jane, Author at National Material Company - Steel Processing Facilities

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So far jane has created 11 blog entries.

6 12, 2024

Metal Stamping Products in the Wild

jane2024-12-11T21:45:20+00:00December 6th, 2024|News Blog, NMC Media|

Have you ever wondered how industries like automotive, solar energy, and agriculture manufacture critical components with such precision and durability? Well, the answer often lies in metal stamping. This essential technique produces high-quality, reliable components across various sectors, enabling everything from everyday household products to cutting-edge technologies.

In this blog, we’ll explore metal stamping products found in the world around us. We will examine key industries that utilize it. We’ll also discuss how high-quality materials like galvanized steel. Additionally, how aluminum plays a vital role in ensuring the durability and performance will also be examined.

Metal Stamping Products in Everyday Use

Manufacturers use metal stamping products to create many of the items we encounter daily, from kitchen appliances to electronics, tools, and furniture hardware. Furthermore, these products rely on the precision and consistency of metal stamping to function efficiently and last longer.

Metal stamping products are widely used in various industries to create essential components for appliances, electronics, and automotive parts. In appliances, metal stamping is used for components in microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers. In the electronics sector, it produces internal parts for smartphones, computers, and other devices.

For the automotive industry, metal stamping ensures the precision of parts such as seat belt buckles, exhaust systems, and engine components, all of which meet rigorous performance and safety standards.

Image Attribution: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/washer-inside-washing-machine_1254741.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=0&uuid=5754847d-2017-43f1-90c3-e62476500449

Key Industries Leveraging Metal Stamping

Industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing rely on metal stamping for producing critical components. These sectors require precision, durability, and high performance, making metal stamping products essential for meeting rigorous industry standards.

Metal stamping products in aerospace

In aerospace, metal stamping products are essential for creating lightweight, strong components that meet stringent safety and performance standards. Manufacturers stamp structural components and engine elements to ensure optimal strength-to-weight ratios.

Metal stamping products in aerospace

Metal stamping products are widely utilized in the automotive sector to manufacture chassis components, body panels, and interior elements such as brackets and seat components. The process allows manufacturers to produce large volumes of complex parts with high precision.

Metal stamping products in medicine

Precision is key in the medical device industry. Manufacturers use metal stamping products to produce surgical instruments, implants, and diagnostic equipment. This ensures that these components meet the exacting standards required for medical use.

These industries demand tight tolerances, high strength, and durability, all delivered through metal stamping.

Metal stamping in the solar industry

One of the fastest-growing sectors utilizing metal stamping is the solar energy industry. Solar power systems depend on various precision-engineered components, particularly in solar tracking systems. These systems require durable parts to withstand the elements, ensuring solar panels can follow the sun’s movement for maximum energy capture.

Solar […]

6 11, 2024

Metal Processing for Electric Vehicles: When Steel and Aluminum are Needed

jane2024-11-06T15:00:59+00:00November 6th, 2024|News Blog, NMC Media|

As the electric vehicle (EV) market expands, strategic use of materials like steel and aluminum has become critical in achieving performance, sustainability, and cost objectives. Metal processing for electric vehicles is a complex field where the selection of materials can significantly influence vehicle design and manufacturing efficiency. Both automotive aluminum and automotive steel play pivotal roles, each offering distinct advantages that can enhance or hinder a vehicle’s performance, range, and cost-effectiveness.

The Steel vs. Aluminum Debate in Metal Processing for Electric Vehicles

In the electric vehicle (EV) industry, a competition between steel and aluminum has emerged, with manufacturers weighing the pros and cons of each material for specific applications. Steel, including ultra-high-strength (UHHS) and advanced high-strength steel (AHHS), is valued for its strength and cost-effectiveness. Aluminum, on the other hand, is favored for its lightweight properties and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for battery enclosures and body panels.

As original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and EV automakers strive to optimize their vehicles, choosing steel and aluminum becomes a strategic decision. This decision is influenced not only by the materials’ inherent properties but also by factors like supply chain management, the capabilities of steel service centers and metal processing centers, and the demands of EV infrastructure. Understanding the benefits and limitations of each material can guide manufacturers in creating electric vehicles that meet the highest performance and sustainability standards.

The Case for Steel

Advantages of Automotive Steel in Electric Vehicle Manufacturing

Automotive steel, particularly ultra-high-strength steel (UHHS) and advanced high-strength steel (AHHS), offers exceptional strength and durability, making it ideal for structural components that must withstand significant stress, such as the vehicle frame and chassis. In addition to its robustness, steel is generally more cost-effective than aluminum, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers with budget constraints. This is especially important for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) looking to optimize production costs.

Furthermore, steel is highly recyclable, aligning with sustainability goals and reducing the carbon footprint of vehicle production. The use of galvanized steel also enhances longevity and corrosion resistance in automotive components.

Challenges of Using Steel in Electric Vehicles

One downside of using steel is its weight, as it is significantly heavier than aluminum. This added weight can negatively affect a vehicle’s overall efficiency and range, making it less ideal for electric vehicles focused on maximizing energy efficiency. Additionally, although advancements in galvanization have improved steel’s resistance to rust, it remains more susceptible to corrosion than aluminum, particularly in harsh environmental conditions.

The Case for Aluminum

Benefits of Aluminum in Electric Vehicles

Aluminum’s lightweight nature makes it an ideal choice for reducing vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency, and extending the range of electric vehicles. For EV automakers, automotive […]

8 07, 2024

Why Use Steel in Agricultural Heavy Machinery

jane2024-08-20T23:10:07+00:00July 8th, 2024|News Blog, NMC Media|

The advent of metalworking marked a significant transformation. It introduced tools that revolutionized farming practices. Agricultural heavy machinery, such as iron plows, effortlessly cut through tough soil, enhancing productivity and enabling the establishment of stable communities. This revolution in steel in agricultural heavy machinery laid the groundwork for technological advancements that eventually led to the creation of skyscrapers and smartphones.

In contemporary agriculture, while tractors and combines might seem vastly different from early iron plows, they share a fundamental element: steel. However, today’s agriculture depends on specialized steels designed to endure harsh conditions, optimize efficiency, and reduce costs.

This is where National Material Company (NMC) comes in, providing high-quality steel to support these advancements and ensure the durability and efficiency of modern agricultural machinery.

Steel: The Backbone of Modern Farming

With its unmatched strength and versatility, steel has become the backbone of modern agricultural heavy machinery. Unlike its wooden or iron predecessors, steel in agricultural heavy machinery can handle the most challenging jobs – withstanding heavy loads, resisting impacts, and enduring constant vibrations season after season. This translates to reliable performance, fewer breakdowns, and maximized productivity for your farm.

Beyond Strength: Unveiling Steel’s Advantages

Steel provides more than mere strength. Its versatility facilitates the production of precise components. Significantly enhancing the efficiency of agricultural machinery. This includes everything from intricate gears in a tractor transmission to the cutting blades of a harvester.

Moreover, steel’s adaptability is a remarkable advantage. With techniques like welding and forming, manufacturers can create innovative designs with features that make your life easier. Examples include foldable components for easier transport and modular systems that can be adjusted to meet diverse field requirements.

Steel’s Resilience: Standing Up to the Elements

It is evident that agricultural equipment must endure inclement conditions. Constant exposure to moisture, harsh chemicals, and fluctuating weather poses significant challenges. This is where the corrosion resistance of steel becomes crucial. When combined with protective coatings such as galvanized or hot-dipped galvanized steel, it effectively resists rust and oxidation. This not only prolongs the lifespan of the equipment but also results in substantial savings on repair costs.

Steel and Sustainability: Partners for a Greener Future

The importance of sustainability in agriculture is growing, and steel contributes to addressing this concern. Modern high-strength steel alloys are lighter and more fuel-efficient than older materials, meaning your equipment burns less fuel and reduces emissions. Plus, steel is 100% recyclable. The steel from your equipment can be recycled at the end of its life to produce new products, reducing environmental impact.

Next, let’s explore the different types of steel in agricultural equipment, […]

8 06, 2024

Solar Tracker Industry Components that Need Steel or Aluminum

jane2024-07-10T17:09:30+00:00June 8th, 2024|News Blog, NMC Media|

Your solar farm is now operational, with gleaming rows of panels basking in sunlight. But are you maximizing your investment? The secret lies in the robust solar tracking industry components that keep your solar trackers moving smoothly and efficiently while withstanding the constant battle — relentless sun, harsh weather, and the pressure to maximize your energy output.

But which material should you choose? Steel or aluminum? Each offers unique advantages, and the wrong choice can impact your tracker’s performance and lifespan. Selecting the appropriate material can seem like a daunting task. As a leader in steel processing and supply-chain management, National Material Company will help you choose the best material for specific components, ensuring your trackers operate flawlessly for years and your solar farm achieves peak performance.

What are Solar Trackers and Why Do We Need Them?

Envision a world where your solar panels could constantly face the sun, soaking up every last ray of energy. That’s the power of solar trackers – these innovative systems are like tiny robotic assistants for your solar facility, constantly adjusting the angle of your panels to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the day.

Image Attribution: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/robot-with-solar-panel_918549.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=27&uuid=34d4ca3f-8b9e-4ee3-bb2b-0f48a4133939

But why is this constant adjustment so crucial? The more directly sunlight hits a surface, the more heat it absorbs. So, the angle of sunlight directly impacts how much power your panels generate. A panel facing the sun head-on captures the most energy, while tilted panels see a decrease in output.

Solar trackers ensure your panels are always basking in the most optimal light by constantly tracking the sun’s movement across the sky, east to west. Research indicates this can substantially increase power generation, with up to 30-40% more energy produced than stationary panels. This translates to a more productive solar farm and a bigger return on your investment.

How Does Steel for Solar Tracker Manufacturing Help Us?

Champion against corrosion. Unlike some materials that succumb to rust and leave unsightly stains, galvanized steel stays strong and keeps your installation looking sharp. The zinc coating acts like a shield, preventing rust and ensuring your investment thrives for years to come.
Durability against harsh conditions. Solar panels often face harsh conditions, from scorching sun to fierce weather. The zinc coating in galvanized steel is like a protector’s UV shield, standing strong against the sun’s harmful rays. This resilience makes it perfect for withstanding the elements, whether your solar farm basks in a desert or endures hurricane-force winds.
Great conductor of heat. This might sound surprising, but it’s a hidden benefit of solar power. By allowing heat to flow freely through the solar panel mounting […]

8 05, 2024

When to Use Pre-Galvanized Steel: A Comparative

jane2024-07-10T14:51:56+00:00May 8th, 2024|News Blog, NMC Media|

Choosing the right steel product is imperative, and considerations such as “galvanized steel,” “pre-galvanized,” and “hot-dipped galvanized” are part of the decision-making process.

This guide is intended to break down the key differences between pre-gal and other galvanized options, including hot dipping, electrogalvanizing, and galvannealing. Our goal is to extend our expertise – sharing benefits, uses, and when it’s better than other galvanized metals.

Pre-Galvanized Steel: What You Need to Know

What gives a steel sheet a shiny, almost silvery finish? The power of galvanization. It’s a process where steel gets a zinc coating which protects the steel from its biggest enemy—rust. But in the world of galvanized steel, there are different types.

Inside the steel processing plant, steel is zinc-plated early on before it’s cut. This “in-line galvanizing” process creates an even zinc layer, making pre-galv a great choice for applications that expose most of the surface.

Here’s how pre-gal stacks up against its familiar competitors:

Hot-Dipped Galvanized — This tough competitor gets dipped in molten zinc. This results in a thicker coating, which is ideal for harsh places. But, if we expose cut edges, we must make the process more suitable for complex shapes.

Electrogalvanized — This uses electricity to create a thin, super-uniform zinc layer. It is great for small parts and tight spaces, but it might not hold up well in areas with a lot of wear and tear.

When Does Pre-Galvanized Steel Shine Brightest?

Manufacturers use pre-galv steel in many applications. They use it for its mix of low cost, good rust resistance, and formability. Here are some of the most common uses:

Construction

Roofing and other building applications. Manufacturers use it to make roofing sheets, gutters, flashing, and downpipes. It offers a lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant solution for roofs.

Furniture

Pre-galvanized steel is a great material for constructing furniture due to its high-quality 3D designs, accurate steel designs, and affordability. It may also utilize nano-environmental technology, which provides additional benefits. This material is commonly used for making outdoor furniture, such as lounge sets and benches, due to its excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for outdoor usage.

Appliance Parts

Many appliance components such as washing machine tubs, dryer parts, and refrigerator components can all use pre-galvanized steel. Manufacturers choose it for its rust resistance and formability.

Automotive Parts

Pre-galvanized steel is also used in vehicle manufacturing. Manufacturers can make fender panels and other parts from it, which fights rust on parts exposed to the elements.

Galvanizing vs. Galvannealing

Now that we’ve explored the major points of pre-galvanized steel, you might be curious about other ways to add a zinc shield to steel. Let’s take a look into the world of galvanizing…

Think of galvannealing as a two-part origin story for steel. First, it goes through the familiar galvanizing process — a zinc bath dip to create a protective […]

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