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ALLOY STEEL
A steel to which modest amounts one or more alloying elements other than carbon, such as Cr, Ni, or Mn have been added. Alloy steels are workhorses of industry because of their economical cost, wide availability, ease of processing, and good mechanical properties. Alloy steels are generally more responsive to heat and mechanical treatments than carbon steels.
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ALUMINUM
Aluminum is a silver-colored, low density (2.7 g/cc) metal that finds use in a huge variety of commercial applications. Unalloyed aluminum is ductile, exhibits moderate strength, and is very resistant to corrosion under most circumstances. Aluminum can be dramatically strengthened by the addition of appropriate alloying elements (Cu, Mg, Mn, Si, etc.) and subsequent heat/work treatments. Aluminum is commonly used in both wrought and cast forms.
The low density of aluminum results in its extensive use in the aerospace industry, and in other transportation fields. Its resistance to corrosion leads to its use in food and chemical handling (cookware, pressure vessels, etc.) and to architectural uses.
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BRASS
Brasses are copper based alloys, often defined as copper-zinc alloys (although some copper-zinc alloys are commonly called by the name bronze). In general, brass alloys exhibit good to excellent corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity and very high electrical conductivity. Brass typically has a low coefficient of friction. Applications include architectural uses, condenser/heat exchangers, plumbing, radiator cores, musical instruments, locks, fasteners, hinges, ammunition components, and electrical connectors.
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BRONZE
Bronzes are copper based alloys, often defined as copper-tin alloys. In general, bronze alloys exhibit good to excellent corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity and very high electrical conductivity. Bronze alloys typically have a low coefficient of friction. Applications include bearings and bushings, pump impellers, valve components, wire brushes, chemical hardware, gears, and pipe fittings.
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COLD ROLLED
Cold rolling increases the strength and hardness and decreases ductility of steel by rolling it at ambient temperature (or below its recrystallization temperature). In addition to improvement of mechanical properties, the cold rolling produces steel plate/sheet of the desired physical dimensions. Steel may be annealed subsequent to the cold rolling process to restore the original mechanical attributes. Even with multiple passes through rollers, cold rolling is more limited in its ability to effect dimensional changes (versus hot rolling) because of the increased hardness and decreased ductility.
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COPPER
In general, copper alloys exhibit good to excellent corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity and very high electrical conductivity. Pure copper's electrical conductivity is so high that many metals are measured against it in the form of the IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). Applications include architectural uses, coinage, condenser/heat exchangers, plumbing, radiator cores, musical instruments, locks, fasteners, hinges, ammunition components, and electrical connectors. Small amounts of alloying elements are often added to copper to improve certain characteristics. Alloying can increase or reduce the strength, hardness, electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, or change the color. Common primary alloying elements include tin (resulting in bronze) or zinc (resulting in brass)
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GALVANIZED
Hot-dip galvanizing is the process of coating iron or steel with a thin zinc layer, by passing the steel through a molten bath of zinc at a temperature of around 860 °F (460 °C). When exposed to the atmosphere, pure zinc reacts with oxygen to form zinc oxide, which further reacts with carbon dioxide to form zinc carbonate, a dull grey, fairly strong material that stops further corrosion in many circumstances, protecting the steel below from the elements. Galvanized steel is widely used in applications where rust resistance is needed, and can be identified by the crystallization patterning on the surface (often called a "spangle").
The process of hot-dip galvanizing results in a metallurgical bond between zinc and steel with a series of distinct iron-zinc alloys. The resulting coated steel can be used in much the same way as uncoated. Galvanized steel can be welded; however, one must exercise caution around the resulting zinc fumes. Galvanized steel is suitable for high-temperature applications of up to 392 °F (200 °C). Use at temperatures above this level will result in peeling of the zinc at the intermetallic layer. Galvanized sheet steel is commonly used in automotive manufacture to enhance corrosion performance of exterior body panels of some models.
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HOT ROLLED
Hot rolling involves the production of sheet metal from billets by passing the steel through rollers while above its recrystallization temperature to desired physical dimensions. Multiple passes through the rollers may be necessary to produce the final dimensions. Hot rolled steel is relatively soft and ductile compared to cold rolled steel.
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NICKLE
Nickel based alloys are the mainstay of many high performance markets in which corrosion resistance and/or heat resistance is required. Example applications include furnace components, chemical processing vessels, exchangers, and piping, high temperature aerospace components, nuclear reactors, extreme service pumps, turbines, pulp and paper production, and pollution control.
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SAFETY GRATING
Safety grating is an open metal latticework that allows visibility and fluid passage while prohibiting the passage of medium to large objects. It comes pre-galvanized, stainless steel, aluminum. and hot rolled pickled and oiled. Openings are often in the 1/2 to 1" range.
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SHIM STOCK
Shim stock consists of thin pieces of metal, plastic or other material used to fill space between objects for support, leveling, or adjustment of fit. Shims and shim stock can also act as electrical insulation and seal joints.
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SPRING STEEL
Applications as springs require steels with a high yield strength. Spring steels are low alloy, medium carbon steels.
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STAINLESS
Stainless steel has been alloyed to greatly increase the corrosion resistance over that of carbon/alloy steel. Common alloying ingredients include chromium (usually at least 11%), nickel, or molybdenum. Alloy content often is on the order of 15-30% so the price of stainless steel is notably higher than carbon/alloy steels. Stainless steel is also not generally used where very high strength or hardness is needed. Example applications include food handling/processing, medical instruments, hardware, appliances, and structural/architectural uses.
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TOOL STEEL
Tool steel is a term used for a variety of high-hardness, abrasion resistant steels. Specific tool applications are dies (stamping or extrusion), cutting, moldmaking, or impact applications like hammers (personal or industrial).
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