News Blog Archives - Page 3 of 15 - National Material Company

8 01, 2024

Steel Tubing for Solar Trackers & Solar Applications

jane2024-02-04T19:32:58+00:00January 8th, 2024|News Blog|

Let’s talk about steel tubing for solar trackers.

In the world of renewable energy, solar power has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. With the increasing demand for solar energy, choosing suitable materials to construct the necessary components has become crucial. For instance, steel tubing plays a vital role in building solar panel mounting systems and supporting structures. However, not all steel tubing is created equal, and choosing a reputable metals processor specializing in steel processing for solar applications is essential.

What is a Solar Tracker?

A solar tracker is a device used in solar energy systems to orient solar panels or solar collectors toward the sun’s path, maximizing their exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Solar panels are typically installed on fixed mounts, which means they have a fixed orientation and receive sunlight at a certain angle. In fact, solar trackers increase the efficiency of solar panel systems by up to 40%, making them an essential part of large-scale solar energy projects.

Focus on Steel Tubing for Solar Panels

With the rise of solar power’s popularity, the use of steel tubing has become increasingly important. Steel tubing is a crucial component in solar tracker systems because it is often used to create the structural framework that supports the solar panels or collectors and allows for the tracking mechanism. It provides the necessary strength and durability to ensure that solar panels can effectively follow the sun’s path and maximize energy production.

There are several options manufacturers utilize in making the best steel tubing for solar panels, including using high-quality carbon or galvanized steel. For instance, carbon steel tubing is strong and durable, making it an ideal choice for solar panel mounts and trackers. Galvanized steel tubing is also popular, as it is resistant to corrosion and rust, making it a suitable choice for outdoor and harsh weather environments.

Steel tube manufacturers offer a full range of tube sizes and d/t ratios, including unique shapes, to meet the specific requirements of solar tracker designs. Also, they provide on-site laser processing capabilities to cut the tubes to length and ensure precise and accurate dimensions.

Exploring the Benefits of Steel Tubing for Solar Applications

Image Attribution: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/sun-energy-concept-illustration_14664050.htm#query=solar&position=10&from_view=search&track=sph

Roof Mounted Racks

Steel tubing provides roof-mounted racks with the necessary strength and structural integrity to support the weight of solar panels while ensuring that the roof can bear the additional load. It is also thin and lightweight which minimizes the risk of overburdening the structure by distributing the load evenly across the roof. Additionally, the steel tubing ensures the longevity of the rack and, by extension, the solar panel system.

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8 12, 2023

Aluminum for Electric Vehicles: Aluminum is The Future of Automotive

jane2023-12-06T17:46:58+00:00December 8th, 2023|News Blog|

The rise of electric vehicles is an exciting trend, and aluminum is becoming an increasingly popular choice for their construction. Take, for instance, the Cosmic Motors Detonator featured in Daniel Simon‘s book Cosmic Motors: Spaceships, Cars, and Pilots of Another Galaxy. This incredible vehicle showcases the future of transportation, powered by electric motors that deliver lightning-fast speeds. Participating in the electric vehicles and aluminum movement is truly a thrilling time.

The impressive Cosmic Motors Detonator vehicle exemplifies aluminum’s utilization in transportation technology. This automobile serves as a glimpse into the future of space travel, where we may have the opportunity to travel through the cosmos in equally sleek and powerful vehicles. The electric motors of this car are based on real-world technology and can generate the necessary power to propel the vehicle at high speeds.

This article will delve into the many advantages of aluminum and its transformative impact on the future of electric vehicles.

What other materials are commonly used in electric vehicle construction besides aluminum?

Manufacturers use a variety of materials to construct electric vehicles, including:

Steel : commonly used for chassis, body panels, and structural members due to its strength and durability
Carbon fiber: used for lightweight and high-strength components like the battery enclosure, body panels, and wheels.
Plastics: used for interior trim, bumpers, and other body panels.
Copper: used for electrical wiring and components like the electric motor and battery pack.

Other metals, such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium, are used in the E.V. battery pack.

The materials used typically vary depending on the manufacturer and model.

Innovation in E.V. technology has led to the development of new materials and technologies, such as graphene, a lightweight and super-strong material, in E.V. batteries and other components.

As E.V. technology advances, we can expect to see the use of even more innovative materials in E.V. construction.

Image Attribution: https://hauteliving.com/2011/11/haute-auto-the-cosmic-motors-detonator/217730/

Aluminum for Electric Vehicles: Benefits of Aluminum in Electric Vehicles

Aluminum is an excellent option for reducing the weight of vehicles, as it weighs less than steel. Aluminum can make cars lighter, enhancing fuel efficiency and extending their range.

Although lightweight, aluminum is highly durable and can withstand driving forces. This makes it an excellent choice for structural components like the body-in-white. Harsh environments such as salt water and road salt can cause corrosion in electric cars, making it crucial to use resistant materials. Aluminum is known for its corrosion-resistant properties, making it an ideal choice to help extend the lifespan of electric vehicles.

Additionally, aluminum is 100% recyclable, which makes it an environmentally sustainable material for electric vehicles. Automakers who want to reduce their environmental impact should take note of this. Lastly, aluminum is a relatively low-cost material that can help keep the costs of electric vehicles down.

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1 11, 2023

Steel Processor Partnership Spotlight: Aluminum Slitting Services

jane2023-12-06T17:38:56+00:00November 1st, 2023|News Blog|

So, what exactly can one expect from NMC’s aluminum slitting services? Envision a full symphony, where every instrument — from the delicate violin to the mighty timpani — harmoniously combines efforts under the baton of a capable conductor, and the result is a beautiful, well-constructed piece of music.

Aluminum Slitting — like a full symphony — represents a manufacturing process where machinery and tools cut aluminum or steel into various widths. In a nutshell, a slitting line performs this operation, commencing when an uncoiler machine feeds and uncoils coiled aluminum or steel sheets. Subsequently, the material passes through the slitter head, which cuts it into long strips (mults) according to specifications. Rigorous tests and quality checks then verify the precision-cut mults before recoiling, packing, and shipping them to various industries worldwide.

The Aluminum Slitting Line and Its Components

The entire slitting operation, particularly the slitting line, executes a straightforward steel and aluminum slitting process. For example, like a bicycle chain set, each link plays a key role in ensuring precise flow and the production of quality end products. Let’s explore these key elements:

Uncoiler:

Initially loading the large steel or aluminum coil, the uncoiler unwinds the coil as it feeds the metal strip into the slitting section. It operates a tension control system to maintain proper strip tension during the process.

Entry Guide:

A cylindrical device at the entrance of a tube mill maintains the strip on the mill centerline so that the forming process uniformly bends the material.

Slitter Head:

The slitter head, the heart of the slitting machine, consists of a set of rotary knives or blades that precisely cut along the length of the metal strip. Operators adjust these blades to achieve the desired strip width.

Loop Pit or Pit Table:

A controlled area for the metal strip to form a loop, the loop pit or pit table helps maintain consistent tension during the slitting process and prevents damage to the strip.

Tension Control System:

Essential for maintaining proper tension throughout the process, tension control systems adjust the speed at which the metal strip is fed to prevent issues like wrinkling or stretching.

Recoilers:

After the slitting process, the narrower strips wind onto recoiler mandrels. Multiple recoilers may process different widths simultaneously. They feature tension control mechanisms to ensure uniform winding.

Recoiler Mandrels:

Spindles onto which the slit strips wind, recoiler mandrels are designed to accommodate various coil sizes. They include features like expandable segments to secure the strips.

Control Panel:

Modern […]

12 10, 2023

Solar Tracker Manufacturer Spotlight: The Growing Solar Tracker Industry

maria2023-10-12T16:25:59+00:00October 12th, 2023|News Blog|

The Sun is one of the many powerful forces in our universe and an abundant source of energy. It also nourishes a variety of ecosystems through photosynthesis, while the heat it gives acts as a thermostat for our planet.

Throughout Earth’s history, mankind has found a way to harness the sun’s power to shape our lives. In 212 BC, it was believed that Archimedes, an ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and inventor came up with the infamous Archimedes’ heat ray. He purported to have devised a weapon that focuses the sun’s ray and burns attacking Roman ships during the Siege of Syracuse. Fast forward to today and we see vast fields of solar farms that provide renewable energy.

In today’s blog, we’ll survey the rise of solar trackers and the industry around it. we’ll also explore National Material Company’s (NMC) role in helping solar tracker manufacturers continue their valuable contribution to green energy.

A Brief Description: What is a Solar Tracker?

The principle behind a solar tracker is to maximize the efficiency of solar energy capture. This is done by orienting solar panels or mirrors to follow the sun’s path throughout the day. As we all know, the sun moves as the earth rotates on its axis resulting in movement from east to west. Meanwhile, the Earth’s axial tilt results in the sun’s position changing with the seasons — moving it from north to south.

Two Main Types of Solar Trackers

There are two main types of solar trackers: single-axis and dual-axis. Single-axis trackers move the solar panels or mirrors either in a north-south direction (azimuth) or east-west direction (elevation). Dual-axis trackers, as the name suggests, can move in both directions, allowing for more precise solar tracking.

The main goal is to keep the solar modules perpendicular to the incoming sunlight. This ensures that they receive the maximum amount of solar radiation possible. Ultimately, it increases the overall efficiency and output of solar power generation.

Now that we know how it works, what is the steel industry’s role in this orchestra of power generation?

How Steel Plays a Role in Green Energy

Steel’s many properties make it the go-to material for solar tracker manufacturers. The majority of a tracker’s parts (axes, frames, racks, support poles, and mounts – among others) are made of steel. However, it’s imperative to choose the right kind of steel. Exposure to corrosive elements means an increase in maintenance charge as these systems are not set-and-forget products.

With the right steel alloy, the lifespan for solar tracking equipment can be up to 25 years. To reach optimal years of service, solar tracker manufacturers must consider the great significance of choosing the right steel. In doing so, they will reduce maintenance labor and overall cost. Another consideration, they need an excellent supply chain provider for their systems.

The Power of Galvanized Steel

The most widely used alloy by the solar energy industry today is galvanized steel. This is […]

8 08, 2023

Metal Stamping 101: Understanding the Metal Stamping Process

maria2023-08-08T22:11:07+00:00August 8th, 2023|News Blog|

National Material Company is regarded as a global leader in servicing the needs of the steel industry and leading industrial and consumer product manufacturers. With over 50 years of expertise in metals processing and supply chain management, NMC offers metal stamping services as a part of a wide array of steel processing capabilities. Read on to learn more about metal stamping:

Metal Stamping Process

Metal stamping is an incredibly versatile and efficient manufacturing process that takes flat metal sheets or coils and transforms them into precisely shaped and intricate parts. By utilizing force, pressure, and specialized tooling, components with diverse forms — including bends, curves, cutouts, and embossing, are possible. This process offers low costs and higher lead times — both for short and long production runs while keeping consistent quality, dimensional accuracy, and repeatability of the manufactured parts.

How It Works

At the core of metal stamping lies the stamp press, a component responsible for applying the necessary force and pressure to mold the metal sheets or coils into the desired shape or profiles. This powerful machine incorporates specialized tooling known as dies, which performs a variety of stamping operations on the metal. By carefully controlling the movement of the press and the interaction between the dies and the metal in the production line, the stamping process brings forth remarkable transformations in the shape and structure of the material.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the fascinating world of metal stamping and explore its different stages and intricacies.

Design and Tooling Preparation

Experts begin the process with meticulous design and engineering, where the desired part geometry is carefully planned. Stamping professionals consider multiple factors such as material properties, die design, and tooling requirements. Once the design is finalized, it is plotted using CAD (computer-aided design) or CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software to ensure accuracy. After the tool design is completed, the specialized tooling (such as blanking dies, forming dies, and piercing dies), is fabricated using a variety of machining tools and technology. The tool and die design must ensure proper material flow, adequate clearance for the metal sheet, and appropriate support for the part during stamping.

Material Preparation

Based on the requirements of the part, specialists select metal sheets or coils. Considerations include mechanical properties such as strength and ductility, as well as other factors like corrosion resistance, conductivity, and cost. The selected material should be compatible with the stamping process and the desired part’s functionality.

Feeding

The selected materials undergo preparation processes like cutting, slitting, and leveling to obtain the proper dimensions and flatness necessary for stamping. The prepared metal sheets or coils are then fed into the stamping press, where an automated feeding mechanism ensures precise positioning for accurate stamping.

Stamping Operations

As the stamp press initiates its action, the dies close together, subjecting the metal to high force and pressure. This pressure deforms the material, shaping it according to the contours of the dies. There are also a variety of […]