional conductivity properties that make them intriguing options, especially in specific niche applications. Silver, in its pure form, outperforms copper in terms of conductivity. However, silver’s higher cost and susceptibility to tarnish have limited its widespread use in everyday applications.

Gold, often associated with luxury and jewelry, surprises many as a competent conductor of electricity. While gold is less practical for general electrical wiring due to its high cost, it finds applications in specialized scenarios. The electronics industry, particularly in spacecraft and satellites, values gold’s ability to resist corrosion and maintain conductivity in extreme conditions.

Choosing the Right Metal for the Job

In electrical conductivity, the choice of metal depends on the application’s specific requirements. For most everyday purposes, copper is the top choice, offering an optimal balance of conductivity, durability, and cost-effectiveness. However, silver and gold may find their niche when absolute conductivity is paramount, such as in specific high-tech and space applications.

Contact Markham Metals For Custom Metalworking In Massachusetts 

Advancements in materials science may bring forth new contenders, but for now, copper, silver, and gold remain the stars in the electrically charged performance of our modern world. Contact Markham Metals to learn more about each type of metal and get assistance choosing the suitable metal for your electricity conducting needs.

shipping damaged metal
By Dan Markham Management • Renavation • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

How To Deal With Damaged Metal

If your business orders a shipment of metal, receiving low-quality or damaged shipments can be costly. Whenever this happens, you must take appropriate steps to safeguard your investment. In this blog, we will explore a few steps that you can take to make sure you get the metal you paid for.

Take Photos or Make Videos

What proof do you have to show that the metal you received was damaged? As soon as you notice any damage, document the extent of damage by taking photos and videos of the shipment, including any packaging materials, labels, and delivery documentation. This is evidence and helps you build a strong case when communicating with your supplier or vendor. After keeping a visual record of the damage through documentation, it is best to speak with your metal supplier or vendor. They may have incorrectly recorded your product specifications or missed a step in the QA process. Either way, they’ll know the product’s condition when it leaves their facility. This can help you resolve the issue quickly.

Get In Touch with Your Vendor

Contact the seller or manufacturer of the metal product. If you sourced the material through a vendor, they’re also responsible for addressing the issue. But if you directly arrange the shipment yourself, it’s your responsibility to initiate the claims process. Nowadays, most freight carriers document transit damage before unloading the shipment. Tracking such issues on a Bill of Lading (BOL) or packing paperwork is usually a part of the company’s operations. If you suspect the damage occurred in transit, you must mention it on the paperwork before signing off. So, if you want to file a claim, the document will prove it. You must file a complaint with the shipping company if the metal was damaged before shipping. This way, you’ll be able to get a replacement or reimbursement. Check the terms and conditions of your shipping contract and provide the necessary documents, such as delivery receipts and photographs.

Think About Other Options

Now that you’ve contacted your vendor, filed a claim with the manufacturer’s shipping company, or spoken to the manufacturer, you’ll have to consider how you’ll move forward. You’re probably wondering if getting a replacement or reimbursement at this time is best — this depends on the extent of the damage. You may need expedited shipping if there’s an urgent project to take care of. Re-check your requirements for the metal product, such as the quantity, quality, and grade. If the damage has affected the quality of the metal, it might be necessary to adjust your project plans or seek a different type of metal product altogether.

Prevention In The Future

You’ll need to communicate your expectations to your seller to prevent this from happening down the line. Make sure to specify the type of shipment you need and document any agreed-upon specifications to avoid problems down the line. This way, you’ll be able to ensure that the product meets your requirements.

Contact Markham Metals For Quality Metal Needs In New England

Need help receiving low-quality metal shipments from the manufacturer? Markham Metals can help you in this regard by providing consistent quality. Our expert metal fabricators have many years of experience assisting people to pick the best metal for their projects. We are located in Wilmington, Massachusetts, but we serve all areas of New England. Contact us here today for a free quote on your next metal project.

metal
By Dan Markham General Information • Tips and Tricks • • 0 Comments

Ways to Select the Best Type of Metal

When it comes to choosing the right metal for your project, a systematic approach can save you money and time and ensure the success of your endeavor. Here are three essential steps to guide you through the process:

Define Your Project Requirements 

The first step in selecting the best type of metal is clearly defining your project’s specific requirements. Consider the following factors:

  • Functionality

What role will the metal component play in your project? Is it for structural support, electrical conductivity, heat resistance, or something else entirely? Understanding its function is crucial.

  • Environmental Conditions

Will the metal be exposed to harsh weather, chemicals, or high temperatures? Different metals have varying levels of corrosion resistance and heat tolerance.

  • Strength and Durability

Assess the metal component’s load-bearing capacity and expected lifespan. Some metals, like steel, are renowned for their strength, while others may be more prone to deformation or wear.

  • Budget

Determine your budget constraints. Some metals are more expensive than others, so balancing performance with cost is essential.

Research and Compare Metals 

Once you have a clear understanding of your project requirements, research and compare different types of metals and consider these factors:

  • Material Properties

Examine various metals’ physical and chemical properties, such as tensile strength, conductivity, malleability, and corrosion resistance. Match these properties with your project’s needs.

  • Availability

Ensure that the selected metal is readily available in the required form and quantity. Some specialized metals may be challenging to source.

  • Environmental Influence

Assess the environmental impact of the metal. Is it recyclable? How energy-intensive is its production? Consider sustainability concerns.

  • Testing and Prototyping

Conduct tests or create prototypes to validate the suitability of the chosen metal for your project. This step can help uncover potential issues early in the process.

Seek Expert Advice 

While you may have gathered valuable information during your research, consulting with metallurgy, engineering, or materials science experts can provide critical insights. Here’s how experts can assist:

  • Expertise

Professionals in the field can offer expert guidance based on their extensive knowledge of materials and their real-world applications.

  • Optimization

Experts can help optimize your choice, ensuring that the selected metal aligns perfectly with your project’s performance, cost-effectiveness, and longevity goals.

  • Risk Mitigation

Professionals can identify potential risks or drawbacks associated with specific metals and suggest mitigation strategies.

Contact Markham Metals For Any Metal Services In New England

The process of selecting the best type of metal involves an evaluation of project requirements, metal comparison and expert advice. Making an informed choice is important to the success and longevity of your project. Consulting with Markham Metals is the next step! Our expert metal fabricators have many years of experience helping people pick the best metal for their projects. We are located in Wilmington, Massachusetts, but we serve all areas of New England. Contact us here today for a free quote on your next metal project. We look forward to hearing from you!

metal polishing
By Dan Markham Design • General Information • Management • • 0 Comments

Comparing The Different Methods of Metal Polishing

The technique for metal surface polishing is one of the greatest ways to make pieces look good. With a polished surface finish, these components perform better and last longer. Over time, metal surfaces frequently discolor. The surfaces of such metals often become compromised by exposure to high temperatures and wear levels. A polished metal component, however, is shielded from contaminants and oxidation. Here are some of the most common polishing methods for metals in addition to their advantages and disadvantages:

Chemical Polishing

The protruding portion of a material surface is preferentially dissolved in a chemical media during this polishing surface finish. After the procedure, a smooth surface is desired. The chemical solution plus galvanic couples impact the metal surface during the chemical polishing. However, chemical polishing often results in the micro-roughness component being polished and smoothed. Additionally, the top layer of the element dissolves as a result.

Mechanical Polishing

This polishing technique relies on cutting or plastic deformation of the material’s surface. The surface is then made smooth by eliminating polished convexities. Sandpaper, flat wheels, abrasive sticks, and other materials are frequently used in mechanical polishing. Using specialized abrasive tools and pushing them on the surface of a treated workpiece is how ultra-precision polishing is done. The entire procedure rotates quickly in a polishing solution that contains abrasives. 

Electrolytic Polishing

This kind of polishing is sometimes referred to as electrolytic polishing. You could occasionally hear anodic polishing. Electrolytic and anodic polishing relate to a polished surface finish that operates similarly to chemical polishing. Protrusions on metal surfaces are dissolved using chemical solutions as part of this procedure to obtain a better surface finish. The cathode reaction does not impact electrolytic polishing, unlike chemical polishing. By polishing the metal component, extra materials are removed. Doing so smoothens the part’s troughs and micro-peaks, lessens surface roughness, and enhances surface polish.

Reasons Why Electropolishing is Better Than Mechanical Polishing

  • Because of the higher densities at high spots, burrs may be removed much more quickly. As a result, the final product has a smooth, clean surface.
  • It shrinks the material’s surface area to a tiny size. As a result, there is a general decrease in product adhesion and contaminant buildup.
  • It enhances the machined part’s appearance. Surfaces on tiny scales are cleaned and smoothed when electropolishing is done correctly.

Contact Markham Metals Today!

Markham Metals is the most trusted metal service business in the New England region. There are different metal polishing methods, each with pros and cons for the metal it is used. However, it needs considerable attention and decision-making in choosing the right metal polishing method for the metal in question. For questions on our metal polishing services or information on our products and services, call us today at 978-658-1121 or contact us directly on our site.

Importance of metal alloys
By Dan Markham Construction • Uncategorized 0 Comments

Understanding The Role Of Alloy Metals

All alloys have some properties added to them to make their qualities more desirable. Alloy metals have been prominent in materials engineering, offering a diverse range of properties and capabilities that are better than those of other metals. In metalworking, alloy metals play a huge role because of their unique properties. In this blog post, we will explore alloy metals, including their composition, applications, and the fusion process.

What Are Alloy Metals?

Alloy metals emerge through the fusion of two or more elements, creating a new and unique material. These elements can undergo pure metallization or a fusion of metal and non-metal constituents. As metals merge, they generate metallic material, yet the new alloy retains the traits of its source metals, which could include electrical conductivity, opacity, and luster. Alloy metals are very important in our everyday lives.

The Fusion Process

The fusion of metals in alloys opens up a whole new world of possibilities. This offers engineers a wide range of material characteristics to work with. There are many key advantages of alloy metals which include versatility and customization. To go with versatility, alloy metals can be tailored to possess specific mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, making them highly sought after. Metal alloys can be unique and include the custom qualities you would need. For example, if you wanted to fine-tune a piece of metal to make it lighter or darker, you could.

Alloy Metal Applications

There are many ways to use metal alloys. Alloy metals such as steel and reinforced concrete alloys offer the necessary strength and durability to construct bridges, skyscrapers, and other projects. Alloy metals also play a vital role in producing electronic devices, from circuits to power transmission systems. Copper alloys, for example, are used in electrical wiring due to their strong conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Alloy metals have so many applications in our everyday lives. From smartphones to skyscrapers, alloy metals are all around us.

Contact Markham Metals Today!

If you have been wanting to do a metal project using alloy metals, Markham Metals has got you covered! We specialize in metalworking services and can help you bend, cut, form, and shape your metal into any desired product. We also carry our own in-line stock of some of the most durable metal alloys out there: steel alloys! For more information and consistent 5-star service, click here to contact us directly!