By Dan Markham Construction • Design 0 Comments

Cold-Formed Or Hot Rolled Steel?

HR or CF Steel - Markham MetalsAt the beginning of every new job, project, or contract it is important to know which materials you’ll need and which materials will suit the specific job at hand. This is especially important if you are a contractor that frequently bids on projects, as it is imperative to have not only the lowest cost to build, but also have the materials that will not only look aesthetically pleasing but materials that can also stand the test of time against any exterior conditions as well as wear and tear.

Cold-Formed & Hot Rolled Steel, What’s The Difference?

Okay, so your first initial thought might be if both products are made from steel what is the actual difference? While this initial thought is correct as these products start off as simple steel, the difference lies in the finished product, as well as the varied uses for each applicable product. Learn more about how CF & HR Steel are similar in nature but differ vastly in terms of use.

Cold-Formed Steel

Cold-Formed steel is a straightforward metal forming process that greatly strengthens steel products. These products are made by rolling or pressing steel into semi-finished or finished goods at relatively low temperatures

Here are some benefits of using CF Steel:

  • Won’t Shrink or Split
  • Formed Without Heat
  • Moisture Resistant
  • Resits Warping
  • Fire Resistant
  • Known for strength and ductility

Learn more about the CF Steel Products that we carry by Clicking Here!

Hot Rolled Steel

Hot rolled steel is processed at a mill with high temperatures. It is great for projects that do not demand exact dimensions as the steel will shrink as it cools. This type of steel is good for general contractors as the process less time consuming and less expansive than Cold Rolled Steel. Hot rolled steel is frequently used for laying rail lines, I-beams, and anywhere where precise dimensions are not required.

Here are some benefits of using HR Steel:

  • Less expensive than CF Steel
  • High Rate of Production
  • Useful in large scale industrial projects

Learn more about the HR Steel Products that we carry by Clicking Here!

Contact Us Today For A Quick & Easy Quote

Still wondering about which type of metal will work best for your next job? We offer a large and diverse steel & aluminum inventory coupled with an extensive array of in house metal processing equipment that allows us to service customers on an unparalleled level. For questions or information on our products and services call us today at 978-658-1121 or contact us directly on our site.

By Dan Markham Construction • General Information 0 Comments

What is Metal Fabrication?

Markham Metals FabricationMetal Fabrication is the process of shaping metal material into a finished & useable product

Fabrication begins with partially finished products or raw material to create a final product. To determine which fabrication processes to choose, it depends on the content and desired outcome. Stock and custom products both use fabrication as well. Popular metals and their alloys are used to create custom metal fabricated products. The most common types of metals include steel, brass, aluminum, copper, nickel, iron, and more. To begin a new product, fabricators start with stock metal components such as sheet metal and other similar parts.  Fabrication shops are specialized fabricators that use various metals, equipment, and contractors to get a project finished. Fab shops complete projects by drafting, planning the project, and performing multiple fabrication processes. Also, the option of providing a finish at the end may be available.

To get a better understanding of what metal fabrication is, we will list and describe the different types of processes. Then, we will explain how to choose a fabricator and seek professional assistance.

Metal Fabrication Processes – 11 Types

Depending on the purpose of a project and its materials, the chosen fabrication process must be the right fit for the end product. In metal fabrication, there are eleven types, with some products requiring more than one fabrication method.  The most common types of fabrication processes are:

Casting

Commonly used for mass production, this metal fabrication process starts with a custom mold. Molten metal is dispensed into the mold, then cools, forming into the custom shape, also called permanent mold casting. Die-casting is also an option, which fabricators use for high-speed applications.

Semi-casting is available as a permanent mold casting can be difficult to remove products from the molds. Semi-casting is more manageable, expandable, and less expensive to remove.

Sand-casting is a final process that uses sand to mold patterns, appropriate for the liquid metal. It’s a slower process, yet economical, suitable for larger metal projects.

Cutting

This fabrication process cuts metal pieces into smaller sections. It’s the first phase in lengthy fabrications or the only process. Various methods are used, such as waterjet cutting, plasma arc cutting, power scissors, and laser cutting. Computer cutters, manual, and power tools are used to cut the metal.

Die-cutting is an option that slices metal using a die. Also, flatbed die-cutting is useful for thicker metals and uses a die to carve shapes. Last but not least, rotary die-cutting uses a cylinder-shaped die to cut the metal.

Drawing

When metal is stretched and put into a shaped die, its considered drawing, forcing the metal into a thin shape. Fabricators perform this process at room temperature, known as cold drawing. However, to reduce force, heated metals work too. When a product has more depth than its radius, it’s considered deep drawing. Common shapes include a cylinder or cube.

Folding

The handling of metal to bend or fold is called folding.  The most frequent machinery used to manipulate sheet metal is the break press and the folder. Hammering is also an option to bend sheet metal.

Forging

Forging is known as an old method of fabrication, using compression to manipulate metal. The different types of forging include cold, warm, and hot.  Cold forging happens at room temperature. Warm forging is between room temperature and near the melting point. Hot forging occurs if the metal is at a melting point.

Extrusion

When sheet metal forces its way through an open or closed die, it’s called extrusion. The main objective is to get a cavity, or hollow shape, similar to a pipe. It’s common for long pieces or continuous pieces of short parts.  Cold extrusion occurs when the process takes place at room temperature, which strengthens the product. Hot extrusion is the same as cold extrusion, except the temperature is much higher.

Machining

Shaping the metal by removing excessive metal material around a product is called machining. There are three types of machining: drilling, milling, and turning. Drilling creates holes by cutting into the material. Milling removes material until the product you want starts to form. Turning creates different shapes, such as cylinders.

Punching

Punching sheet metal entails turrets on a punch press forcibly hitting into a die, creating holes. Punch presses are mechanical, manual or done with a computer.

Shearing

Cutting by using two tools, providing an extended, straight segment is called shearing. There is an upper blade and a lower blade. The upper blade pushes down the metal on the lower blade, breaking it into smaller pieces. Shearing is ideal for uniquely shaped pieces and small materials.

Stamping

Just as the name suggests, stamping is the process that’s similar to punching. Except, it indents the sheet metal, which is ideal for letters, shapes, and images. There are two types of stamping machines, mechanical and hydraulic. For specific shapes, the sheet metal must be a quarter-inch thick.

Welding

Probably the most popular metal fabrication process to date, welding joins multiple pieces of metal together through pressurized heat.

Deciding on a Professional Fabricator

It’s essential to choose the right custom metal fabricator to ensure efficiency, save time, and money.  Find a fabricator that has the experience, the right tools, resources, and materials to bring your project to life.

Contact Us Today For A Quick & Easy Quote

Still wondering about which type of metal will work best for your next job? We offer a large and diverse steel & aluminum inventory coupled with an extensive array of in house metal processing equipment that allows us to service customers on an unparalleled level. For questions or information on our products and services call us today at 978-658-1121 or contact us directly on our site.

By Dan Markham General Information • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Choosing The Right Metals For The Right Job

Choosing the right metal

Tips for Choosing the Right Metal

Not all projects are created equal. Depending on your needs for metal, commercial and private purchasing of these materials are going to vary in a lot of different ways. Keep in mind these tips for choosing the right metal before moving forward on your next project or job!

Cost Comes First For Most

The first thing many contractors or hobbyists look at when shopping for metal is the cost. Depending on your budget, you are going to have access to a variety of qualities and quantities of all sorts of metal. Whether you are a small business, large corporation, or someone working on a private project, the cost comes down to what can feasibly be spent to make this project worth doing. That’s going to start you off on your journey to choosing the right metal. It’s not a bad thing to have a budget; in fact, it’s necessary to ensure a successful project at a reasonable cost. Once you know what you can spend, your metals will be easy to choose as you follow the subsequent tips.

Strength

Your project should be clear and concise. You’ll know the size and weight of your project, at least in an estimation, by the time you start shopping. For that reason, you ought to consider the strength of the steel you need to complete the job. You’ll also want to keep in mind where the metal is going to be used. There are quite a few ways to go about planning for a hefty project, and just as many for something lighter and more garnished. Either way, keep in mind the strength you’ll need your metal to handle.

Aesthetics and Non-Technical Aspects

Something a lot of planners don’t consider is the aesthetic of the metal being used. The easiest way to start investigating this side of choosing metals for jobs is to consider if the metal will be visible or not. If people are going to see it, that should play a role in choosing what type of metal gets used. Likewise, if the job is meant to be a visual piece or catch eyes, consider this in choosing what gets used to build the piece. This would also be the best place to consider if acoustics or sound should be considered for the project as well.

Contact Us Today For A Quick & Easy Quote

Still wondering about which type of metal will work best for your next job? We offer a large and diverse steel & aluminum inventory coupled with an extensive array of in house metal processing equipment that allows us to service customers on an unparalleled level. For questions or information on our products and services call us today at 978-658-1121 or contact us directly on our site.

By Dan Markham General Information • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

What Are Misc. Metals?

Misc. Metals: “Miscellaneous Metals (or Iron) is an intricate but necessary component of buildings—and requires intricate and necessary communication and documentation.”

Miscellaneous Metals are more essential than you might think when it comes to the many aspects that are involved when it comes to building anything from a  small store sign or a corporate logo on a building, the staircase in your home, even the railings; these are a few examples of what misc. metals are.

Miscellaneous metals consist of any job or task that requires a contractor or welder to outsource their work to a local fabricator that can create the right materials at the exact dimensions for the job at hand.

 

Who Uses Misc. Metals?

While miscellaneous metals are used for a large majority of construction jobs both large or small; the process usually begins by contracting professional metal fabricator to create the necessary designs & measurements for contractors. Upon delivery to the job site, it falls upon welders to connect the structural aspects of the job to the misc. metal task. However, professionals are not the only individuals who utilize misc. metals on the job, If you are a hobbyist that frequently works with metal and need a specific cut for a project, most fabricators will be able to assist in creating exactly what you need, all you need to do is call!

Contractors can utilize fabricators for any construction project as it allows you to decentralize your workload. If you have a large project and are on a tight deadline, hiring multiple fabricators can ensure that the job stays ahead of schedule, and reduces the likelihood of missing necessary components,

A Commercial example of this process would be if you planned to redo the spiral staircase in your home, however, instead of wooden railings, you opt for metal or Iron. The first step would be to call a general contractor who would then come out to the home, provide a quote, and begin his work. While working on the wooden stairwell, the contractor may reach out to a local fabricator to fabricate your new stairwell. While this process may lower the profit on the job it is generally less expensive and time-consuming to have a 3rd party facilitate any fabrications.

A Hobbyist or Residential example of Misc. Metals would be for a homeowner that is in need of a custom support for the cooling system, this would be considered a misc. metals job. – The Individual provides the exact specs for the job and the fabricator will cut & shape it to those exact dimensions.

Common Uses for Misc. Metals

Miscellaneous Metals are used for a variety of tasks while on a construction job, below is a list of common items that are considered Misc. Metals

  • Stairs
  • Handrails
  • Inserts
  • Curb Angles
  • Sill Angles
  • Relieving Angles
  • Canopies
  • Custom Gates
  • Decorative Metal Designs
  • Hangars
  • Ladders
  • Mansard Frames
  • Small Supporting Structures
  • Supports for Mechanical Units (HVAC & Ventilation)
  • Supports for Electrical Equipment

Contact us Today for a Quick & Easy Quote

We offer a large and diverse steel & aluminum inventory coupled with an extensive array of in house metal processing equipment that allows us to service customers on an unparalleled level. For questions or information on our products and services call us today at 978-658-1121 or contact us directly on our site.