Best practices when handling high-carbon steel
High-carbon steel is valued for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and strength, making it essential in industries like manufacturing, construction, and tool-making. However, its unique properties also present challenges in...
Common tolerances for flame-cut plate vs plasma-cut
When cutting steel plate, flame cutting and plasma cutting are two of the most commonly used methods. While both processes are effective, they offer different levels of precision, edge quality,...
Differences between HSS (Hollow Structural Section) and standard pipe
If you've worked with metal tubing, you've likely encountered both HSS (Hollow Structural Section) and standard pipe. While they may look similar at first glance, they serve different purposes, have...
Handling customer-owned inventory vs stock items
Managing inventory efficiently is a crucial part of any business that deals with manufacturing, distribution, or logistics. Companies often handle two types of inventory: Customer-Owned Inventory (COI) – Materials or...
How material hardness affects machining
In machining, material hardness is one of the most important factors influencing cutting speed, tool wear, and overall production efficiency. Whether you’re working with soft aluminum, hardened steel, or brittle...
How to read a mill test report properly
A Mill Test Report (MTR) is a critical document in the metals industry that provides quality assurance and traceability for steel, aluminum, and other materials. Whether you’re a manufacturer, fabricator,...
Plate rolling vs press braking: when to offer what
When it comes to bending metal plates, two of the most common fabrication methods are plate rolling and press braking. While both processes shape metal into curved or angled forms,...
Spot buys: when they make sense (and when they don’t)
In industries like manufacturing, construction, and metal distribution, businesses must decide between long-term contracts and spot buys when sourcing raw materials. While spot buys offer flexibility and allow companies to...
Tolerances and thickness variations in sheet metal
Sheet metal is used in countless industries, from automotive and aerospace to construction and manufacturing. Whether it’s for machine components, enclosures, or structural applications, precision is key. However, no two...
Understanding yield strength vs tensile strength in steel
When selecting steel for construction, manufacturing, or engineering applications, two of the most important properties to consider are yield strength and tensile strength. These mechanical properties determine how steel responds...
