galvanized steel Archives - National Material Company

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 08, 2024

The Role of the Steel Service Center for OEMs

joe2024-08-21T19:50:57+00:00August 8th, 2024|News Blog|

For companies that make original equipment (OEMs), finding the best materials is more than just important — it gives them an edge over others. Steel service centers for OEMs, like National Material Company (NMC), are essential. They ensure OEMs get the best steel that fits their needs, helping them work better, make more profit, and improve operations.

Steel service centers like NMC bridge the gap between steel mills and OEMs, offering precision cutting, slitting, and processing. This partnership allows OEMs to focus on core activities while trusting service centers for consistent, ready-to-use materials. This blog explores the role of a steel service center for OEMs, highlighting how NMC streamlines operations, improves product quality, and reduces costs.

What Does it Mean to Be an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)?

An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) produces parts or components that another company incorporates into its products, which are then sold under that company’s brand. OEMs are common in industries such as automotive and computing.

For example, a branded laptop might source processors or memory modules from an OEM. OEMs typically produce parts for value-added resellers (VARs), focusing on manufacturing rather than the final product design.

Historically, OEMs have sold primarily to other businesses rather than directly to consumers. However, some OEMs now also sell parts directly for consumer repairs.

What are Alternatives to OEM Parts?

Ensuring a steady supply of cost-effective spare parts is critical for any manufacturing operation. Managing spare parts inventory represents a significant and inevitable cost for companies utilizing industrial machinery.

While OEMs might be the go-to for all necessary spares and components, the market offers other alternatives such as OE, ODM, and aftermarket parts.

OE Components:

Produced by a different company but meet the same factory standards as OEM parts.

ODM (Original Design Manufacturer):

An original design manufacturer (ODM) is distinct from an OEM. ODMs create products based on a client’s specifications, which the client then sells under their brand. ODMs have less design leeway than OEMs because they work within client-provided specifications. However, this model benefits from reduced R&D costs, lowering consumer prices.

Aftermarket:

While OEMs produce original equipment, aftermarket manufacturers create products compatible with OEM parts. In essence, aftermarket parts are non-original replacements made by companies — either local or international — without the authorization of the original manufacturers. These parts are often less expensive but may not guarantee the same level of performance as OEM products.

What are the Advantages of Purchasing OEM Products?

• Superior quality: OEM products, crafted by the original creators, offer unmatched quality compared to alternatives. The premium price reflects their superior construction.

• Longevity: Built to last, OEM products, such as spare tires, ensure the material’s quality and durability.

• Extended service life: OEM components generally have a longer service life […]

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 […]

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