Aluminum extrusion profiles and how they’re specified
By: A Materials Engineer Who's Spent a Lot of Time Around Molten Metal and CAD Drawings The Story Starts with a Shape Imagine you're holding a curtain rod, a bike...
Common end-uses for high-strength low alloy (HSLA) steel
High-strength low alloy (HSLA) steel is widely used across industries due to its superior strength, lightweight properties, and corrosion resistance. Unlike traditional carbon steel, HSLA steel contains small amounts of...
Current freight rates and their impact on delivery costs
Freight rates are a critical factor in supply chain management, directly affecting delivery costs, material pricing, and overall profitability. In recent years, global disruptions, fuel price fluctuations, and capacity constraints...
Flatbed vs dry van: when and why
When it comes to freight transportation, choosing the right type of trailer can make all the difference in efficiency, cost, and cargo safety. Two of the most commonly used trailer...
How coil ID/OD impacts warehouse storage and processing
Coiled metal—whether steel, aluminum, or copper—is a fundamental raw material in manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries. However, the dimensions of a coil—inner diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD)—directly affect how...
How to negotiate allocation with a mill rep
In times of high demand and limited supply, securing the right amount of steel, aluminum, or other metals from a mill can be challenging. Mills prioritize larger contracts, long-term buyers,...
Mill negotiation strategies during allocation cycles
When mills enforce allocation cycles, securing enough material at a fair price becomes a major challenge for distributors and manufacturers. Supply constraints force mills to limit the amount of steel,...
Red flags in customer-required documentation
Customer-required documentation is a critical part of order fulfillment, ensuring that materials meet quality, compliance, and regulatory standards. Whether dealing with Mill Test Reports (MTRs), Certificates of Compliance (CoCs), or...
Talking through tolerances with precision buyers
When it comes to precision manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and machining applications, tolerances play a critical role in ensuring quality, performance, and compatibility. Buyers who require tight tolerances often have specific...
Understanding dual-certified steel products
Steel is a critical material in industries like construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and energy. But when selecting the right steel for a project, you may come across dual-certified steel products. What...
