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!

Several steel beams stacked on top of one another are visible on a concrete surface.
By Dan Markham General Information • • • 0 Comments

A Guide To Popular Metal Uses

Metals are some of the most crucial elements that are used in a variety of applications. If you can name a metal on the periodic table, there’s a good chance that it gets used for some of the most important structures in our lives. From building beams to wiring material, there seems to be no end to the uses that metal can have. With so many different metals, it can be tricky to determine which one works best for your application. We’ve assembled a guide to popular metal uses for some of the most used ones out there!

Copper

Copper is one of the oldest used metals in history, and for good reason: it’s one of the most flexible metals out there in terms of where it can be used! It’s most noteworthy for its stellar electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. This makes it usable for:

  • Electrical Wiring
  • Plumbing Pipes
  • Roofing
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Spark Plugs

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most abundant metal on Earth, and also one of the most used! It has good heat resistance and tensile strength, which allows it to be used across a variety of industries.

  • Power lines
  • Rails for buildings
  • Household appliances
  • Airplanes
  • Electronics

Iron

The reason that you don’t hear as much about iron is because it’s a key ingredient in a lot of the metal alloys we use. It’s how we have metal alloys like carbon steel and stainless steel! It’s unique ability to be used in a lot of alloys makes it useful for a lot of sturdier applications.

  • Beams for high-rise buildings
  • Car parts
  • Electrical equipment
  • Hammers and shovels
  • Some home appliances (Irons, refrigerators, etc.)

Titanium

Titanium is another popular metal that often gets used in alloys. It’s incredibly strong on it’s own – even as strong as steel! This base strength makes it useful for applications where strength is of the utmost importance.

  • Prosthetics
  • Surgical tools
  • Spacecrafts and aircrafts
  • Watches

Zinc

Zinc is an important metal due to the fact that it can stop other metals from rusting through galvanization. The most popular use of it is to make galvanized steel, which is useful for a variety of products.

  • Die-castings
  • Household fixtures
  • Other metal alloys

Metalworking Services At Markham Metals

Regardless of what use you have for your metal, Markham Metals has the tools you need to shape your metal for any application. If you can name a metalworking technique, there’s a pretty good chance that we use it! For all of your metalworking needs, contact Markham Metals today for a free quote.