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!

Metal Conduction
By Dan Markham Construction • General Information • Uncategorized • • • • 0 Comments

What Are The Main Factors That Affect the Conductivity of Metals?

The conductivity of metals is how much the specific material can transmit sound or heat. The conductivity of the metal you choose will depend on the type of project you are starting. Metals are integrated into our everyday lives, whether it be from the very conductive copper wires that power our homes to the electrical components found in our standard phones. However, have you ever wondered what factors influence the conductivity of metals? Many factors can affect conduction, like temperature, the material used, and any impurities present. This blog post will explore these main factors and why they are essential.

 

How Temperature Affects Conduction

Temperature is one of the main factors that affect conduction in metals. When temperature increases, the atoms move around more in the metal, making it less conductive. On the other hand, when the temperature decreases, particles become stiffer, increasing the conduction. If there is a higher conductivity, it is essential to keep an eye out for corrosion of the metals.

 

The Materials Used

All types of metal are made up of different materials with different conductivity levels. For example, copper, zinc, and iron are great choices if you want a highly electrically conductive material. Underground steel structures like utility piping and pipelines exposed to soil environments are vulnerable to corrosion. Knowing what metal you are using and its conductivity level is important.

 

Conductivity And Impurities In Metal

Any impurity in the metal can affect how much it can conduct. An impurity means there could be a dent or damage to the metal. The atoms that make up the metal will be changed, which can affect the conductivity negatively. Metal alloying, the opposite of conductivity, is when materials are added to the metal to increase its conductivity. Both of these alterations affect how much the metal can conduct. 

 

Contact Markham Metals Today!

Markham Metals is one of the top destinations in New England for all your metalworking needs. The conductivity of metal is important to know; we have an array of different metals, all with different conductivity. Markham Metals has everything you need if you have considered using metal in your next project. We have HR carbon steel, galvanized metal, CF carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Our experts can assist with any questions and guide you on which metal may be suitable for you. Contact us here for a free quote on your next metal project and see the difference Markham Metals can offer you!

 

why do metals rust
By Dan Markham Construction • General Information • • 0 Comments

What is Metal Oxidizing?

Metal oxidation is a process that happens naturally when metal interacts with oxygen in conjunction with moisture and other agents. The metal’s function, durability, and presence can be heavily affected by oxidation. While oxidation and corrosion are similar, oxidation is focused on the exterior of the metal rather than the interior. In this blog post, we will discuss the leading causes of oxidation, the effects that oxidation can have on metal, and ways to prevent this process from happening. 

Main Causes of Metal Oxidation

Two main agents can cause metal oxidation. The first one is oxygen exposure. When a metal interacts with oxygen in the environment, some of the metallic elements in its composition turn into oxides. This means that the metal has formed a thick film over its surface, showing a rusty color. The other main cause of metal oxidation is exposure to moisture. Metal oxide, otherwise known as rust, is formed when it’s exposed to water or humidity. 

What Are The Effects of Metal Oxidation?

There are three prominent effects that metal and steel can have when it’s oxidized. The first one is the metal’s function. The function that the metal provides can be altered. Some examples of this are poor conductivity or having holes that lead to leaks. Another effect is the metal’s durability. As the thick layer of oxide forms, it can weaken the metal and cause problems in infrastructure, for example. Lastly, the presence of the metal is greatly affected. Rust is a bright orange color that can look damaged or dirty. This discoloration can alter the aesthetics of the metal.  

Tips To Prevent Metal Oxidation

There are a few ways to prevent metal oxidation. One method is galvanization. This process is so important because it provides a layer of zinc to protect the metal. Another way to prevent oxidation is to put your metal in proper storage. Keeping metal materials in a cool, dry environment is so curtail to maintaining their health and longevity. Maintenance of the metal is crucial, and you can do this by regularly cleaning your materials. Lastly, protective coatings can provide that extra layer of protection for your metal. We recommend using rubber paint to protect the metal’s chemical structure.

Metal Galvanizing with Markham Metals 

Markham Metals is here to assist you with all your metal galvanizing. Metal oxidation is a natural process; we want you to ensure your metals are maintained and well taken care of. Galvanized steel is a low-cost way to keep your materials looking brand new. To protect your metal, call Markham Metals. Contact us today here today or visit our website to learn more about our galvanized metal and what makes it so unique!

metal fabrication
By Dan Markham Uncategorized • 0 Comments

The Industry Of Metal Fabrication

When you think about metal fabrication, what comes to your mind? The fabrication of engineered structures from raw metal materials? Then, you’re not wrong! Metal fabrication covers everything around the process of building structures as well as machines from metal materials. In essence, everything that has to do with having to cut, burn, and weld metal materials is referred to as the metal fabrication process. It also involves the machining, forming, and assembly of metal in order to create a product or machinery.

The Metal Fabrication Industry

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the metal fabrication industry has over 1.4 million employed workers in the US. There are different experts performing various distinctive roles to keep the production cycle spinning. Experts such as welders, brazzers, machinists, solder’s, and cutters are key parts of the entire metal fabrication process. Other top-roles such as the operators, supervisors, and managers are put in place to ensure that the entire process is seamless.

As an industry, metal fabrication has a vast range of application and consumer base. There are a plethora of products that can be used in various industries, homes, and sites. This is why professionals such as ironworkers, blacksmiths, welders, and other related workers are often in demand in various industries.

Applications of Metal Fabrication

Metal fabrication process is a major part of the manufacturing industry and the formation of essential equipment. From tiny teaspoons to heavy duty machineries, the application of metal fabrication cuts across diverse products. Other specific areas of metal fabrication include hardware manufacturing, wire manufacturing, and architectural structure construction. 

Other subtle areas such as cutlery making, forging, stamping, as well as the manufacturing bolts, nuts, and screws are also part of metal fabrication. One great thing about metal fabrication shops or centers is that many of the processes required to create a product are available under the same roof.

Economic Growth Rate & the Metal Fabrication Industry

For some time now, metal fabrication has remained one of the most lucrative industries. Every business strongly relies on economic stability to enjoy profitability. The same goes for the metal fabrication industry which has continued to thrive and flourish under the economic strength of the previous years.

It’s a no brainer that when the local economy blossoms, consumers would be financially buoyant enough to make more purchases such as cars, jets, boats, and other large items. What this means for the metal fabrication industry is more projects, more opportunities, and more need for the development of commercial machinery.  Although the metal fabrication industry  is still dependent on the growth of other sectors, it has been able to find strong footing as an inevitable contributor to the construction economy.

Interested in Metal Fabrication Services? Give Markham Metals a call for more information and a free quote.