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!

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! 

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!