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DetailsIn general, forging describes a type of metal forming process in which a workpiece is shaped using compressive forces, such as from the blows of a hammer. Upset forging involves compressing the length of the metal to increase its diameter, width or thickness. Of particular note in this process is it’s suitability for long parts.…
DetailsCold spraying is a technique that is prolonging the life of many high performance aluminum parts. Durability is one of the advantages of aluminum but even the most resilient alloys are subject to wear and damage. A relatively recent development, cold spraying allows manufacturers to protect and repair metal parts and products. It is especially…
DetailsAluminum has been an integral material in cars, trucks and other vehicles throughout their history, but it’s still surprising to learn about how new electric vehicles are so dependent on aluminum alloys. It just goes to show that even after 100 years, aluminum is still undergoing tremendous innovations that are essential to industry. An overview…
DetailsTHE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EXTRUDED ALUMINUM BAR AND COLD FINISHED ALUMINUM BAR Although they are often produced as the same grade of material, there are many differences between extruded aluminum bar and cold finished aluminum bar. Both share the major benefits of aluminum: it’s corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity and high strength to weight ratio; but each…
DetailsMany manufacturing companies’ expertise lies in design, materials, and manufacturing processes rather than economic trends and forecasts. When it comes to understanding economic factors or predicting industry trends, dependable and unbiased information sources are critical. The Purchasing Manager’s Index, or PMI, is one such credible source of data. The PMI is a valuable tool for…
DetailsAluminum and stainless steel alloys come in a variety of standard product forms, strip and sheet being among them. For those less familiar with the industry vernacular of aluminum and stainless steel, there is a difference between strip and sheet. What is aluminum and stainless steel sheet? Sheet is among the most common metal products,…
DetailsThere have been several reports spotlighting the global aluminum can shortage in recent years. While such a news item is sure to create headlines, the truth of the matter is complicated, and the situation may impact other industries relying on aluminum. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, shoppers quickly grew accustomed to the…
DetailsThe Importance of Safety in the Manufacturing Workplace With so many things that manufacturers need to worry about given the current economic environment, whether it’s cutting costs, international trade tariffs, materials shortages or COVID-19 shutdowns, it’s easy to forget about the most important element of any business: safety. Maintaining a safe environment for your employees…
DetailsSometimes the standard grades of metal just aren’t enough to handle some of the harshest environments. When manufacturers are faced with the challenges posed by excessive temperatures, severe corrosion, or other difficult obstacles, they must turn to special high-performance alloys meant to handle these extremes. One example of such a family of alloys is known…
DetailsOne option among metal fabrication methods is the press brake machine. Powered press brakes have been around for almost a century, though manually operated brakes were first invented several decades earlier. The press brake is a great tool for bending or shaping metal plates or sheets rapidly and safely, particularly for high volume production programs.…
DetailsAn important aspect of any part’s design and maintenance is the component’s resistance to wear. Adhesive wear is the product of two metal surfaces being rubbed together. Under a sufficient load, this will penetrate the oxide film on the surface of metals like aluminum and stainless steel. When the force exceeds the metal’s strength, adhesion…
DetailsThere are many options to choose from regarding welding techniques: MIG, TIG, arc and laser are just a few. Friction welding has been a recent addition to the field of welding technologies available, and it has been gaining in popularity for many applications. Aluminum is notorious for being difficult to weld because it is a…
DetailsUltrasonic testing (or USI, ultrasonic inspection) is one of the best ways to ensure that aluminum plate and other materials meet certain thresholds of material integrity. It exposes hidden flaws and imperfections that would have otherwise gone undetected. What is ultrasonic testing? Ultrasonic inspection is a form of non-destructive testing that propagates high frequency sound…
DetailsCold spraying is a technique that is prolonging the life of many high performance aluminum parts. Durability is one of the advantages of aluminum but even the most resilient alloys are subject to wear and damage. A relatively recent development, cold spraying allows manufacturers to protect and repair metal parts and products. It is especially…
DetailsWhen specifying aluminum, how to process the material into the desired part reliably and cost-effectively is an important consideration. Cold forming is one of the methods manufacturers employ to achieve this goal. While there are a few options when it comes to cold forming, one of the fastest growing techniques is known as impact extrusion.…
DetailsStainless steel has become indispensable in countless different industries over the past one hundred years. Since its inception in the early 20th century, metallurgists and material scientists have continued to develop new stainless steel alloys that perform better than industry standards, as well as accomplish more demanding functions that can only be accomplished with high-performance…
DetailsCorrosion resistance is one of the foremost benefits of aluminum, as evidenced by its tremendous popularity among manufacturers and product designers. It’s important to recognize that each family of aluminum alloys offers varying degrees of corrosion protection. Aluminum, despite only becoming commercially viable as a material in the last 100 years, is well known for…
DetailsMachinability is roughly defined as how easy it is to cut a particular kind of metal. If a metal is easy to machine, it will require low power and will cut quickly without excessive wear of the cutting tool. There is typically an inverse correlation between a metal’s durability and machinability. The challenge for manufacturers…
DetailsMost people don’t put much thought into where aluminum comes from, but it’s something that manufacturers, fabricators, designers and consumers of aluminum products should give some thought to. That’s because the global supply of raw aluminum has a direct impact on their business, and in turn can affect the final cost of the products consumers…
DetailsAluminum has dramatically impacted the way manufacturers design and build their products since its introduction over a century ago. It’s combination of strength, light weight, versatility and corrosion resistance make it a cost effective choice for any industry. No material is perfect, however, and as resilient as aluminum is, it may be necessary to add…
DetailsAluminum and its many alloys have transformed the way we build, move, and communicate. It’s nearly impossible to name an industry that hasn’t been impacted in the past century by the introduction of aluminum alloys. There is a certain paradox about aluminum that helps explain why there are so many alloys on the market today.…
DetailsAs manufacturing look towards the future, there’s no doubt that automation is one of the key technologies that is transforming the way industries operate. From the AI revolution to self-driving cars to robotic manufacturing lines, what all these different provinces have in common is automation. One of the key contributors to automation in all its…
DetailsWhen it comes to our national defense, aluminum alloys have an important role to play. From the rockets and aircraft protecting our skies, to the armor plating of tanks and transport vehicles, aluminum has been a critical component of our country’s military efforts since before World War II. One often overlooked use for modern aluminum…
DetailsAluminum may not be the first metal a person thinks of when someone mentions armor plating, but with the recent advances in high performance aluminum alloys, more and more manufacturers are turning to aluminum for their armor plating needs. Aluminum has several characteristics that make it a perfect choice for armor plating, and the latest…
DetailsThe US manufacturing economy has seen resounding growth in the first quarter of 2021. The Institute for Supply Management reported in early April that the index of national manufacturing activity jumped from 60.8 in February to 64.7 in March. An index above 50 indicates expansion, and this is the highest level since late 1983.[1] The…
DetailsAluminum is one of the most prevalent and widely used metals in the industrial world, but most people don’t think about where it comes from. It may come as a surprise to realize that aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, and the third most abundant element of any kind following oxygen…
DetailsAny manufacturer that produces plastic bottles, or any other hollow plastic container, is familiar with their common production methods. The most likely method is a technique known as blow molding, and there are several processes by which it is accomplished. Even if a company is not directly responsible for producing containers, but instead purchases them…
DetailsOne part of the injection mold manufacturing process that frequently gets overlooked is texturing. It’s important to realize that any part made from an injection mold will naturally take on the texture of the mold surface, and this natural texture may not be suitable for a given application. For this reason, texture is a significant…
DetailsOne aspect of procuring and fabricating stainless steel sheet that often gets overlooked is what finish to specify. Having the proper finish on your stainless steel product will go a long way to ensuring the long-term effectiveness and durability of a product. Spec the wrong finish, and it could render a finished product worthless. With…
DetailsA waterjet cutter is a versatile industrial tool that can perform cuts on a wide variety of metals and other materials. It works by directing a high-pressure jet of water flowing at such high velocity it cuts through the metal or other material. To make the cutter even more effective, an abrasive can be added…
DetailsStamping is an invaluable process for many manufacturers. It shapes metal sheet into a wide variety of parts in a consistent manner. It grants producers a highly specific method of controlling the production process, and because of the many options available it can fit nearly any need. This versatility implies that manufacturers have a great…
DetailsThe London Metal Exchange and Midwest Spot Aluminum Ingot Pricing Mechanisms The price of aluminum is in constant flux, and this has a great deal to do with the London Metal Exchange and its correlation to Midwest spot aluminum ingot pricing mechanisms. What factors go into how raw aluminum gets priced and how do the…
DetailsAlthough the manufacture of aluminum is itself an energy-intense process, many do not realize the role aluminum plays in the power grid and power generation industries. It turns out that aluminum has many attributes that make it an essential material when it comes to the ability to efficiently generate and transmit electricity over long distances.…
DetailsInformed manufacturers understand the benefit of knowing about the full variety of stress relieving processes available for aluminum alloys. Having a stable, durable aluminum product able to withstand stresses is a requirement no matter what industry is being discussed. That’s why it’s helpful to have a thorough understanding of the various means for relieving stress,…
DetailsThe decision to procure near-net material shapes has several advantages, primary among them cutting down on machining costs. There are many choices to consider; casting, forging, sintered or additive manufacturing are just s few. It turns out there is no simple solution that applies to all situations. That is why today’s post will examine the…
DetailsThe Differences Between Extruded Aluminum Bar and Cold Finished Aluminum Bar Although they are often produced as the same grade of material, there are many differences between extruded aluminum bar and cold finished aluminum bar. Both share the major benefits of aluminum: it’s corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity and high strength to weight ratio; but each…
DetailsIt’s been several months since the Covid-19 pandemic began; one may wonder whether aluminum has any benefits that can make it useful in the fight against the virus, as well as how the industry is being forced to adjust to our new reality. Fortunately, thanks to aluminum’s many positive attributes, it has a strong role…
DetailsWhat are the standard sizes for stainless steel pipe? What does schedule mean, and why is it used when talking about pipe sizes? These questions and more will be examined in today’s post. Stainless steel offers several advantages over other metals, and these benefits make it an excellent material for a variety of demanding applications.…
DetailsJob Title: Saw Operator/Material Handler Shift: Multiple Shifts Available Location: Janesville, WI Primary Responsibilities: Operate machine and handle material safely Understand controls, feed rates, pinch points and dangerous zones to operate safety Read and cut customer jobs according to job specifications and tolerances Select and change machine blades safely according to blade change…
DetailsBy Donald R. (Don) Shrader, VP, American Quality Molds, Richmond, IN Reprinted with permission from: https://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/comparing-3d-printed-conformal-cooled-steel-molds-to-aluminum-molds ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING ENABLES BETTER CONFORMAL COOLING Additive Manufacturing (AM, also known as 3D Printing among other names) has made great strides in the last few years in terms of both technical advancements and manufacturing production implementation. One application that has…
DetailsThere are a lot of aluminum alloys to choose from for extrusion applications, with 6063 and 6061 being among the most popular. So how can one know which alloy is best for a particular use case scenario? While there is a lot of information available online, working with a trusted aluminum supplier is one of…
DetailsWhen working with aluminum extrusions, it’s important to understand the differences between seamless and structural extrusions. Manufacturers and designers are tasked with fulfilling material requirements without sacrificing quality and they need to rely on their supply streams. Aluminum extrusions have a proven track record of being reliable and offering consistent performance over the lifetime of…
DetailsSelecting the right aluminum alloy is a crucial step in planning the manufacturing process. Each grade has its own unique characteristics and responds to stress and environmental conditions according to its chemistry and mechanical properties. It’s important for designers and manufacturers to carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of each grade before coming to a…
DetailsWith aluminum being such an indispensable part of our lives, it might seem like this wonder metal has always been around. The truth is that aluminum’s use in manufacturing and industry has a short history, barely more than a century. This is because for most of human history, we did not even know that aluminum…
DetailsWhen you think of aluminum, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not chemical storage tanks. The beauty of aluminum is that it is so versatile that there are countless applications most people are unaware of. While we encounter aluminum daily thanks to beverage cans, kitchen appliances and electric devices, this amazing metal…
DetailsAluminum is an amazing metal, one that has had a transformative effect on just about every industry in our global economy. This is especially true of transportation; if you’re using a vehicle to get from one place to another aluminum played some role in making it possible. Ever since it was first commercialized in the…
DetailsAluminum may not be the first material that comes to mind when the subject of firearms comes up, but it has had significant impact on how modern guns are designed and built. Aluminum has many advantages that make it perfect for firearms. Gun owners know the importance of reliability and durability when it comes to…
DetailsWe often have customers inquire about our ISO Certification. There are several different certifications for the aerospace, medical, automotive and petrochemical industries; to name a few. Unfortunately, not all industry certifications are created equal. ISO is probably the most prevalent quality certification of them all. That’s why it’s important for every organization to have a…
DetailsMany people wonder what happens to aluminum at extremely cold temperatures. The branch of physics known as cryogenics looks at physical properties of materials at low temperature. This is an important area for many industries, where it is essential that materials and applications perform well beyond adverse environmental conditions. It should come as no surprise…
DetailsOne area in the aluminum industry that doesn’t get enough attention is vacuum chambers and semiconductors. These technically advanced fields have rigid material specifications and only certain grades are suitable. Aluminum, with its many benefits and high performance, is a perfect choice for such demanding applications. While these two technologies are distinct from each other…
DetailsPrecipitation hardenable (PH) stainless steels are one of the most popular types of stainless steel alloys in use today, but they are often not as well known as the austenitic and ferritic categories. In fact, while some people refer to the five types of stainless steel, others might only mention four: the two already named…
DetailsAluminum is one of the most popular materials in use today, and that’s why the countries that use the most aluminum are among the largest and most developed nations in the world. In fact, aluminum is such a ubiquitous metal that you’ll notice the greater a county’s population, the more aluminum it consumes. This is…
DetailsManufacturers need to be well versed in the properties of the various materials they work with, including stainless steel. It’s important to know how metals will respond to the different conditions they will be exposed to in their operating environments. Manufacturing processes can improve a specific grade’s performance with regards to corrosion resistance, grain structure,…
DetailsLarge diameter aluminum bar has many applications in today’s manufacturing marketplace. A variety of industries including aerospace, semiconductor, tire manufacturing, defense and foundry markets have requirements specifying large sections of round aluminum alloys for critical programs. The material supply stream for this product has a few options, including castings, forgings and bar stock. Large castings…
DetailsAluminum is one of the modern world’s most versatile and widely used materials. Thanks to advances in premium alloys that have been developed to meet a host of needs, our entire manufacturing base has been impacted by aluminum in some way. That’s why having a steady aluminum supply is so essential. Aluminum can be found…
DetailsPlastic bottles have become common sights at grocery and convenience stores. In fact, over the past couple of decades, the growth in plastic has been so dramatic you might think that eventually plastic will completely replace aluminum beverage cans. Not so fast. According to recent data, aluminum is making a comeback, and in fact it…
DetailsThe medical and health care industries have been getting a lot of attention recently, and for good reason. With everything that’s going on in the world, it’s more important than ever to have an efficient, reliable and affordable supply chain for medical tools and equipment. This includes the choice of what materials you use. The…
DetailsAluminum has had a long tradition of being a key material in the making of furniture. This should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with this amazing metal. Ever since it first became commercially viable in the early 20th century, it has transformed every industry imaginable, from aerospace to communications. This includes furniture thanks…
DetailsWhen discussing aluminum and how it has impacted the United States military, it is hard to know where to begin. Since aluminum first became commercially viable in the early 20th century, it has been used by the military in a variety of ways, too many to name in one post. From aircraft to food storage…
DetailsAluminum is an extremely versatile metal, so it is no wonder that it is a commonly used for heat sink applications. The transfer of heat in order to cool a device or maintain a certain temperature is an important property of modern metals, and aluminum is one of the prime choices for engineers and designers.…
DetailsThe people that tend to be most interested in aluminum are manufacturers and engineers. Although aluminum has amazing mechanical properties that make it a prized material for all kinds of products and modern designs, the real wonders of this indispensible metal must be understood at a molecular level. The chemistry of aluminum tells us a…
DetailsAluminum is an amazing material that has impacted nearly every major industry over the past century. That includes the medical industry and the many devices that are transforming healthcare as we know it. Thanks to aluminum, people all over the world are living longer, healthier lives. Today we’ll be looking at what aluminum alloys can…
DetailsSteel has been an important part of human progress for thousands of years, but throughout most of that time, this strong and versatile metal had a fundamental weakness: its tendency to corrode. It was only in the last century that metallurgists were able to develop a form of stainless steel that could withstand the natural…
DetailsAluminum has been transformative for too many industries to name, but one that people don’t often consider is automobile racing. This may be because if fans of auto racing are asked about what materials are most important to their sport, they might first say the rubber of the tires or the composite material of the…
DetailsWe often get asked about the difference between wrought and cast aluminum products; this is an important distinction that must be made before purchasing aluminum. In today’s post, we’ll look at these differences and discuss the nature of wrought aluminum and the kind of applications it is well suited for. Aluminum is an amazing metal…
DetailsOne of the major attributes of many metals is the ability to conduct electricity, and aluminum is one of the best performers in this application. As an electrical conductor, few materials can rival aluminum. That’s why so many industries and technologies, from high tech consumer devices to aerospace to heavy-duty transformers, have turned to aluminum…
DetailsAluminum has been instrumental in transforming any number of industries. This amazing metal has positively impacted sectors such as automotive, food and beverage, medical supplies, architecture, consumer electronics and more. There may not be any industry more closely identified with advanced aluminum alloys than the aerospace industry. Aluminum is synonymous with airplane construction. It’s no…
DetailsAluminum is one of the most common metals in use today. I’m not just talking about the widespread use of aluminum in everyday items, such as beverage cans, computers, golf clubs and car rims. Aluminum is the third most common element found in the Earth’s crust. With that in mind, it should be no surprise…
DetailsAluminum is an amazing material that can be found in almost every industry, but because of its lightweight and durability it is especially well suited for marine applications; boats in particular. There is an entire class of boats specifically made from aluminum that are light and relatively small, often for personal use. Many of these…
DetailsThere are many reasons why aluminum has been one of the most important materials of the last one hundred years but being extremely reflective is not one of the items that would top many lists. That’s because aluminum has so many valuable qualities that have been transformative in a plethora of industries, changing the way…
DetailsIn terms of importance, aluminum is probably surpassed only by steel when it comes to industrial metals. That’s because in addition to being one of the most abundant materials on our planet (aluminum is the third most commonly found element in the Earth’s crust), it has a number of benefits that make it extremely attractive…
DetailsIt seems like aluminum is a ubiquitous part of our lives. It can be found in every room of our house, including the kitchen and the bedroom and everywhere in between. It’s not an exaggeration to say that there’s almost no industry that it hasn’t profoundly impacted in the past 100 years. From the aluminum…
DetailsAluminum is one of the most durable and versatile metals available today. Not only does it have an amazing strength-to-weight ratio that beats out just about any other option, but it’s also resistant to corrosion, easy to fabricate and highly recyclable. While not quite as strong as steel, it weighs significantly less, making it highly…
DetailsAluminum is an amazing metal with outstanding mechanical properties that make it an ideal choice for a variety of applications. One of the qualities that sets it apart from other materials is its thermal conductivity. Of all the commonly used metals, copper and aluminum have the greatest thermal conductivity, making aluminum a great option for…
DetailsWe have been getting a lot of questions recently about additive manufacturing. It’s no wonder, as additive manufacturing has become the latest buzzword to sweep the industry. More commonly referred to as 3D Printing, this quickly advancing technology is transforming the way things get made and has the potential to completely revolutionize manufacturing. While many…
DetailsAnyone who has worked with aluminum understands there are several challenges when it comes to welding. Compared to other metals such as steel, aluminum can be somewhat difficult to weld properly; without experience, the result may be an inferior finished product. That’s why it’s essential that you take the time to properly clean and prepare…
DetailsEveryone in the manufacturing and fabrication fields is familiar with the challenges posed by welding aluminum. One of those challenges is known as arc rectification; today I’ll be explaining what it is, whether you need to worry about it and what to do if you encounter it. Welding aluminum is not as straightforward as working…
DetailsWhen it comes to welding aluminum, many people find it’s not as hard to do as it may seem. Compared to steel or other materials, welding aluminum can be more involved and there are common mistakes you need to be aware of. If you take precautions and educate yourself thoroughly it can be accomplished without…
DetailsAluminum is a highly valued metal thanks to its extreme formability and versatility. However, it does pose certain challenges when welding. That’s why manufacturers and others need to pay close attention when welding aluminum to ensure they avoid defects. There are certain techniques and best practices that you should know about before you start any…
DetailsHow Strong Is Aluminum? Aluminum has a lot of amazing features. It’s famous for being extremely lightweight and has a great deal of flexibility, making it adaptable to any number of applications. It’s 100 percent recyclable, and thus one of the most sustainable metals we have at our disposal. It has advantages when it comes…
DetailsWhen working with materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, it’s possible to encounter problems with porosity. This is particularly an issue when welding. It’s critical if you encounter issues with porosity that you identify the source of the problem as soon as possible and find a solution. In many cases, porosity is a pretty…
DetailsThere are a lot of great reasons to use aluminum. Not only is it extremely strong despite its light weight, but it also offers a great deal of corrosion resistance and formability. That’s not to mention its aesthetic appearance and uniform quality. One fact about aluminum that doesn’t get enough attention is that it is…
DetailsAluminum is rightly celebrated for its amazing diversity and formability. In fact, it’s hard to think about an industry that hasn’t been profoundly changed by the introduction of aluminum in the past 100 years. Nearly every part of our daily lives, from the food we eat to the vehicles we drive to the devices we…
DetailsWhat Are The Sustainability Advantages Of Aluminum? When you run your own business (or are responsible for the purchasing decisions of a company), it’s tempting to ignore concepts like sustainability and just focus on profit. But in the 21st century, there are plenty of reasons for paying attention to the sustainability of your business. This…
DetailsStainless steel seems like it’s a ubiquitous part of life. Whether we’re eating dinner, visiting a doctor or driving in our car, much of our daily activity is made possible (or at least safer and more convenient) thanks to stainless steel. What many people don’t realize is one of the most important factors that makes…
DetailsAluminum is an amazing metal that has transformed many different industries over the past one hundred years. Nowhere is this probably more true than the aircraft industry. Due to aluminum’s advantages over other metals, including its light weight and incredible strength, airplanes rely on this material in order to be a safe, affordable, feasible form…
DetailsModern aircraft are amazing feats of technology and engineering. They are built to be durable, safe, and as efficient as possible, and so they rely on the most advanced materials available on the market today. That’s why it should come as no surprise that all types of airplanes contain a variety of stainless steel alloys.…
DetailsManufacturers who work with metal know that one of the most important considerations of selecting a material is how strong it is. Factors such as strength, hardness, durability and toughness all make a difference to the quality of the final product. That’s why we are constantly getting questions about the strength of various alloys. That…
DetailsAluminum plate has a host of tremendous benefits that make it a popular choice among manufacturers. Whether you are drawn to it for the tremendous strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance or well-recognized aesthetic qualities, aluminum offers you the ability to produce competitive products at an affordable cost. Additionally, your customers will be happy with aluminum’s…
DetailsManufacturers understand that in this day and age, versatility is a must. Having the ability to utilize a variety of different processes can make your operation more competitive. This is especially true of machining, which can be done many different ways depending on the desired outcome. Being well versed in each type of machining technique…
DetailsMetalworkers have to be multitalented. Not only do they need to have experience with many different techniques for working metal to the desired specifications, but they also must be familiar with how various types of metal respond to those techniques. Even with regards to a single type of metal, such as aluminum, each distinct alloy…
DetailsOne of the great things about stainless steel is that it comes in many product forms and grades. This gives manufacturers a variety of options to choose from. The great news is that no matter what application you are using stainless steel for, there’s probably a grade that can meet your specifications. Of course, there’s…
DetailsAluminum is one of the most popular metals in use today; it has had a profound impact on nearly every industry. Though it was only first commercialized a little over a century ago, constant developments since then have led to an increasing diversification of what aluminum can do and the introduction of even more advanced…
DetailsIf you work with metal on a regular basis you probably have some experience with fabrication. You also know that different types of metal can respond to fabrication methods in very unique ways, and that the processes suitable for aluminum fabrication won’t necessarily apply to other metals such as stainless steel. That’s why it’s imperative…
DetailsCorrosion is one of the concerns that keep designers and engineers up late at night worrying. If the right materials aren’t specified from the beginning, then the durability of a product or structure can become significantly compromised after only a few years, or even sooner. That’s why the development of modern metals such as aluminum…
DetailsSteel has been an important metal in the human industry for thousands of years. In fact, the earliest known production of steel dates back to an archaeological site in Anatolia nearly 4,000 years ago. The Roman military was known to use steel, and early civilizations used it in weapons, tools, and construction. As prized as…
DetailsAluminum is an amazing metal that has had a great impact on modern industry. Its versatility and adaptability mean that it can be used in numerous applications, more cost effective and with greater durability than many other materials. No matter what your product or job, there’s likely an aluminum alloy that’s right for you. The…
DetailsWhen it comes to working with metals, welding is one of the most important fabrication methods that can be employed. It’s essential that you match up the right technique with the correct material in order to have the most effective and efficient workflow. This is especially true with aluminum, as certain alloys are much easier…
DetailsStainless steel is an amazing metal that has made possible many modern advancements in all types of industries. Its versatility has allowed for the development of a wide variety of alloys; no matter what the application, there’s usually an appropriate stainless steel. It’s also much more cost effective than most other materials, especially for the…
DetailsAnyone who works with metals on a regular basis understands the importance of having the right processing methods. Different metals, such as aluminum and stainless steel, have very different properties and will be easier or harder to cut depending on their particular characteristics. Complicating matters even further, the increasing diversity in high performance alloys means…
DetailsAluminum is one of the most versatile and adaptable materials available for industrial use. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the commercialization of this amazing metal has transformed our society and unlocked an unprecedented level of technological and industrial progress. This includes the rapid developments that are happening in the area of offset lithography…
DetailsWe see them everywhere, but how often do we actually think about them? Unless you are a manufacturer who’s actually involved with creating the signs and road barriers that line our roads and highways, it’s unlikely that you spend much time considering how they are made or what they are made of. These signs and…
DetailsMost people don’t realize how ubiquitous and indispensable aluminum has become in their daily lives. When someone mentions the word aluminum they might think of foil or beverage cans, but nearly every industry has been transformed by the tremendous diversity and many benefits of aluminum alloys. This includes the proliferation of high-pressure gas cylinders. Gas…
DetailsStainless steel is such an integral part of our lives it’s easy to assume that it has always been with us, but this is not the case. In fact, stainless steel was only developed 100 years ago. In that time, it has completely revolutionized almost every industry, changing the way we eat, travel and live.…
DetailsStainless steel has played a prominent role in transforming the way we work and live since it was first commercialized in the early 20th century. The list of industries that have been affected by the introduction of stainless steel is a long one. In the early 21st century, one area of particular importance is power…
DetailsStainless steel is an amazing metal that has transformed nearly every industry since it’s development more than a century ago. From the medical to aerospace industries, the revolutionary metal has boosted technological advancements and made previously impossible achievements a regular, everyday occurrence. One popular category of production that often doesn’t get as much attention as…
DetailsStainless steel is one of the most important metals on the market today thanks to its tremendous strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. Though it was first commercialized less than a century ago, it has quickly developed into one of the most versatile and essential metals and has transformed pretty much every modern industry, from architecture…
DetailsOne of the most important considerations that a manufacturer or product designer will need to address is whether or not the materials they use can be magnetic. Unfortunately, this is frequently a question that is postponed until the last minute, or which is ignored altogether. This can often be a mistake, and we recommend anyone…
DetailsHuman society has been working with metal alloys for thousands of years. In that time, we’ve learned a great deal and have made amazing advancements in our ability to manipulate a wide variety of metals and put them to use in pretty much every industry. Yet, even after all this time, there’s still a simple…
DetailsAluminum is one of the most amazing metals on Earth. Since its introduction more than a century ago, it has rapidly transformed nearly every industry thanks to its many beneficial properties, such as a high strength to weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, and extreme versatility. Due to this latter characteristic, these days there are so…
DetailsAnyone working in the energy sector, or any company that consumes a great deal of energy as part of their operations, knows that green and renewable energy solutions are here to stay. Governments around the world are passing laws and regulations requiring businesses to increase their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint, while companies…
DetailsWhen it comes to window frames, one material makes more sense than any other. Aluminum, thanks to its lightweight and other beneficial attributes, is a cost-effective, easy to use solution that allows architects and engineers to be extremely creative in the types of windows they design. Unfortunately, aluminum does have one drawback that needed to…
DetailsIf you are an electrical engineer or work regularly with electricity, then you are likely quite used to dealing with aluminum. As a metal that exhibits a number of positive properties related to electrical uses, aluminum has been an important contributor to a host of industries both directly and indirectly associated with electricity. Understanding which…
DetailsAnyone who works with aluminum understands that it has a long list of advantages that make it one of the most important metals in use today. The list of industries that have been transformed by the use of aluminum is long (and getting longer). That’s not to say that aluminum is a perfect material. In…
DetailsEver since it was first introduced as a commercially viable metal almost a century ago, aluminum has been transforming nearly every industry into which it is introduced. This transformation continues today as aluminum is helping to shape the renewable energy industries, such as involving the construction of solar panels. It is amazing to realize that…
DetailsFor many manufacturers, it’s easy to be so focused on their own particular processes that they may not realize the tremendous versatility of the materials they are working with. This is particularly true of stainless steel, one of the world’s most adaptable and diverse metals. With so many alloys and grades available on the market,…
DetailsAs manufacturers and builders, we know how to make things, because that’s our job. But do you know where the materials you rely on to create your products come from? For instance, the many different grades of stainless steel we sell don’t come out of the ground that way. They must go through an intense…
DetailsThere are a lot of variables that go into a successful operation and it can be hard for manufacturers to keep track of all of them. But when it comes to choosing materials for the job, it pays to take your time and get it right. Stainless steel is an amazing metal that offers a…
DetailsIf you’re like most manufacturers and builders, you don’t put a lot of thought into where your raw materials come from. You source your materials from a supplier like Clinton Aluminum, who delivers your metal in a form that’s as close to ready to work with as possible, to your specifications. But the truth is…
DetailsOne of the most crucial decisions any manufacturer must make is selecting the optimal material for a given application. Many years ago, that choice might have been relatively easy, choosing between steel and aluminum, for instance. But with the increasing diversity of metal alloys, modern-day materials have an ever-growing list of very specific properties available.…
DetailsFor manufacturers, no matter what industry you’re in, understanding the various processes involved in working with materials such as aluminum is an essential part of your job. It’s important to know the essential properties of various grades and alloys of the metals you are working with, and comprehend how different materials will respond to different…
DetailsAt Clinton, we extol the virtues of both aluminum and stainless steel on a daily basis. These two materials, far from being rivals, have together proven to be revolutionary metals with a wide range of alloys and grades that fit just about any application. But there comes a time when a manufacturer or designer must…
DetailsSteel is an amazing metal that has been an integral part of American industry since our country’s inception. Due to the material’s extreme versatility, designers and manufacturers need to be familiar with many different types of high-performance steel alloys and grades. Steel is commonly found in just about every industry, and yet two different kinds…
DetailsThere are a lot of choices when it comes to welding. Knowing which technique will work best with a particular application will go a long way towards ensuring the success of your project. That’s why it’s important for manufacturers and producers to know as much as possible about the various welding options available to them…
DetailsSince it first became feasible to work with at an industrial scale, aluminum has become an integral material for all types of manufacturing, construction, and design jobs. Its superior properties make it a nearly ideal choice for a host of applications, and more and more companies are turning to various alloys as the latest developments…
DetailsNo matter what industry you’re in, it’s likely that tooling is an important part of your production process, whether directly or indirectly. For the layperson, tooling is defined as the process of designing and engineering tools for the manufacture of parts or components. Within the large umbrella that is tooling, there are many different categories…
DetailsPerhaps no other material has revolutionized as many industries as aluminum has. Since it’s development more than a century ago, aluminum and its many alloys has transformed the way we build nearly everything, from automobiles to airplanes and everything in between. And that includes buildings, bridges, and other engineering applications. It’s hard to list off…
DetailsAnyone who works with metals knows the importance of understanding several different cutting methods. Unfortunately, the same manufacturers that might spend months researching, testing, and prototyping products with a wide variety of metal alloys, some of which are barely distinguishable from each other, in order to get just the right material, will use whatever cutting…
DetailsAny craftsperson knows how it important it is to have the right tool for a job. That extends to working with aluminum alloys, regardless of what industry you’re in. Of course, when it comes to precision saw cutting of aluminum plate, not only is it critical that you have a properly maintained and calibrated saw…
DetailsManufacturers know that optimizing the production process goes much deeper than just choosing the right alloy. While extremely important, a lot more goes into developing a product that is both high quality and cost competitive. How you work with your materials and what quality control measures you employ are equally critical. That’s why when you…
DetailsManufacturers and industrialists know that when you’re working with aluminum on a regular basis, it’s imperative that you have at your disposal a number of machining techniques to work your metal to the exact shape and design that you want. This applies whether you will be working the material in house or contracting out the…
DetailsManufacturers and industrialists who work with metal have many things to worry about. They must select the correct alloy for the job and make sure that it possesses all of the required properties for the particular application. They must reduce waste, whether in terms of time, materials, or costs, and they need to ensure the…
DetailsAluminum is renowned for its tremendous versatility, making it an in-demand material for manufacturers in pretty much every industry. Of the many applications and processes aluminum is well suited for, one of the most popular is rolling aluminum sheet and plate. Because there is a demand for all manner of shapes and sizes when it…
DetailsOne of the most important tasks for manufacturers is the cutting of materials. This can be accomplished in many different ways, depending on the material involved and the desired shape of the finished product, so most manufacturers will have a number of cutting options at their disposal. Knowing when to apply which method is a…
DetailsManufacturers have a lot of options when it comes to working with aluminum. One of the most common processes is shearing, and it is used in a variety of industries. When you are making decisions about your manufacturing operations, shearing offers many benefits, but it’s important to be aware of the many variables that come…
Details3D printing, despite still being a relatively new technique, has the potential to change manufacturing as we know it. No matter what type of industry you work in, understanding the ramifications of this budding technology should be considered essential. Although new printers and new methods are being developed at a rapid pace, making it difficult…
DetailsAluminum is among the most versatile materials available to manufacturers, particularly among the common metals. Not only are there a wide variety of alloys and grades to choose from, but aluminum is also receptive to many different industrial processes. These options allow aluminum to be employed in all manner of applications. One of the most…
DetailsAluminum is a material that offers a great number of benefits to manufacturers and designers, thanks to its tremendous versatility and other unique properties. And while this versatility makes it feasible for those who work with aluminum to fashion the parts and products they need on site, many manufacturers have found that ordering custom extrusions…
DetailsFor manufacturers who frequently work with aluminum and other metals, being able to distinguish between and properly select the right materials for their specific tasks is of paramount importance. Not only is aluminum highly sought after because of the tremendous diversity of its alloys, but its amazing versatility allows for all kinds of shapes, sizes,…
DetailsYou may have heard the abbreviation LME thrown around at various times and have been wondering what it stands for. Even veterans of the industry may not be entirely clear on its exact meaning. LME is the abbreviation for the London Metal Exchange, and while it may not seem important to the everyday operations of…
DetailsWhen manufacturers pick out a material for their applications, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to distinguish between the many grades of aluminum available and to lose sight of some of the other important considerations that go into having a successful product run. Even after you know what grade you are going to…
DetailsThe amazing thing about aluminum is the tremendous diversity of alloys that are available for manufacturers and designers. Its unique combination of properties makes aluminum a versatile material for construction and engineering, among many other industries. One of the most difficult challenges for producers is choosing from the many different options available to them. This…
DetailsStainless Steel, as its name implies, is best known for its corrosion resistance properties. But the many benefits and revolutionary uses of stainless steel extend far beyond any single attribute, as attested by its presence in applications in nearly every industry. Of course, one of the most visually stunning and transformative implementations of stainless steel…
DetailsThe first thing that comes to mind when you think of stainless steel is likely cutlery. This revolutionary metal is best known for its prevalence in the kitchen. This is thanks to stainless steel’s extraordinary corrosion resistance. This means that utensils, tools, and medical equipment made from stainless steel are easy to clean and sterilize,…
DetailsStainless steel is a revolutionary material that has produced countless advances in all manner of industries. But perhaps no arena has been more transformed by the many benefits of stainless steel than architecture and engineering. Because of its tremendous strength, corrosion resistance properties, and aesthetic appeal, stainless steel can be found in modern bridges around…
DetailsStainless steel is one of the world’s most versatile and commercially viable materials available to builders today. Since its development more than a century ago, stainless steel has transformed numerous industries thanks to its many benefits, not least of which is its tremendous corrosion resistance, from which the material gets its name. It is thanks…
DetailsAnyone who works with electronics, especially with electrical appliances and other similar applications, understands the importance of electrical shielding. This is the process by which an electromagnetic field is blocked with a barrier that is used to isolate an electrical signal from its surroundings. There are many materials that can be used for electrical shielding,…
DetailsThe last century has seen huge developments in the use of aluminum across nearly every industry. Because of aluminum’s light weight, tremendous strength, and formability, the material has become indispensable for many manufacturers, designers, and architects. And with the advent of new alloys, many of which are suitable for working with at extreme temperatures, this…
DetailsWhile we are all extremely familiar with many of the everyday applications of stainless steel, such as cutlery and kitchen appliances, not everyone is aware that stainless steel alloys are in fact a common fixture in nearly every industry. Because of the unique properties of certain types of steel, which is made up of carbon-reinforced…
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