Workers wearing industrial uniforms and Welded Iron Mask at Steel welding plants, industrial safety first concept.
By Dan Markham General Information • • 0 Comments

The Differences Between Metal Welding and Metal Fabrication

Metal is one of the most important parts of our everyday lives. If you need proof, just take a look at the objects around you in your current room. Many of them use metals that were specifically manipulated to serve a purpose! Even the computer or tablet you’re reading utilizes Earth’s most precious metals to function properly. Several processes can help a new metal become usable in the field, and two of the most popular ones are metal welding and metal fabrication. You may confuse them for being the same process, but they couldn’t be more different from each other. We explain exactly why that is below!

Metal Welding

Metal welding is known as the process by which two pieces of metal are joined together. Usually, this involves two pieces of the same material, but other metals can be used in this process if they have enough similarities. This process isn’t done by hand; rather, it uses various specialized tools and procedures to achieve the desired result. At the end of the process, the goal is to have two pieces of metal become permanently fused together. Most of the time, the main fuel source for metal welding is extreme levels of heat. However, electricity is also a usable fuel source for this process.

Metal Fabrication

As you can see from our definition of metal welding, it’s a very specific process. Metal fabrication doesn’t fall into this category. In fact, metal welding is considered to be a part of the metal fabrication process! However, it’s not the whole story. Metal fabrication itself involves a variety of steps to achieve the desired result:

  • Bidding: Before metal fabrication can officially begin, the price point for the work completed has to be determined. The bidding process encompasses this and gives a client an idea of how much they’ll be paying.
  • Planning: You can’t go into a metalworking job without preparing first! The planning portion can make or break the metal fabrication process. In this stage, the groundwork for how the metal gets shaped, cut, or warped is assembled and all members of the production team sync up on expectations and specifications about the project.
  • The Production: This is the step where the aforementioned plans get put into action. Using a variety of advanced tools, processes and techniques, metal is shaped into its desired application and becomes ready for use in the field.

Metal Fabrication with Markham Metals

If you’re looking to shape your metal for practical use, Markham Metals can employ many different techniques to help it get there! We specialize in metal welding, plasma cutting and a variety of other metalworking techniques that are cost-effective, safe, and efficient. If you’re looking to use your metal for a specific purpose, only the best metalworkers can suffice. Markham Metals will provide you with just that – contact us today to get your metal ready!

By Dan Markham Uncategorized 0 Comments

Benefits of Galvanizing Your Steel

Corrosion of steel happens regularly during construction projects, but it is something that you can work on avoiding with the right materials and processes.  Sustainability is a significant factor when choosing materials and contractors due to enforcing regulations as well as conscious and ethical decisions to ensure buildings are as sustainable as possible. 

 Hot-dipped galvanizing is one of the most environmentally friendly finishing processes available to prevent corrosion.  It is also great for minimizing material waste and is highly sustainable.  Now, let’s go over the benefits of galvanized steel and what galvanizing is.  

What is Galvanizing?

Galvanizing is the process of applying protective zinc coating to various metals to prevent rust.  Once, the zinc has dried it acts as a sacrificial coating in order to protect the metal from blemishes.  There are different ways to galvanize your metals.  There is spray galvanize which is an organic cold galvanizing compound used to help repair and protect various metal surfaces.  Then there is hot-dipped galvanizing where the metal is dipped into a hot tank of molten zinc. 

You want to be sure that the whole surface is dunked in the molten zinc to ensure that there is a uniform coat of zinc and zinc alloy layers.  These layers will thicken as determined by the mass of the steel.  Now let’s go over the benefits of galvanizing your metals.  

Benefits of Galvanizing Steel 

There are many benefits of galvanizing structural steel.  We are going to go over 5 of the top benefits, that anyone will notice when they choose to switch to this type of process. 

Economic Benefit

Galvanizing has an overall lower cost compared to other coatings.  If you are looking to save money with your next project you will make sure that you switch over to galvanizing as soon as possible.  This can make a big impact when you plan to utilize a large quantity of steel on a project, allowing you to stay on budget.  

Durability

When it comes to coating life and performance they are easily reliable and predictable.  One of the top benefits of galvanized steel is that it is much more durable than regular steel.  The coating offers protection from corrosion.  Meaning you will be less likely to replace your materials in the future!

Less Maintenance

Galvanized steel lasts much longer than other materials and needs and needs less maintenance.  This will require less time and resources in the future, allowing you to use your time better to maintain your projects and resources.  

Long Life Expectancy

The life expectancy for most galvanized structures is typically in excess of 50 years in most rural environments and 20 to 25 years in with severe urban and coastal exposure.  This means that the applications galvanizing can be used for is numerous, which is why it has seen a boost in popularity.  

Toughest Coating

A galvanized coating has a unique metallurgical structure that gives outstanding resistance to mechanical damage during transport, erection, and service.  When compared to other coating and material options, it is much tougher for a range of construction projects.  In fact, it is one of the toughest coatings on the market today, allowing you to utilize it in difficult conditions and climates. 

Contact Markham Metals Today!

No matter if you are a project manager or looking for galvanized steel individually, Markham Metals has you covered!  Our team offers high-quality skills and knowledge to ensure the reliability and performance of the steel you use for your next project.  Contact us today for more information on our process by calling us at 978-658-1121 or by filling out a contact form on our website!

Cold formed steel stacked.
By Dan Markham General Information • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Advantages of Using Cold Formed Steel

When it comes to cold formed steel there are many advantages of utilizing this building material.  Cold formed steel (CFS) is quickly becoming the most desired building material for developers looking to maximize their ROI.  It is stable, cost effective, durable, and architecturally flexible.  CF steel has had a lasting impact in many industries including the commercial construction industry.  Created by roll-forming components of sheets of structural quality steel, at room temperature, CFS offers many advantages.  Let’s go over them in more detail.

Strength 

When it comes to the debate of if you should utilize cold formed steel or hot rolled steel ScienceDirect indicates that cold formed steel is 20% stronger than hot rolled steel.  Much of the strength of CFS comes from the strain hardening that occurs as the rollers compress.  The pressure in which CFS is formed makes it impenetrable to rot, mold, and damages caused by insects, termites, and vermin.  It is this durability that makes CFS so ideal for construction.  It does not split, shrink, or expand/contract with moisture content.  

Sustainability

Each piece of CFS contains a minimum of 25% recycled content,  while steel framing typically contains 67%.  On top of that CFS provides less waste and accurate framing/sizing.  This uniformity in manufacturing results in scraps being able to be completely recycled.  Another great aspect of CFS is the benefit to the environment as well as allergy and asthma sufferers.  Cold formed steel does not emit volatile organic compounds meaning fewer toxins in the air translates to less respiratory irritation for all.

Simplicity

Another advantage CFS brings is the actual construction process.  Due to cold formed steel being light, shipping and handling is often easy.  Moreover, CFS products are roll-formed into the exact shapes and sizes required for each job.  This process makes assembly fast and foolproof along with making installation easier for framers.  

Steel framing even speeds up construction time because CFS panels can come with pre-punched holes, allowing for the rapid running of electrical wires, plumbing, and mechanical installation.  Furthermore, the strength of cold formed steel translates to less material, so there are fewer studs to install.

Suitability

CFS framing already dominates the market for interior, non loadbearing partition walls in commercial construction.  Advanced technological advancements, however, now make cold formed steel suitable for a multitude of structural applications including: 

  • Low to mid-rise construction
  • Multi-unit buildings
  • Residential housing
  • Student dormitories 
  • Hotels
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Post frame structures 
  • Warehouses
  • Sheds
  • Garages

Contact Markham Metals for Your CF Steel Needs!

When it comes to cold formed steel there are many advantages that it can offer your next job.  Whether it is strength or simplicity that catches your eye Markham Metal has you covered!  Contact us directly by calling us at 978-658-1121 or by filling out a contact form on our website! 

Metal fabrication shop using metal stamp method.
By Dan Markham General Information 0 Comments

The Impact Metal Fab Has in the Automotive Industry

The Impact Metal Fab Has in the Automotive Industry 

If there are two industries with an intertwined history, it would be the automotive industry and the metal fabrication industry.  The automotive industry would simply not exist without metal stamping technology, and metal fabrication would not be as popular without the automotive industry.  From the start of the automotive industry to its modern state, metal fabrication has played a significant role in the vehicles that we drive around.  Let’s go over the role metal fabrication has played in the history of the automotive industry.  

Car Bodies & Frames

Throughout their entire existence, car bodies have consisted of stamped metal.  From the Ford Model T to any recent coupe, the metal fab industry has provided a valuable piece of service to the automotive industry by stamping metal sheets to provide bodies and frames of the most popular car models in the world.  While steel was the only material in car bodies for an extended period of time, aluminum has become a popular material recently due to its cost efficiency and weight reduction.  

Car Customization

Car customization and modification have been significant aspects of car culture since cars became widely available for consumers to purchase.  Whether it is slight modification, such as adding a spoiler, adding a body skirt, or even a total body rehaul.  Metal fabrication is essential to the process of any car’s body modification.  

Car Restoration 

Similarly to car customization, vintage car restoration has a big role in the car world.  Everybody loves the look of a pristine vintage car, but sometimes, replacement parts are not as easy to find.  This disparity is where metal fabrication comes into play.  With the right machinery and stamp, metal fabrication can make body parts that vintage cars lack.  Once a metal fabricator presses the vintage car’s new part, it is off to the body shop for a new paint job.  

Building Roll Cages 

Roll cages are a vital part of any race car, sporting car, or even military vehicle.  Inserting a roll cage into a car is no easy task.  Thankfully, with the use of engineering have made roll cages smaller, more effective, and easier to install.  By using metal sheets, metal fabricators can install roll cages in just about any vehicle.  A highly skilled metal fabricator will be able to install a roll cage into just about any vehicle providing the highest measures of safety possible.  

Markham Metal Can Handle Your Metal Fab Needs!

If you are looking for the premier metal fabrication shop in Massachusetts, look no further than Markham Metals.  Our team has the experience and skills to work with you to get your project done in a timely and professional manner.  For all metal fabrication needs contact us directly by calling us at 978-658-1121 or by filling out a contact form on our website. 

Welder welding steel together in a shop.
By Dan Markham General Information • Management • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Top 5 Qualities For Choosing The Best Metal Fab Company

Top 5 Qualities For Choosing The Best Metal Fab Company 

Choosing the right metal fabrication shop or company is very important when it comes to your next project.  It can be the difference between a good job or a great one!  Custom metal fabrication and finishing requires a deeper attention to detail and stricter processes than can be offered by any ordinary shop.  This holds true when it comes to products that are used in critical use applications, such as those in defense projects.  

When you are deciding what metal fabrication company is right for you price is an obvious consideration, but there is much more to choosing the best partner, including the following:

Workforce Capabilities

Consider how complex your metal fabrication project is and its intended use.  Not all fabricators are able to achieve extremely tight and specific demands.  Such as not all are skilled in different types of welding or working with various raw materials.  Proficiencies in these areas only come from proper training and an experienced workforce.  

Explore if they are certified properly and are up to date on the most recent protocols and machinery.  Another aspect to dive deeper into would be how they handle specifications and whether they have an agile and streamlined workforce.  One of the most important things to consider is if they are a one stop shop that can not only fabricate your metal but they have the machinery in house.  This will save you money as they will not have to hire subcontractors and charge you more for it.  

Experience in The Industry

There is more to analyze in a company’s value than just price.  Understanding the factors that go into metal fabrication costs, such as materials, labor, project complexity, documentation, and more can help you achieve the best value at a fair price.  

Begin by requesting a quote that way there are no surprises down the line.  Once you receive your quote, compare it with others, but remember to look for more than just the bottom line.  Take a deep look into the proposal and see how much detail they are offering before making a decision.  A company with higher quality standards or a faster turnaround time could save you money and a lot of headaches.  

Facilities & Equipment 

The environment in which your metal fabrication company operates can say a lot about them and their attention to detail.  If possible, consider visiting the facility in person or even a virtual tour.  Is it clean and well organized?  Observing the care they take in their facility can show you how they will handle your project.  Another aspect to look out for is a facility is how they use their technology and equipment combined with their skilled labor, this can indicate the level of quality and capabilities.  Have they invested in state of the art equipment?  

Customer Service

Every company will claim to have exceptional customer service, making it difficult to determine really how good it is.  A good way to determine this is asking for referrals.  Talking to existing customers and hearing about their experience straight from their mouth is the best way of going about it.  Ask them if any issues popped up during the process and how they were resolved.  Once you have a company that you can trust, pay attention to how responsive and willing they are to hear you out about your requests.  

Contact a Professional Metal Fabrication Company Today!

Markham Metals is a stand up professional metal fabrication company that has been in the industry since 1989!  Markham offers a diverse metal inventory coupled with an extensive array of in house metal processing equipment.  This has allowed us to service customers on an unparalleled level. Contact us for all steel & aluminum fabrication needs! Get started by calling us at 978-658-1121 or by filling out a contact form on our website.  We look forward to working with you!