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...
What makes abrasion-resistant plate (AR400, AR500) unique
When it comes to high-wear applications, standard steel just won’t cut it. That’s where abrasion-resistant (AR) plate comes in. AR400 and AR500 are two of the most popular grades, known...
When to recommend quench and tempered (Q&T) plate
Steel plates come in many grades and treatments, but when a customer needs exceptional strength, toughness, and wear resistance, Quench and Tempered (Q&T) plate is often the best choice. But...
Why some steel grades are being phased out
Steel is the backbone of modern infrastructure, manufacturing, and engineering. From towering skyscrapers to precision automotive parts, steel grades have been carefully developed to meet a wide range of industrial...
Challenges with LTL shipments in metals
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is a common solution for metal distributors, manufacturers, and fabricators who need to transport smaller shipments without paying for a full truckload. While LTL shipping offers cost...
