steel industry Archives | National Material Company

8 04, 2024

Galvanized Steel for Solar Tracking: Applications and Capabilities

jane2024-04-10T15:16:06+00:00April 8th, 2024|News Blog|

The immense potential of solar power as a renewable energy source is globally acknowledged, leveraging the abundant, clean, and accessible energy from the sun. To maximize sunlight capture throughout the day, solar panels need to be optimally oriented, a task achieved by solar trackers. Furthermore, these devices adjust solar panels or collectors to follow the sun’s path. Significantly, this enhances their efficiency and energy output by 25% to 40% over fixed installations.

What makes a well-designed solar tracker? What material can support the weight and movement of solar panels or collectors while resisting corrosion and rust from exposure to the elements? It’s simple. The answer is galvanized steel.

This blog will explore the role and benefits of galvanized steel for solar tracking and how it can help you achieve your green energy goals. Stay tuned and learn more about galvanized steel for solar tracking and how the leading steel service center, National Material Company, can enhance your sustainable energy projects.

Galvanized steel is an incredibly powerful material that should not be underestimated.

To produce galvanized steel, manufacturers apply a layer of zinc to the steel, which prevents rust and corrosion. In fact, the function of the zinc coating is to act as a sacrificial anode. This means the zinc layer will corrode before the steel layer beneath it. Various industries and applications widely use galvanized steel due to its low cost, long life, and resistance to mechanical damage.

Galvanized steel offers several advantages:

Less expensive than stainless steel and does not require additional surface treatments or coatings.
It has a lengthy lifespan of more than 50 years in average environments and more than 20 years in severe water exposure.
The galvanization process controls the coating thickness and quality, making it reliable and consistent.
As a result of the zinc coating creating a metallurgical bond with the steel, its mechanical properties are improved, rendering it solid and long-lasting.

Some galvanized steel applications are:

Construction — People use galvanized steel for roofing, walling, foundations, and structural components such as beams, columns, and frames.
Automotive — Manufacturers use galvanized steel to make body panels, chassis, and other parts that must withstand corrosion and maintain strength.
Solar — Mounting systems, frames, and supports for solar panels are made with galvanized steel, capable of enduring severe weather and UV exposure.
HVAC — Ductwork, pipes, and fittings for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems often utilize galvanized steel due to its ability to prevent both condensation and corrosion.
Agriculture — Galvanized steel is used for fencing, silos, greenhouses, and animal shelters. This is because it can resist animal damage and chemical exposure.

Solar Trackers: Where Steel Shines

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8 03, 2024

Processing Steel in the U.S. – Metal Forming 101

jane2024-03-13T17:10:30+00:00March 8th, 2024|News Blog|

Metal forming is a process vital in the US steel processing industry. Renowned for its capacity to mold complex shapes and structures, it’s a process embraced by steel processors throughout North America for its capability to generate a wide array of essential products, from precision automotive parts to critical aerospace components.

Metal forming requires skilled professionals and advanced machinery, which is where steel service centers come in. These centers are the go-to source for metal processing, forming, and distribution, providing essential services that help transform raw materials into finished products.

What is Metal Forming?

Have you ever wondered how metals manufacturers create various shapes and sizes of metal parts? It’s thanks to the fascinating process of metal forming: the art of shaping a piece of metal into any desired shape. Various methods are involved in this process, from roll forming and bending to extrusion and forging.

The best part about metal forming is its efficiency and accuracy. With this technique, manufacturers can create large, sturdy metal parts with high precision. And that’s why it has become an indispensable part of the manufacturing industry today. Next time you observe a metal part, remember it was made using a specific process.

Metal Forming Process: The Basics

Metal forming is a captivating process that encompasses a diverse array of production techniques. From forging and casting to rolling and bending, there are countless ways to transform raw metal stock into a finished item. Regardless of the technique, manufacturers aim to create high-quality products that meet customers’ needs. So, whether you’re a metalworking expert or just curious about the industry, metal forming is worth learning more about!

Cold Working Process

In the cold working process, one applies force to reshape metal, changing its shape without adding or removing any material. This process can achieve the desired shape of the metal at room temperature.

Heat Treated Process

Metals can be changed in many ways to make them more robust, flexible, and wear-resistant. One way to do this is by heat treatment, a process of altering the physical or chemical properties of a metal through the use of heating or chilling, normally with extreme temperatures, to achieve the desired result or appearance. Heat treatment is a common method used by manufacturers to give metals intricate shapes that are impossible to achieve through simple bending. It can also make steel more flexible and last longer.

Five distinct metal-forming processes:

1. Roll Forming

Roll forming is a key manufacturing process that involves bending a long strip of metal, typically coiled steel, by passing it through consecutive sets of rolls. Each pair of rolls performs a part of the bend until the metal achieves the intended cross-sectional profile. This method is versatile, allowing for the creation of various shapes and sizes at room temperature.

The process allows for manipulation of metals to enhance their physical or mechanical properties, achieving […]

8 02, 2024

New Year, Great Outlook for Metals Processor National Material Company

jane2024-02-04T19:21:16+00:00February 8th, 2024|News Blog|

So what exactly makes National Material Company a top-of-the-line metals processor? Read on to find out.

The world we live in today has been greatly influenced by the steel industry, a legacy that all began in the Iron Age, when humans discovered the power of iron. During that time, steel production was still initially time-consuming and expensive. However, a significant turning point arrived with the introduction of the Bessemer converter. The game-changer came in the mid-19th century, revolutionizing steel manufacturing by making it more accessible and cost-effective. This innovation spurred rapid growth and enabled steel’s critical role in constructing everything from skyscrapers to intricate machinery, profoundly impacting society.

The modern steel industry is a sophisticated and advanced sector, characterized by numerous processes. Over the years, multiple advancements have significantly enhanced the efficiency, sustainability, and affordability of metals and steel processing.

National Material Company: Your Leading Metals Processor

National Material Company is North America’s leading metal processor and service provider with a rich history dating back to 1964. What was once a steel service center for electrical grade steel in Chicago, NMC has impressively expanded its capabilities to all types of flat-rolled steel processing. Over the years, they have built several processing facilities in the United States, making their mark in the flat-rolled steel processing and supply chain management sectors.

Today, National Material Company is recognized as a top choice for customers seeking high-quality metal processing services. Their reputation as a reliable metal processor is strengthened by a skilled team, state-of-the-art equipment, and extensive storage capabilities. With multiple locations across the U.S., they efficiently and cost-effectively meet the diverse needs of their clients. NMC’s commitment to excellence, combined with nearly six decades of experience, makes them an invaluable partner in the metals & steel service industry.

Discover a vast array of solutions, offerings, and expertise that NMC can bring to the table:

Galvanized Steel

NMC’s galvanized steel processing capabilities produce a high-quality metal products treated with zinc to make it corrosion and rust-resistant. Therefore, it will last longer than regular steel. The zinc coating helps to protect the steel from harmful elements that can cause corrosion and rust. This makes it a reliable and durable material for any project. Its durability in withstanding harsh weather conditions makes it so popular to an array of industries. These include automotive, construction, wind and solar, energy, and telecommunications.

Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS)

Secondly, one of NMC’s most exciting capabilities is the ability to process advanced high-strength steel (AHSS). Engineers have crafted this special steel to exhibit remarkable strength and lightness by utilizing chemical compositions and manufacturing processes. AHSS can form into complex shapes, thereby enabling manufacturers to decrease the number of individual parts required to create a product. It’s perfect for meeting the automotive industry’s strict regulations and helping manufacturers reduce emissions, improve safety, and enhance fuel economy.

Steel Supply

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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

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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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14 03, 2022

Metals Processing: Advantages of Cold Rolled Steel

Cara2022-08-05T16:30:32+00:00March 14th, 2022|News Blog|

There are many steps required in metal processing in order to achieve a high-quality product. American steel processor, National Material Company (NMC), believes there can be no exception to this rule. Steel is an alloy that is a mixture of both iron and carbon and it is durable, sustainable, and highly desired by many industries. Formal specifications and different grades of steel can affect the performance and use of the metal, but there are additional techniques within the metals’ processing that can alter the strength and finish. In this article, we will focus on one technique known as cold rolling.

Engineers and designers alike must decide on the type of metal they will need to begin work on their projects. Cold rolled steel for many reasons might be the ideal metal. “Cold rolled” refers to the process the steel undergoes before becoming the final product. The temperature is not what we may consider “cold.” Instead, the entire process occurs at room temperature and involves applying great pressure to the steel. However, this does not mean cold rolled steel never experiences its recrystallization temperature. In fact, cold rolled steel endures extreme temperatures and compression rollers just like hot rolled steel. Cold rolled steel simply undergoes more processes once it has cooled down to get exact dimensions and better surface qualities. In many cases, steel may undergo processes like rolling, turning, grinding, and polishing. Each one gives the steel a unique finish.

There are many advantages of cold rolled steel, such as increased strength. (Read about Advanced High Strength Steel, or “AHSS” here.) The compression of the steel at room temperature hardens the strain, giving the metal significant strength when compared to other types of steel. That being said, the steel is not needlessly thick to create this strength. Cold rolling allows for tighter tolerances not found within other steel manufacturing. In other words, the metal will have thinner walls without sacrificing integrity.

One of cold rolled steel’s most desirable aspects is its aesthetics. The cold rolling process enables metal processors like National Material Company to improve the surface finish. It leaves a smooth surface with few imperfections that are ideal if a project requires visual appeal. An excellent surface is great not just for its beauty, however. Cold rolled steel is used in the construction of bridges due to fewer visible surface flaws.

Additionally, cold rolled steel is ideal for projects that require more precision and need to be durable. Bars created with this technique have well-refined edges, and tubes are very straight with excellent concentric uniformity.

Cold rolled steel can be found across many industries today. It is used in parts for home appliances, roof and wall systems, metal furniture, aerospace structural members, and a wide scope of applications too numerous to list. Despite the many steps within the cold rolling process, cold rolled steel has a short manufacturing time and can be delivered promptly so customers can begin work on their projects quickly.

National Material Company […]

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