How mill lead times affect distributor pricing
For metal distributors, mill lead times play a crucial role in determining pricing, inventory levels, and supply chain efficiency. When lead times fluctuate—due to demand surges, material shortages, or production...
How to sell small lots profitably
Selling small lots can be challenging—while they provide opportunities to attract new customers and move excess inventory, they also come with higher processing costs, lower margins, and increased handling time.
Precision cutting: plasma vs oxy-fuel
When it comes to precision metal cutting, two of the most common methods are plasma cutting and oxy-fuel cutting. Both techniques are widely used in fabrication, construction, and manufacturing, but...
Spot pricing vs contract pricing trends
In industries like manufacturing, construction, and metal distribution, pricing strategies play a crucial role in controlling costs, managing supply chain risks, and maintaining profitability. Two common pricing models—spot pricing and...
Top 5 things to look for in a mill test report
When purchasing metal, ensuring quality, compliance, and reliability is crucial. That’s where a Mill Test Report (MTR) comes in. An MTR is a quality assurance document that provides details about...
Uses of checker plate vs plain plate in flooring
When selecting steel or aluminum for industrial, commercial, or residential flooring, two common options are checker plate and plain plate. Both offer durability and strength, but they serve different purposes...
What makes an item a dead stock liability
Every business that deals with physical inventory—whether in manufacturing, retail, or distribution—faces the challenge of dead stock. These are items that sit in storage, don’t sell, and tie up valuable...
When to switch suppliers due to fulfillment performance
A reliable supplier is the backbone of any business. But what happens when fulfillment performance starts to slip? Late deliveries, incorrect orders, or inconsistent quality can disrupt your operations and...
Characteristics of ASTM A992 vs A36 for beams
When selecting structural steel beams for construction projects, two of the most common material specifications are ASTM A992 and ASTM A36. Both are widely used in buildings, bridges, and infrastructure,...
Common value-added processes: shearing, sawing, plasma
In the metals industry, value-added processes improve raw materials by cutting, shaping, or preparing them for final use. Among the most commonly used processes are shearing, sawing, and plasma cutting—each...
