A closeup of a machine used to cut metal. You can see a conveyer belt leading into the base of the machine.
By Dan Markham Construction • General Information • • • 0 Comments

Benefits of Metal Saw Cutting

When it comes to working with metal, it can be difficult to decipher which processes to utilize to achieve a desired product. After all, different metal applications use all sorts of methods to get them their desired shape and size! One of the methods that is more commonly used to achieve this is metal saw cutting. Out of all the different ways to bend and shape metal, what makes metal saw cutting stand out? We highlight all of the benefits that metal saw cutting can offer!

It Simplifies Welding

In order to start the process of metal welding, the metal needs to be the exact right shape and size. Finding metals with the appropriate dimensions is not only difficult, but incredibly time consuming. Thankfully, saw cutting eliminates this hassle! Saw cutting can help get metals used in items like tubing and rods down to the appropriate size for welding. Eliminate the costly search process by using this method!

It Reduces Waste

As a metalworker, the last thing you want to have happen is have precious materials go to waste. The amount of material waste that is generated from a metalworking job largely depends on how precise you can be with your metal cutting. Saw cutting allows for incredible amounts of precision in your metal cutting. This ensures that you have a lot more workable material and reduces the amount of waste product that your metalworking job generates.

It Can Be Used With Many Metals

One of the disadvantages of some metalworking techniques is that they tend to be limited on what types of metal that they are compatible with. With metal saw cutting, this isn’t the case! Saw cutting is compatible with all sorts of different metals, from some of the strongest alloys out there to thinner metals like aluminum. This flexibility also allows saw cutting to be used in a wide variety of applications and jobs. If you’re looking for a metalworking technique for your job, give saw cutting some consideration!

Metal Saw Cutting Services at Markham Metals

If you’re looking for fast and reliable metal saw cutting services, look no further than the team at Markham Metals! We offer a wide variety of metalworking services to assist you with any job. We’ve provided excellent service to Massachusetts and New England for over 30 years, and our considerable experience makes us the best choice for the job. We also carry a line of metal products that we ship across New England. To take advantage of our plentiful metal services, fill out a contact form today for a free quote!

A plasma cutting machine can be seen. A computer interface is closest to view, with the machinery and mechanics behind it.
By Dan Markham Construction • General Information • • • 0 Comments

Benefits of Plasma Cutting

When it comes to metalworking, there are tons of different ways to cut metal. We aren’t just talking about the shapes it can be fashioned into – we’re talking about the ways of cutting the metal! One popular way of accomplishing this is by using plasma cutting. It’s used to cut metals of varying thickness, using a plasma torch to get the job done. While it might sound like a basic process, there are actually a lot of benefits to employing this method. Read on to find out all of the benefits that plasma cutting can offer!

Plasma Makes Cuts Quickly and Efficiently

The job of any metal cutting process is to ensure that the metal is cut efficiently. With plasma cutting, this is no different. Plasma cutting can precisely and effectively cut metals to their desired dimensions. However, there’s something that makes plasma cutting stand a “cut” above the other methods – time!

Plasma cutting can be done at almost 4 times the speed of similar techniques. It makes the process a lot more viable when working with several different jobs, but it also has other hidden perks! Quicker metal cutting speeds reduce the risk of erroneous cuts, distortion and metal abrasion. When you use plasma cutting, your metal will look better, faster!

Plasma Cutting is Versatile

Part of the reason why there are so many ways of cutting metal is because not every technique is compatible with all metals. Luckily, plasma cutting is more versatile than most! The sheer workability of this technique makes it compatible with various types of metals. Brass, steel, copper, and aluminum are some of the many materials that can utilize plasma cutting.

Plasma Cutting Is Safer and Cost Effective

Using plasma to cut through metal may sound dangerous at first, but it’s actually a lot safer than other methods! Plasma cutting relies on non-flammable gases in order to get the job done, which makes it a much safer alternative. Using flammable gas-related cutting methods comes with its own share of dangers, which plasma cutting eliminates.

It’s also cost effective – since plasma cutters require very little maintenance, you won’t need to worry about replacing them very often. They don’t require a lot of training in order to operate, so those costs are eliminated as well! Many people choose to go the route of plasma cutting thanks to its minimal dangerousness and cost effectiveness.

Need Metal Work Done? Contact Markham Metals!

At Markham Metals, we’re New England’s regional expert on all things metal! We accept a wide variety of metalworking jobs using various techniques, of which plasma cutting is an integral part of! We also offer metal products and metal fabricated crafts. Our expert staff is dedicated to bringing you products and services that exceed your expectations. If you have a metal job that you need done, contact Markham Metals today to receive a free quote!

By Dan Markham Construction • Tips and Tricks • 0 Comments

The Benefits of Aluminum Sheet Metal Fabrication

Markham Sheet Metal

Metal fabrication is generally a straightforward process that involves forming, cutting, and welding. Some materials are tougher to cut than others, so it is important to know what exactly what type of material will be best for the job. When it comes to meeting your fabrication needs, there are many options and a variety of materials to choose from. Depending on the scope and your specific needs for the job aluminum sheet metal may be an ideal and economically viable decision. As we will discuss below there are a variety of benefits when it comes to using aluminum to meet your fabrication needs, while there are many benefits to using aluminum it is not ideal for every job, be sure to consult with a professional if you ever have questions.

Cost Effective

Aluminum is a lightweight metal that is both strong and versatile and can be used in various applications for both indoor and outdoor fabrications such as roofing, gutters, framing, and much more. due to is versatility and relatively low cost when compared to other metals, aluminum is utilized across a variety of industries such as military, aerospace, commercial, and residential. Aluminum sheet metal is great for any contractor looking to minimize their overhead.

Durable

Both plastic and aluminum are on the cheaper end of fabrication quotes, however, if you are looking for a product that is least resistant to wear and tear, aluminum takes the category as well. When it comes to durability aluminum ranks higher than plastic due to its resistance to friction, corrosive elements, and changes in weather, especially high-temperature areas. Under great amounts of heat, plastic has a tendency to warp and melt, whereas aluminum will maintain its shape for years to come.

Corrosion Resistant

Aluminum and steel can be used interchangeably depending on the type of work being conducted, this is another primary reason to opt for aluminum sheet metal over steel mainly due to the fact that aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion. It is possible to treat steel with a finish to increase its durability, but this will increase the overall cost.

When looking at cost-effective options, aluminum is an ideal choice over steel because it is lightweight, durable, resistant to corrosion and can be melted, formed, and machined like any other fabrication metal, for specific dimensions, cuts, & designs, give us a call today!

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 allowing 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 • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

What are the Best Metals for Conducting Heat?

Heat Conduction & MetalsMost of the modern appliances we use today, such as water heaters and cookware, require good heat conductivity in order to work. Because of this, most are constructed out of various types of metal. However, some metals, such as alloys, conduct heat better than others which can help these appliances work well for your needs.

What is an Alloy Metal?

An alloy metal is a mixture of one or two metals with non-metallic elements. They tend to not only conduct heat better because of this combination they are also more durable and rust-resistant.

Why It’s Important to Look at Metals That Conduct Heat Well

All metals have their own unique properties which is why it’s important to look at each individually. For instance, if you’re on the search for the best metal for cookware, you’ll need a different type of heat conductivity compared to that of a home appliance metal.

Metals That Conduct Heat the Best

Silver

Silver is one of the best metals for conducting heat because it works as a powerful reflector. Due to this, silver is found in numerous items, such as circuit boards and batteries.

Copper

Copper is yet another good conductor of heat because it absorbs heat quickly and holds it for a long period of time. Besides this, copper is also corrosion-resistant. Because of its versatility, copper is often found in cookware, computers, and heating systems.

Aluminum

While not as strong as copper, aluminum is still very good at conducting heat. Unlike copper, it tends to be less expensive, which is why it’s often used to make cookware. In addition to this, aluminum is used in LED lights as a heat sink because it helps the lights work more efficiently without overheating.

Brass

Brass is a very tough metal and can be heated to temperatures as high as 1,720-degrees Fahrenheit. This alloy metal is a mix of copper and zinc which helps it to conduct heat well. Because of its strong heat absorption, brass is also able to instantly destroy germs, making it a popular metal to use for doorknobs and similar items that are often touched.

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 • 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.