You are currently browsing the archives for the Uncategorized category.

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Possible Alternatives to Grade 304 Stainless

 :: Posted by MelW on 06-10-2014

Grade 304 Stainless Steel is the most widely used grade of stainless, and is a favorite of stainless steel fabricators due to its heat and corrosion resistant properties, weld-ability and machinability. This grade is a favorite of architects, transportation specialists, and industrial personnel, but there are still viable opportunities that may be preferred for some applications.

Here are some of the main possible alternative grades of stainless steel:

  1. 301L: This is a higher work hardening rate grade, and is a must for certain roll formed and stretch formed components of stainless steel. This steel is preferred to Grade 304 steel under these conditions.
  2. 302HQ: Unlike the previous metal, this grade is has a lower work hardening rate than Grade 304. This is needed for cold forging of bolts, screws, and rivets.
  3. 303: Grade 303 has higher machinability than Grade 304 stainless, and has lower corrosion resistance, formability, and weld-ability. These weaknesses are acceptable in applications where machinability is necessary.
  4. 316: This metal has a higher resistance to crevice corrosion and pitting, and is needed in chloride environments.
  5. 321: This stainless has better resistance to temperatures between 600 and 900 degrees Celsius, and has higher hot strength than grade 304 stainless steel.
  6. 3CR12: This stainless is preferred when lower cost stainless steel sheet metal is required. It should be noted that this steel has reduced corrosion resistance, and discoloration may occur.
  7. 430: This is another low-cost alternative, and has lower corrosion resistance and fabrication characteristics than Grade 304 stainless steel sheets.

How online stainless steel distributors can cut your operating costs

 :: Posted by MelW on 09-04-2012

Buying metal from stainless steel distributors has changed a lot over the last twenty years. It used to be normal to have just one option for a supplier – whichever one was closest to the business, but companies can now take their time to find a source online that offers the right price, quality and service that they are seeking. This is all thanks to the invention of the internet, the improvements in shipping and a better understanding of customer needs.

Looking online for stainless steel distributors

There are still some companies that buy from the same supplier that they have been using for years, based on the premise that they know they will get what they asked for with each order. This is an acceptable way to do things, but these companies might be paying much more to their stainless steel distributors than they can actually afford. It costs nothing to look around and consider other options, so this is recommended for those that need to start cutting their operating costs.

Custom orders of stainless steel backsplash sheets

 :: Posted by MelW on 08-30-2012

Stainless steel backsplash sheets are not difficult to cut and fit into place, but it is one of those tasks that require a few additional pieces of equipment that can be costly. This is why individuals and freelance contractors will often choose to buy their pieces of steel custom-cut each time. It can be very cost-effective to do this, and can also mean that companies can worry less about the maintenance and upkeep of large machinery.

Buying stainless steel backsplash sheets and saving money

In the business world at the moment, a hot topic is cost-cutting. People generally have less money in the budgets than they would have ten years ago, and customers are demanding more for the money they are paying. Finding a service to cut stainless steel backsplash sheets to custom sizes can be one of the changes made that save a business hundreds of dollars a year – money that can then be reinvested into other areas of the company.

Looking on the Web for Stainless Steel Distributors

 :: Posted by MelW on 08-07-2012

The best place to find stainless steel distributors is online. This wasn’t always the case, but the internet has fast become the global directory for worldwide and local businesses. Companies will have various requirements for their steel, and this could be hard to find when only using the phone or a map, but, with online stores, a business is spoilt for choices of where to buy exactly what they need.

Why Finding Stainless Steel Distributors Online is Easier

The benefits of online shopping are numerous. People who want to buy metal from stainless steel distributors can quickly call up their website and search through their inventory in minutes. Most websites are laid out so that there are photos, descriptions and prices, and for any other questions there will usually be a customer service number or email address to use.

Buying Stainless Steel in a Range of Grades

 :: Posted by MelW on 07-31-2012

Stainless steel comes in a whole range of shapes, sizes and thicknesses. When buying stainless steel, it is important to understand what the piece is going to be used for, so that the right thickness can be purchased. Three common grades of the material are 316, used for marine applications, 304, which has supreme corrosion resistance and strength, and 410, is normally used where corrosions is not a problem. Many retailers will sell 304 in many gauges, as this is the grade that is most flexible in its uses.

Get the Benefits of Buying Stainless Steel Online

It is probably easiest these days to buy stainless steel online. This is because the size, shape, gauge and finish can all be seen online and specified when putting through the final order. People who shop online often get the benefits of lower prices and better customer service, which can make all the difference, when trying to acquire the metal for a complex or large-scale application.

Where to locate stainless steel sheets for sale

 :: Posted by MelW on 07-26-2012

As more services move to the internet, people who are used to the old-fashioned way of finding stainless steel sheets for sale might be a little confused by the new process. The internet is a powerful tool, but can be baffling to those who never use it, so it helps to know a few easy steps that will help them with their search for the right sheet metal.

Find the website for stainless steel sheets for sale

Almost all businesses now have a website, or are mentioned in a directory for that product or area. This means that one simple online search can be enough to bring up a whole list of stainless steel sheets for sale in the right area at the right price. Using an internet search engine is the best starting point for this, as these react to a string of words entered in by the individual, looking for published information that most closely relates to them.

What stainless steel distributors can offer

 :: Posted by MelW on 07-24-2012

It is worth shopping around for good stainless steel distributors, as different companies will specialize in different aspects of business. For some, the company will be more cost effective for those only buying a few pieces, whereas others will be much better for businesses looking to place bulk orders. There are even those that are recommended because of their fabrication skills or design hardware.

How to know which stainless steel distributors are right

Picking the right stainless steel distributors is a task that takes a little time, but isn’t too hard. The first thing to consider is the quantity being purchased. This will suggest whether a large or small distributor is better. It is also a good idea to think about the other services needed, whether this is fast delivery or specialist cutting and welding, as this will not be offered across the board, and will need to be sought out from a list of potential suppliers.

The reason to consider stainless steel backsplash sheets

 :: Posted by MelW on 07-19-2012

Not everyone is convinced about the effectiveness of using shiny metals as a design element in the home, but there are many reasons to think about using stainless steel backsplash sheets as a way to give the kitchen, bedroom or office a new look that is both beautiful and practical. The main reason this is such a recommended design tool is the simplicity of the element, and how it interacts with other objects and colors in the room.

Stainless steel backsplash sheets make use of the existing design

Whether the inside of the room is red, purple, all wood or some other personal design, the stainless steel backsplash sheets will simply add to this color scheme. This is because of the shine and reflectiveness of the element, picking up other highlights in the area and repeating these styles. Consider using curved or textured metal for an even more interesting effect.

The many sides to stainless steel sheeting

 :: Posted by MelW on 07-17-2012

Metal can look bland from first glance. It is something that is seen every day and is used in a range of applications from home items to automotive parts, appliances and machinery. Although it can look very boring, it has a whole range of uses that can turn it into decorative pieces, stainless steel sheeting for kitchens, worktops and even tools. With a good plan and an excellent fabricator, a person can make a piece of steel into almost anything they want.

Some stainless steel sheeting ideas

Many parts of the home get worn through the years. Walls, doors and floors can show marks as people move through the room and create friction. Using stainless steel sheeting as plates on these spaces can cover up existing damage and protect it from further marks, and for those who are not fond of the plain finish, there are many options for textures and colors that can add some excitement to it.

Finding the right skills in stainless steel fabricators

 :: Posted by MelW on 07-12-2012

Not everyone working in the construction business will have the necessary tools and machines to finish the job on their own. In these cases, it is best to find stainless steel fabricators who can cut the piece into shape for the customer, saving them time and money. These services are common with most distributors, but it is not always something that is offered, so it is something that should be asked about when enquiring at the beginning.

What can stainless steel fabricators help with?

Whether the job requires cutting a backsplash down to size or molding a whole front panel for a motorbike or appliance, there is a service that can help. They can take a design and create it from scratch, using state of the art equipment and extensive fabrication experience. With the right stainless steel fabricators, a person can turn a flat piece of steel into something beautiful.