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3 Beneficial Effects of Manganese in Steel

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Steel holds an abundant place in the modern world. You can find steel anywhere from automobiles to high-rise buildings and industrial processing equipment. Many different types of steel exist, each of them being a slightly different alloy with iron as its base metal. Manufacturers then add other elements to boost the overall performance of the hardened steel.

Virtually all steel produced today contains the element known as manganese. Yet even within the metalworking world, many people fail to understand the role manganese plays in steel production. Discover three beneficial effects that manganese creates when you mix it with steel.

1. Increased Hardenability

Manganese is a naturally occurring metal that people first discovered in 1774 . On a chemical and physical level, manganese bears a close resemblance to iron, with manganese being harder yet also more brittle than iron. Manufacturers incorporate different amounts of manganese into the steel, depending on the particular type.

Certain varieties of stainless steel may have a manganese content of as high as 19 percent. In all cases, manganese greatly improves the hardness of steel, although not to the same extent as elemental carbon. In fact, manganese and carbon work hand in hand to improve the properties of steel.

Specifically, manganese improves what metalworkers refer to as hardenability, which governs how deeply the hardening effect penetrates. Manganese improves hardenability by lowering the critical cooling rate.

Lower critical cooling rates help avoid unwanted substances like ferrite and cementite, ensuring a more optimal chemical structure. In this regard, manganese improves the strength of steel.

2. Improved Hot Workability

Manganese also improves steel in terms of its hot workability. This phrase refers to the ease with which a metal bends under high-temperature conditions. Without manganese, steel often falls prey to hot shortness, which makes steel brittle at high temperatures.

Manganese reduces hot shortness and improves workability by preventing chemical compounds known as iron sulfides forming. When the steel alloy contains sufficient amounts of manganese, sulfur atoms do not bind with iron. Instead, sulfur reacts with the manganese to form much less detrimental molecules of manganese sulfide.

Manganese sulphide remains solid even at the extreme temperatures required for hot working. As a result, workers can more easily shape the steel. Without manganese, manufacturers could not machine steel whatsoever, as it would excessively liquefy. By sequestering the sulfur, manganese also prevents cracking or tearing during high-temperature steel development.

3. Better Deoxidation

Oxygen poses a serious risk for iron-containing metals. Oxygen reacts with steel to form iron oxide — more commonly known as rust. This corrosion weakens the strength of the metal. Oxidation proceeds at a much more rapid pace when steel exists in its molten state. Manganese provides essential protection through deoxidation.

Manganese readily reacts with any dissolved oxygen in the molten metal, resulting in relatively harmless oxides forming. These oxides float up to the surface of the molten steel, where workers can easily remove them. While manganese deoxidizes steel quite readily on its own, manufacturers can achieve even more thorough results by adding silicon or aluminum as well.

Manganese has a vital role in the world of steel manufacturing, being the second most common alloying agent after elemental carbon. Up to 90 percent of all the manganese consumption today stems from iron and steel making.

For more information about how manganese helps metalworkers achieve strong and lasting results, please contact the steel fabrication experts at Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply. We are happy to answer your questions about any steel process or service. We also can do custom projects and provide same-day service. You can rely on our more than 30 years of experience.

3 Key Differences Between Metal Fabrication and Welding

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

From skyscrapers to automobiles and industrial plants, the modern world owes much of its infrastructure to the incredible strength and durability of metal. As most people realize, that metal has to be heavily processed and reconstituted prior to its use. Extreme amounts of heat and pressure, as well as skilled labor, give metal its final form.

Two of the most important metalworking processes are welding and fabrication. Unfortunately, many people fail to understand the distinctions between these two methods. If you would like to learn more about the intricacies of today's metalworking processes, keep reading. This article outlines three key differences between fabrication and welding.

1. Fabrication Encompasses Many Different Techniques

Welding, as you may already know, involves the fusing of two or more pieces of metal. Numerous different welding techniques exist, each of which has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. Common welding techniques include shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and flux core arc welding.

At the end of the day, all welding techniques have the same goal, which is to permanently bond different metal pieces. Metal fabrication, by contrast, encompasses many different metalworking strategies — welding included. In other words, you must understand fabrication as more of a holistic process.

Fabrication begins with layout and design, as engineers determine how to build a particular structure or component. Designers must concern themselves with things like layout creation, as well as the cutting, machining, and forming of metal parts. In most cases, fabricators use numerous different tools and techniques in order to fabricate a particular metal product.

2. Welding and Fabrication Use Very Different Tools

Tradespeople who identify as metal fabricators generally concern themselves with metal cutting, machining, and/or bending. The fabrication process often begins by cutting sheets of metal down to the appropriate size.

Fabricators accomplish this task using a variety of different cutting machines, including mechanical saws, laser cutters, and plasma torches. A fabricator then uses a lathe to remove portions of the metal — for instance, creating holes through which bolts will ultimately pass. Bending machines such as stretchers and shears then add any necessary angles to the piece of metal.

Welding, by contrast, utilizes a vastly different set of tools. These tools include welding clamps, torches, power sources, and consumable electrodes. In addition, welding requires the use of specific safety equipment. Auto-darkening welding helmets protect workers' eyes from the ultraviolet rays welding produces, while respirators shield welders from dangerous fumes.

3. Fabrication and Welding Require Different Skill Sets

Most metal fabrication tools have a tabletop nature. In other words, fabricators place the metal on the relevant tool, and then carefully manipulate the tool in order to accomplish the desired task. Welding has a very different strategy. While welders do require stationary tools, welders mainly perform the welding process itself by hand.

While some fabricators also possess the ability to weld, the complexity of the welding process often requires more specialized practitioners. Without intense practice, a welder simply would not be able to create strong or neat welds. With creating high-performance metal products, only a welder with years of experience can operate with the necessary degree of skill and precision.

Metal fabrication utilizes a broad array of metalworking techniques — welding included — to create the structures and components necessary for life in the modern world.

For more information about the skills and tools you need to fabricate metal, please contact the metalworking experts at Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply. We are happy to answer any questions you have about your metal fabrication needs. Let us know what you require for your metal fabrication project.

Custom Ductwork Fabrication: A Guide for Facility Managers

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Ductwork plays an important role in ensuring proper ventilation and safety in industrial facilities. Some ducts support the HVAC system while others transport gas, dust, and other materials away from the facility.

Industrial processes are typically intense and require robust ventilation systems. Custom fabrication of ductwork using materials such as steel offers a viable solution for meeting the various ventilation needs of an industrial plant.

Whether you are looking to overhaul existing ductwork or to install a new duct system in your facility, here is a quick guide to custom ductwork fabrication.

Importance of Custom Industrial Ductwork

Industrial plants have distinct ventilation requirements, and fabrication lends itself well to meeting these requirements.

Custom Fit

Unlike standard ductwork, custom-fabricated ducts are tailored to the specific needs of your business. For example, many plant processes release corrosive gases that should be transported out of the facility using a specific type of duct system.

Fabrication allows for the building of versatile and robust ductwork that can withstand the varying demands of industrial operations and protect your specific setup.

Energy Efficiency

Unlike generic duct systems, custom-fabricated ductwork is cut to your facility's specifications. With this individualization, the risk of air leaks and subsequent energy loss is considerably lower

Properties of Custom Industrial Ductwork

To perform efficiently, an industrial duct system should espouse certain properties. An experienced sheet metal fabricator can help you build custom ductwork that meets your facility's needs.

Structural Design

Depending on the nature of your industrial application, your facility may require rectangular or round ducts. Each duct shape has its benefits and downsides. Overall, round ducts occupy less space and are cheaper to install.

Size

Industrial applications typically require large duct systems that facilitate the proper flow of air and other gaseous materials. Your metal fabricator can customize your facility's ductwork to the appropriate diameter.

Thermal Resistance

A custom-fabricated duct system should possess the structural strength and resistance to withstand the high temperatures that characterize industrial processes.

Corrosion Resistance

Ideally, your duct system should be resistant to corrosion. Some corrosion is inevitable even with duct systems built using steel. However, measures such as a coating the ducts can slow down the process.

Process of Custom Industrial Ductwork Fabrication

The process of fabricating and installing custom ductwork may vary from one fabricator to another. However, facility managers can expect the general process to entail several basic steps.

Drawing and Modeling

The first step in custom ductwork fabrication entails drawing blueprints for the duct system. Drawing and modeling allow the lead engineer and fabrication team to clearly envision the anticipated ductwork.

Cutting

Next, using high-definition laser machines, the fabrication team embarks on cutting sheet metal into complex shapes and parts that will make up the duct system.

In addition to cutting, the fabrication team will bend and roll the sheet metal to create rectangular or round ducts, depending on your shape specifications.

Welding

Welding comes next, and this process entails joining the different pieces of metals to form a whole structure. Before shipping the ducts to your facility, the fabrication team will inspect the welds for quality assurance.

Shipping

After welding inspection and installation of the appropriate insulation, the fabrication team performs a trial assembly before shipping out the final ductwork.

Shipping of industrial ducts to the onsite facility typically takes places in phases due to the bulky nature of these pieces.

Facility managers are always looking for opportunities to improve plant efficiency, save costs, and ensure worker safety. As opposed to generic duct systems, custom-fabricated ductwork can help you realize these goals.

At Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply , no custom fabrication job is too large. With us, you can pick the size, choose the metal, and keep the price within your budget. Call us today to discuss your custom fabrication needs.

5 Reasons to Choose Fabricated Steel for Your New Home

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

If you're building a new home, you may consider the location of the property, the openness of the floor plan, or the amount of storage your new home will offer. Another vital element of your new home you should consider is its bones, or structure.

A quick glance at new constructions in up-and-coming neighborhoods may reveal that more and more homeowners are opting for a steel structure. If you want to build a home that will last the test of time, here are five reasons to opt for steel.

1. Steel Is Indestructible

The world's strongest and most noteworthy buildings use steel in their construction because it is virtually indestructible. Protective coatings of aluminum alloy or zinc defend steel against corrosion. These coatings are tough and are of uniform thickness throughout, allowing it to last longer and require less frequent maintenance.

Steel is also impervious to damage that would warp or degrade other materials, such as termites. Termites are rampant here in Ohio. Every year, their colonies consume enough wood to cost Americans $5 billion dollars worth of damage and repairs. In some rare cases, whole homes have to be rebuilt because the severity of damage affects the building's structural soundness.

Steel doesn’t attract termites, so it is a particularly good investment for home construction.

2. Steel Is Inexpensive

Because steel is the most recycled material in the world, it is also economical. While comparing costs of steel versus wood, remember that wood will need to be maintained and replaced long before a similar steel structure will. Over time, wood frames can shrink, buckle, or sag.

Therefore, even if steel costs more initially, lower maintenance costs and greater longevity means the steel structure will cost you fewer dollars over its lifespan. Additionally, you may experience fewer insurance costs as your home will be better equipped to withstand fires, floods, and natural disasters.

3. Steel Is Safe

Steel makes a home very resistant to fire, whereas wood frames are easily destroyed in the event of a house fire. Additionally, billowing smoke from burning wood is an even bigger factor. Since the leading cause of fire fatalities is actually asphyxiation from breathing in toxic smoke, steel is a much safer option for your home.

Prefabricated steel is also mold resistant. Often when a house is struck by a flood, mold and mildew in the wood can make the home unlivable. Mold thrives in a dank environment and feeds on wood's organic matter. Because steel doesn’t mold, it can reduce the damage from mold and mildew.

Steel is also a better choice for those suffering from allergies or asthma. Unlike wood, steel doesn't rot and dries much faster, so it doesn’t college germs or mold spores like wood. Steel can also better withstand winds from earthquakes and tornadoes.

4. Steel Is Artistic

Steel can be fabricated in any shape to fit any specific dimension, so steel makes innovative design and layout a possibility. You can create soaring ceilings and vast open layouts that don't require load-bearing walls or heavy columns. You also can create curved walls, windows, or ceilings. The only limit to a steel's versatility is a designer's imagination.

5. Steel Is Green

Steel is a nicer option for the environment compared to wood. Harvesting wood from trees requires chemical treatments and cutting down trees. Additionally, since trees are organic material, they rot a lot sooner, requiring a cyclical process of harvesting more trees.

Unlike trees, steel boasts a much longer lifespan. When a steel structure is at the end of its lifespan, it is simply recycled into another structure without losing its effectiveness.

At Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply, we have over 30 years of experience in providing high-quality steel fabrication services. Contact us today and let our team of proficient fabricators and welders provide you with the top-quality metal work you need for your home or project.

Ways to Mitigate Metal Corrosion in Your Industrial Plant

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Corrosion is a significant concern in industrial applications where metal is the primary material in use. Widespread corrosion can increase maintenance and operational costs and prolong downtimes due to faulty equipment. The good news is that even though most metals are prone to corrosion, prevention is entirely possible.

Read on to learn about metal corrosion and ways to prevent rust in your plant.

Metal Corrosion Basics

Metal corrosion is an electrochemical process. Each metal structure has an anodic end and a cathodic end. Corrosion begins at the anodic end with the oxidation of ferrous ions. The anode end releases electrodes that travel through the metal to the cathodic end of the metal structure.

At the cathodic end, the electrons combine with water and oxygen to produce hydroxyl ions. The hydroxyl ions interact with the ferrous ions from the anodic end to produce ferrous hydroxide. When ferrous hydroxide mixes with air, the result is red rust, also known as hydrated ferric oxide.

Metal Corrosion Causes

Corrosion requires oxygen, moisture, and the presence of two dissimilar metals.

Oxygen and Water

Oxygen facilitates the oxidation of ions while water acts as the electrolyte through which current from the anodic end travels to the cathodic end. Unsurprisingly, metal tends to rust much faster in wet or humid environments. Additionally, airborne pollutants such as chlorides and sulfates can increase the rate of metal corrosion.

Dissimilar Metals

When two dissimilar metals, such as zinc and steel, interact, one metal corrodes and protects the other one from corrosion. In this case, zinc would corrode and therefore protect the steel.

The way each metal behaves depends on the level of the metal's reactivity in the presence of an electrolyte such as water.

Bear in mind that rust can form on a metal even if the metal is not in contact with another metal. This process is known as localized corrosion.

Metal Corrosion Prevention

Plant managers can implement several techniques to prevent corrosion. The most common methods include coating, impressed current method, sacrificial anode method, and use of chemical inhibitors.

Coating

Coating can be an effective method of mitigating metal corrosion. Coating techniques include electroplating, painting, application of welded overlays, among other methods.

Coating works to protect the metal structure from a corrosive environment or substance. Metal coating is a precise engineering process — be sure to find an experienced metal coating professional to get the job done professionally.

Impressed Current Method

In the impressed current method, metal experts use an electric power-rectifying device to generate an equal but opposing current against the corroding current from the anodic end. This lowers the voltage of the alternating current passing through the metal structure, thereby preventing the formation of rust.

Sacrificial Anode Method

In this method, a metal that is prone to corrosion is electrically bonded to another that is less prone, for protection. Galvanized steel is an example of the sacrificial anode method at play. Zinc, which galvanizes steel, is the sacrificial anode while the underlying steel is the protected cathode.

Chemical Inhibitors

Adding chemical inhibitors to a corrosive environment can slow down the oxidation and reduction process that constitutes corrosion. Chemical inhibitors can be in the form of gas, liquid, or solid compounds. Examples include tungstate, cathodic poison, and hydrazine among others.

Perhaps the most effective way to minimize the occurrence of corrosion in the first place is to assess your plant's environment to determine the metallic materials that are most compatible with the current environment. Understanding your environment can help to identify potential corrosives and find suitable ways to modify the prevailing conditions to mitigate rust.

At Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply , we supply a wide array of top quality metal products to suit the unique conditions in your plant. Get in touch with us today to find out how you can use our metal products to improve your operations.

3 Key Benefits of Plasma Cutting

Thu, 24 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Metal fabricators use a variety of techniques to ensure clean, efficient cuts, including oxyfuel, laser, and water jet cutters. A newer yet increasingly popular technology goes by the name of plasma cutting. Yet many people - both amateurs and those within the metalworking industry - fail to recognize the distinct advantages offered by plasma cutting.

Unfortunately, this lack of awareness often leads to less efficient metal fabrication. Increase your knowledge of today's techniques for cutting and shaping metal. This article will help get you up to speed regarding plasma cutting, by discussing three of this technique's most notable benefits.

1. High Speed

Plasma cutting machines harness the power of electricity to cut through even the thickest sheets of metal. In order to focus this energy, a plasma cutter emits a high-powered stream of gas - usually argon, nitrogen, or oxygen. This gas acts as a conduit for the electricity, allowing the cutter to quickly achieve temperatures as high as 40,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

These incredible temperatures allow plasma cutters to slice through metal with incredible speed. The beam of a plasma cutter can cut through a 1.25-inch thick sheet of metal in roughly 1.5 seconds . By comparison, it would take an oxyfuel cutter roughly 20 seconds to accomplish that same task.

The speed of a plasma cutter gives it an incredible edge in efficiency. Simply put, manufacturers can get more work done in a shorter period of time when using a plasma cutter. This allows manufacturers to keep costs as low as possible, passing savings along to their customers in the process.

2. Versatility

Traditional cutting methods like oxyfuel use the power of oxidation to melt through metal. While effective on certain metals - steel and other ferrous metals- non-ferrous metals resist the process of oxidation. Stainless steel and aluminum, to name a few, exhibit poor behavior when cut with an oxyfuel torch.

Not only will it take oxyfuel a long time to cut through such metals, but it often leaves them excessively warped at the end of the process. Likewise, a large amount of dross - an unwanted byproduct of cutting - will be left behind. For these reasons, most metal fabricators consider oxyfuel off limits when it comes to such metals.

Plasma cutting knows no such limitations, thanks to the fact that it utilizes the power of electricity to cut metal. Plasma cutting requires only that a material possesses basic electrical conductivity. Nearly all metals meet this simple criteria. As a result, a single plasma cutter can do the work that it would otherwise take an arsenal of different cutters to accomplish.

3. Future Friendly

Traditional fabrications methods have earned their place in the metal cutting world. Many of these methods have stopped growing and adapting. Plasma cutting, on the other hand, continues to undergo an exciting process of refinement and development.

Plasma cutting equipment manufacturers understand the importance of keeping pace with the rest of today's technology. For instance, many newer models of plasma cutters allow access to key information through smartphone apps. These apps allow users to monitor information regarding their plasma cutter's power settings.

Plasma cutting has also embraced current trends in robotics, CNC machining, and CAD/CAM design technology. Such features allow metal fabricators to remain in-step with the contemporary world, thus keeping relevance in a time of increasing change and development.

Plasma cutting offers a number of highly exciting prospects - both in the present and the future. For more information on how plasma cutting can meet your metal fabrication needs or to get started on your plasma cut fabrication project, please contact the pros at Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply.

Repair an Outdoor Steel Sculpture or Building

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

An outdoor steel sculpture or building can be a great addition to a residential landscape. Steel is the universal choice for durable metal sculptures and buildings around the world.

Steel is extremely strong, easy to clean, and has an attractive surface patina. Despite its strength, a steel sculpture or building can be scratched or damaged by another piece of steel, such as a garden tool or lawnmower. With the right tools, however, steel can be repaired and refinished so that the damage is imperceptible.

Here is a method to repair and refinish an outdoor steel sculpture or building that has surface damage.

Clean the Steel

To maintain an outdoor steel sculpture or building in top condition, clean it monthly. Dirt, grime, and environmental pollutants can accumulate on an unclean steel surface and, if not removed, can retain moisture and cause corrosion.

To clean steel, brush off surface dirt and dust with a soft brush. Thoroughly clean the surface with a solution of 8 ounces of ammonia in 5 gallons of water. Mix this solution well, and apply it by hand or with a spray washer or sponge mop. Let this solution remain on the surface for a few minutes, and then rinse well with plain water.

Do not allow the rinse water to remain on the steel surface. Dry all surfaces and crevasses by hand with a soft, absorbent cloth or a sponge mop. Change the cloth and wring out the sponge mop often to continue to absorb the maximum amount of moisture.

Prepare the Steel for Repair

Once it has been cleaned and dried, examine the steel surface. Damage can be repaired if you catch it soon after it occurs.

For a deep scratch or gouge, chip off any projecting metal pieces with compound tin snips. Cut the metal down as close as possible to the level of the surrounding steel surface.

Sand the Steel Damage

Carefully sand and smooth the damaged surface with an emery cloth, aluminum oxide sandpaper, or silicon carbide sandpaper. Wrap the cloth or sandpaper around a sponge sanding block and sand gently.

To ensure that you do not scratch the surrounding area, place a piece of 28 - 32 gauge sheet steel on the area to shield it while you work.

Fill the Steel Damage

Once you have a smooth and sanded steel surface, fill any gouges in the steel with auto body filler putty. Follow the manufacturer's directions to thoroughly dry the filler putty before you finish the repair. Sand the filler putty flush with the surrounding area with 400 grit sandpaper.

Prime and Paint the Steel

Apply metal primer on the raw steel surface to prepare it to be painted. For small areas, dry the primer with a hairdryer. Mask off other areas with a protective plastic drop sheet and adhesive tape.

Paint the repaired area by hand with a soft brush and an oil-based metal paint used for auto repair. If the repaired area is large, you can spray the paint on the surface with a paint sprayer.

If you use spray paint, protect the areas that are not be painted with a protective cloth and masking tape. Whatever method you use, you may need several coats to cover the repair.

Protect the Steel

After painting the steel surface, apply several coats of an oil-based clear sealant to protect the surface. Match the finish of the clear sealant to the matte or shiny finish of the other steel parts.

When you build and maintain an outdoor steel sculpture or building, you want to use the finest steel available. For a complete selection of high-quality steel components or to have a custom steel building installed on your property, contact Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply . We can help you with all phases of your steel project.

Using Water Jets to Cut Unique Parts and Tools

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

When you need to manufacture small or otherwise precise parts and tools, you face a wealth of options. Water jetting is a relatively new but increasingly popular choice among businesses, particularly if you work with dense or heat sensitive materials. Consider the following information about water jetting as you plan and design your components and the tools needed to work with them.

Understanding the Water Jet Process

If you have ever visited the Grand Canyon, you are probably already familiar with the immense potential strength of water. Given enough time, water naturally erodes just about any material blocking its way. Instead of grinding or splitting with lasers and plasma, water jets concentrate the erosive might of water into a tiny, high-pressure stream. Some machines use pure water to saw through materials, while others mix in abrasives for an added kick.

Either way, the result is a fast, powerful, and versatile fabricating process that can handle both heavy layers of steel and fragile aluminum sheets. The water never dulls or chips and is highly flexible, able to manufacture parts in a wide range of widths and shapes. If you work with objects that are thicker than a laser cutter can handle, but you need more accuracy than plasma, water jets are likely your most efficient choice.

Cutting With Precision

The high velocities and pressures typical in water jetting allow for both power and precision. When funneled down to a narrow stream, water jets reach minimum tolerances of about .002 inches, though this may vary by model and project. This is only slightly lower than the best laser cutters and much better than a typical plasma cutter.

Avoiding Heat Zones

In other cutting methods, the energy traveling between a material and the cutter generates a lot of heat. While some materials withstand high temperatures without issues, others respond chemically to the heat, changing their structure around the edge. This may not matter much for a large steel object, but precision tools can't afford to be warped and weakened.

Stainless steel, plastics, laminates, rubber, foam, and heat-sensitive alloys are just a few examples of materials that are best cut without these extra pressures. Even more tolerant metals, however, may benefit from a low-temperature cut. If you need a part to function exactly as intended, with no unpleasant surprises, water jetting is often the safest option.

Choosing Your Materials

This freedom from heat opens up endless possibilities when it comes to designing components. With water jets, you never need to compromise to produce a working part or tool. There are a few materials that cannot be cut with lasers due to their reflective surface. Copper, for example, is generally too bright for a laser cutter. However, no such problem exists with water jets, which can cut stone, wood, glass, and more.

Reducing the Need for Secondary Processing

A part may come out of fabrication looking pristine, but if you magnify its edges, any flaws in the cut will quickly become obvious. Chips, burrs, and rough corners are all hallmarks of laser cutting that must be minimized later on. Like the smooth sides of a canyon, water jets wear edges down to a smooth finish. In most cases, no extra processing is necessary.

Water jetting is one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal, but it is far from the only solution to a fabricating problem. If you still aren't sure which cutting process will deliver the right mix of quality, speed, and cost for your project, contact our experts today at Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply. Our professionals will go over your project requirements to ensure that you walk away with precisely the parts and tools you need.

A Beginner's Guide to SMAW and TIG Welding

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

On the surface, the fundamental principle of welding is deceptively simple: high temperatures fuse together two or more pieces of metal. While this may be accurate in the most basic of terms, the actual art of welding remains much more complex. To get the strongest possible results, a welder must utilize the most appropriate welding method.

The range of welding techniques in use today remains beyond the understanding of most amateurs. If you would like to increase your appreciation of this surprisingly subtle art form, read on. This article will introduce you to two of the oldest and most widely used welding techniques: SMAW and TIG welding.

SMAW
The acronym SMAW stands for the phrase shielded metal arc welding. SMAW, which also goes by the names of stick and/or arc welding, represents welding at its most fundamental. SMAW delivers excellent results when used to weld metals such as iron and steel, but tends welders tend to avoid this method when working with metals like aluminum and copper.

Electricity lies at the heart of a stick welding system. This electricity, generated by a 225-volt AC welding machine, flows through wires to two leads, which clip to the weld. This effectively electrifies the base metal. The welder then moves the welding rod or electrode close to the metal.

As the proximity between electrode and metal grows closer, a sudden surge of electrical energy will leap between the two. The heat of this electrical arc acts to melt the electrode, which flows onto and fuses with the metal. SMAW projects can be differentiated based on a number of factors, such as the width of the electrode and the particular makeup of the flux that covers the electrode.

Flux plays an indispensable role in the stick welding process. It is a sacrificial substance, meant to burn off as the heat of the electrical arc melts the electrode. As the flux burns, it consumes any and all oxygen around the area of the weld. This generates carbon dioxide, which protects the base metal from the forces of oxidation, which would otherwise cause corrosion to set in.

In an age of more technically-sophisticated welding techniques, SMAW retains its relevance thanks to its simple yet highly effective nature. It remains especially prized as a welding method for outdoor work. The electrical arc at the heart of SMAW presents a high degree of wind resistance, meaning it can be used to complete welds in even the most inhospitable of conditions.

TIG
The acronym TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas. This welding method started in the 1940s. Whereas SMAW uses a coating of flux to protect the weld area from oxidation, TIG welding utilizes a special inert gas, most commonly argon. The presence of this gas effectively shields the weld area from all manner of problems related to atmospheric exposure.

TIG welding allows welders to deliver especially high-quality welds, thanks in part to the shielded nature of the technique. Yet the quality of TIG welding also stems from the user's ability to carefully control the levels of heat that they apply to the weld area. A welder adjusts the heat level using a foot pedal attached to the setup.
Another benefit attached to TIG welding lies in its ability to weld metals which SMAW cannot handle very well. In addition to iron and steel, TIG welding retains a high degree of excellence when sued to weld things like nickel, brass, bronze, copper, magnesium, and aluminum. For this reason, TIG welding remains a popular choice in both the aerospace and the automotive industry.

Welding Experts
Welding remains a core part of the construction, manufacturing, and industrial landscapes. For more information about what it takes to ensure the best possible results when working with metal, please don't hesitate to contact the fabrication and welding experts at knowlton Industrial Steel Supply.

5 Factors To Consider When Hiring a Metal Fabricator

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Finding the right metal fabricator for your next big project could mean the difference between having your project completed smoothly, or dealing with one headache after another. To get off to a good start, we've compiled a list of five important factors to consider when hiring a metal fabricator.

1. Capabilities

One of the first factors to consider when hiring a metal fabrication contractor is whether the company you're considering has the capabilities to meet your business needs. Metal fabrication companies often have specialties, and it's pertinent to confirm that the contractor you've got your eye on has the capabilities to produce the metal product you need to your specifications.

If your project is roofing steel, you'll want to make sure the contractor is capable of architectural fabrication, for example. The same holds true if you're in need of auto parts fabrication. It's necessary that the company you choose have the capabilities to fabricate metal for auto parts.

Since different fabrication processes can have starkly different requirements, you must make sure the company you're considering has the type of metal requirements to suit your project. Find out whether the metal fabrication contractor can complete the project in-house.

Don't hesitate to ask about the materials and specific production services the company can offer, such as welding, fastening, and finishing. Have the details of your project ironed out so that you get the most accurate information from the contractor.

2. Experience

The metal fabrication company you choose should have extensive experience with the type of project you're doing. It isn't enough if the contractor has completed a similar project once or twice before.

Metal fabrication is a highly complex and skilled trade where mistakes can be quite costly. A fabricator with a high level of experience fabricating for projects like yours will be able to work efficiently and minimize mistakes.

It's a good idea to inquire about similar projects the company has completed. The answer will give you a good idea as to whether the contractor has the experience necessary to complete your project with confidence.

3. Industries

Finding out what industries the metal fabrication company you're interested in has served will provide insight into whether it can handle demanding projects. It will also give you a clue as to whether the fabricator is consistent.

Industries such as biotechnology, food processing, automotive, and chemical have high standards, very tight regulation, and demand the highest quality finished products. If the contractor you're considering has experience serving these industries chances are it delivers exemplary service and products.

Request that the contractor provides a list of the industries it has experience serving and use that as a guide.

4. Quality

Not all metal fabricators are created equal and not all metal is identical. Ensuring that the result is of the best quality should be your number one priority. A good metal fabrication company uses only the highest quality materials.

Ask the fabricator about the metal quality it uses to complete projects. You'll need to make sure the contractor uses the right grade of stainless steel necessary for your business needs.

The company you're considering should have no problem explaining the quality of the steel they use. Avoid any fabricator that offers a vague response regarding material quality.

5. Turnaround

The ability to complete your project in a timely fashion is another crucial aspect. It's inadvisable to consider hiring a fabricator with a history of running behind and completing projects late. You likely have other parts of your project that can't move forward without having the fabrication completed.

A reliable metal fabricator can provide an accurate timeline of the process for your project from start to finish. Ensure that the schedule contains all the steps, from ordering material to delivery of the final product.

A good fabricator will have experience working in this capacity and will be able to guide you through the process.

Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply has the equipment, skill, and capability to handle fabrication projects large and small. Let us help you with your next project.

Post TitleThe 3 Types Of Steel Used For Knife And Blade Making

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

While knife and blade making is a skill many might associate with an era long gone by, it's one of the hottest growing DIY trends. Whether you want to simply use grinding tools to cut and polish a knife or feel ready to go all out with a forge and an anvil, you need the right kind of steel to get good results.

Yet there are thousands of different formulations and grades of steel to choose from. Before you pick an exact formulation, you need to understand the general types of steel that can be used to make durable and functional knives. Once you at least have a type narrowed down, you know where to start in picking a specific formula.

Tool Steels

The same grades and formulas of steel used to craft worthwhile tools like wrenches, drivers, and crowbars can be used to make high-quality knives. This is why it's such a popular project to use salvaged materials made from tool steel to forge knives and other blades without having to spend money on new stock. Of course, using new tool steel stock will be more reliable than reusing old materials because you know exactly what you're getting.

Most steel grades and formulas used for tool making are alloys that combine a small amount of carbon into the metal. Aside from carbon, tool steels often feature at least some chromium to give them a degree of corrosion resistance. However, they're still more likely to rust or corrode than stainless steel.

This is balanced out by increased hardness, better ability to hold an edge, and reduced chance to fracture during quenching or tempering. Some tool steels also include molybdenum and other additives to help the steel handle the stresses of extreme heating and cooling during forging or grinding.

Carbon Steels

While tool steel formulas contain some amount of carbon, they're not considered a high carbon steel. Grades like 1095 contain nearly 1% carbon in total, which gives the metal the highest amount of durability and strength without making it brittle or difficult to work. It takes an edge easily and stays sharp during heavy use, making it the best type of steel for survival knives, machetes, and other outdoor tools.

Since carbon steels don't usually contain many other alloy ingredients, they generally have the lowest resistance to corrosion. This is usually acceptable for heavy duty knives but will not work for cutlery or fine knives meant for display rather than regular use. Save the carbon steel for your survival projects and pay a little extra for an alloy with a good chromium content for those special designs you want to last.

Stainless Steels

Finally, stainless steel is not entirely corrosion proof, but it does resist the rusting and corroding effects that can weaken and discolor blades made from other grades of steel. However, it is also the most difficult to work, especially when it comes to heat treating and quenching the blade. In exchange for greater corrosion resistance, you also lose general hardness and may find that the blades lose sharpness faster.

For display knives, corrosion resistance wins out over the need for the knife to hold an edge during regular use. But for a survival knife, you'll need a high carbon content to maintain a good edge and hard spine while still using a stainless steel formula. Many knife makers investigate alternative ways to prevent corrosion, such as oiling the blade, rather than trying to find a stainless grade that fits their needs.

Regardless of which type of steel you need, we have it all in various bar stock sizes ready to work here at Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply .

Steel Use in a Residential Garden

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Steel is an alloy of iron and other elements, primarily carbon, and is one of the strongest metals on Earth. Some of the qualities of steel include its high tensile strength, durability, availability, resistance to corrosion and low cost. These qualities make steel an excellent choice for outdoor use in a residential garden.

Steel does not rust but can slowly corrode with exposure to oxygen and moisture in the air. This corrosion is not a serious problem in a residential garden as it takes many years to occur. To protect steel objects in a garden setting, they can be coated with a sealant such as epoxy resin that will make them impervious to corrosion.

Steel parts are available in pre-engineered bars, beams, channels, pipes, tubes, sheets, plates and grates. Here are some ways that these steel parts can be shaped and welded together to create custom features in a residential garden.

Steel Landscape Edging

Custom landscape edging can be made of spiked steel slats that are 6 to 8 inches deep, .25 inch wide, and various other lengths. These spiked slats can be connected together and installed around the edges of lawns and flower beds to keep plants within their borders so they do not have to be continually trimmed or pruned.

Steel Landscape Planter Boxes

Custom steel planter boxes can be made in various sizes and shapes and plumbed with irrigation pipes for convenient watering. Large steel planter boxes can be used for trees, bushes, vines and tall hedges. Small steel planter boxes can be used for flowers, herbs, vegetables, fruits and seasonal plants.

These planter boxes can be placed anywhere in or around a residential garden to act as a fence or highlight particular flowers, vines and vegetation.

When outdoors for a while, untreated steel planter boxes will turn a distinctive rust color that looks similar to terra cotta planters. These steel planter boxes are stronger than terra cotta and retain water longer. The natural rust color is attractive when next to growing green plants.

Steel Garden Furniture and Barbecues

Steel tables, chairs, benches and swings can be custom made for a residential garden. The natural color of steel furniture integrates well with glass, ceramic, concrete, plastic and wood. These other materials can be used to make table tops, seats, seat backs and other parts of steel garden furniture.

Steel is often used to make a custom outdoor barbecues. This metal can also be used to create a unique camp-fire style fireplace with surrounding benches and seats for entertaining guests.

Steel Garden Fountains

Another feature that can be made of steel is a custom water fountain. This fountain can connect to a garden irrigation system and splash water into a swimming pool or garden pond. A steel garden fountain is easy to maintain because it can be simply cleaned of debris and insects with a cloth and household cleaner followed by a rinse of clean water.

Steel Fences, Gates, and Buildings

Steel can be used to construct custom security fences and security gates. These features can be made of solid steel sheets or a series of steel slats or rods. A steel fence and gate can limit access to your garden and act as a deterrent because fences look strong and secure.

Steel is also a good choice when building a custom shed to hold garden tools and other supplies. When weatherized and raised above the ground, a steel shed can keep tools and garden supplies safe and dry in any weather.

When you have a custom steel landscape project for your residential property, contact Knowlton Industrial Steel Supply . We have all sizes, shapes and grades of steel, and we can fabricate anything that you want or need. Give us your garden ideas and drawings and we will make them a reality.