When to offer pickled vs blasted plate
When supplying steel plate, customers often need a clean, smooth surface for better processing, coating, or welding. Two common surface preparation methods are pickling and blasting. But when should you...
Why mills prioritize certain customers during shortages
Picture this: A global supply chain disruption hits, raw materials become scarce, and steel or aluminum mills struggle to keep up with demand. Suddenly, orders that were once processed seamlessly...
Best practices for chain-of-custody documentation
In industries where materials, products, or sensitive information change hands multiple times, chain-of-custody (CoC) documentation is essential. It ensures accountability, traceability, and compliance with industry regulations. Whether you work in...
Common tolerance expectations in aluminum plate vs sheet
Aluminum is widely used in construction, aerospace, manufacturing, and fabrication due to its lightweight strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. However, when ordering aluminum, it’s important to understand the tolerance expectations...
Differences between hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel
If you’ve ever worked with steel, you’ve probably heard the terms hot-rolled and cold-rolled. While both come from the same base material, they undergo different manufacturing processes that affect their...
Galvanic corrosion between aluminum and dissimilar metals
Aluminum is a widely used metal due to its lightweight, corrosion resistance, and strength. However, when aluminum comes into contact with dissimilar metals in the presence of an electrolyte (like...
How low-temperature carbon steel differs in use
Carbon steel is widely used across industries, but when it comes to applications in cold environments, standard carbon steel can become brittle and prone to failure. This is where low-temperature...
How to quote freight and fuel surcharge fairly
Freight costs and fuel surcharges can be volatile and unpredictable, making it challenging to quote customers fairly and accurately. If charges are too high, you risk losing business—too low, and...
Planning for rush orders without hurting schedule
Rush orders are a reality in manufacturing, fabrication, and distribution. Whether it’s a last-minute customer request, an urgent project change, or a supply chain disruption, businesses must find ways to...
Spot buy strategy vs long-term contract offers
In industries like manufacturing, construction, and metal distribution, sourcing raw materials at the right price and time is critical for cost control and supply chain stability. Two common procurement approaches...
