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.

A metal welder in a protective mask and equipment uses a tool to weld a piece of metal.
By Dan Markham Design • • • 0 Comments

Benefits of Metal Welding

There are plenty of different ways to shape and form metal to make it usable for a variety of applications. Some methods are more popular than others due to their effectiveness at getting the job done, and other methods are only applicable to certain types of metal. One of the most popular ways of forming metal is metal welding – and it can offer a ton of benefits if done properly! We’ve assembled the best benefits that this practice has to offer below.

There Are Multiple Ways To Weld

A lot of other metalworking techniques have a strict set of guidelines to follow in order to achieve a desired result. When you weld metal, there are actually a few different processes associated with it! Some of the most popular metal welding methods are laser welding, arc welding and gas welding. All of these use different tools to weld their metal into the desired shape. There are a lot more processes to metal welding than you would think!

It’s Relatively Cheap

Depending on the tools you need for your preferred welding method, metal welding can be a pretty cheap process! Many of the tools associated with it are inexpensive and relatively easy to find. It helps explain why metal welding is so popular; because it’s a relatively cheap process, it can be used over and over again to achieve your desired results. It should also go without saying that more expensive processes can’t be performed as often, making this a desirable alternative.

It Can Be Used For A Variety of Applications

Because there are so many different processes that are associated with metal welding, it should go without saying that metal welding has a wide variety of different uses. For example, Tungsten Inert Gas welding, or TIG for short, can be used to make things like bike frames and door handles. On the other hand, a process like gas welding can be used to form different car parts. Resistance welding is another welding technique that’s used for a lot of household appliances.

Metalworking Services at Markham Metals

Need some metal welding work done? Bring it to Markham Metals for the best results! If you can name a type of metalworking, there’s a good chance that it’s a service we offer. We can help you shape and form metal for a wide variety of practical applications. We also carry certain sheets of steel and line item stock products for your needs. If there’s a metalworking service you need, fill out a contact form for a free quote!

A close-up of a metal flame cutter at work. You can see the flame cutting circular holes in a piece of sheet metal.
By Dan Markham Construction • Design • General Information • • • 0 Comments

When To Use Flame Cutting Services

When it comes to metalworking, there are a ton of different methods you can use to get your desired product. Each one of these different methods is better for some applications than they are for others, so you’ll need to do a lot of thinking before you decide which one to use. In fact, there are some metalworking methods that aren’t effective for some of them! When it comes to flame cutting, this is no different. So, when should you use this method? Here are the places where you can get the most effectiveness from the technique!

You Need A Cheap Process

One of the great things about metal flame cutting is that it’s a process that is relatively cheap to do. This is because it’s a process that can be performed from practically anywhere! Unlike a lot of other metalworking techniques, flame cutting is a method that does not require a machine to be plugged into an electrical socket. The only things that you’ll need to successfully power a flame cutting machine is an oxygen tank, a torch, and a striker (besides the other necessary materials), so you won’t need to worry about costly electrical power. It’s also a much faster process than some of the others, meaning that the labor costs won’t be as high.

You Need To Cut Through Thick Material

Like all other metalworking applications, flame cutting has a specific area where it is most effective. Because flame cutting is a very powerful process, it has the ability to cut through very thick materials. For this reason, flame cutting services are most effective when used with thick steel alloys, carbon alloys and cast irons. It can also be used to cut metals that have the thickness of sheet metal, but thicker metals are where flame cutting is most effective. It can even cut through metals that are several feet thick! If you have a metal like this that you need cut or shaped, flame cutting can be an effective technique to take advantage of.

Use Flame Cutting With Markham Metals

Markham Metals is the top destination in New England for all of your metalworking needs. If there’s a metalworking technique you need done, chances are it’s a service that we offer! We offer a wide variety of metalworking techniques and products, making us the place to contact for all things metal. Our quality of service will be at the highest standard every time. To see the difference that Markham Metals can offer you, contact us today for a free quote on your next job!

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.