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More and more industries are using titanium, changing how buyers view pricing. The cost of titanium per pound isn’t always clear. It can change due to supply problems, rising demand, or how it’s made. These changes often cause delays in decision-making and can increase project costs. Buyers need to understand
Anodized blue refers to aluminum or another metal that has been anodized and then dyed blue. Anodizing is an electrochemical process. It thickens the natural oxide layer on the metal surface. This layer is hard, wear-resistant, and porous.
Galvanized steel has a pure zinc coating, offering strong rust protection and a shiny look. Galvannealed steel, on the other hand, is heat-treated after zinc coating, making it matte, harder, and easier to paint. Galvanized works well in wet places or where looks matter. Galvannealed is best when you need a surface that holds paint or can handle scratches.
Powder coating thickness is the depth of the coating applied to a surface. It is measured from the top of the coating to the part’s surface underneath. The ideal powder coating thickness ranges from 2 to 5 mils (50-125 microns). This ensures strong protection, a smooth look, and no performance issues.
316L stainless steel is a low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing austenitic alloy designed for superior corrosion resistance and excellent weldability. The molybdenum protects against chlorides and pitting, while the maximum 0.03% carbon content prevents sensitization during welding, making it the standard choice for marine, pharmaceutical, and food processing applications.
Alodine and Anodize are two popular treatments for aluminum surfaces. Both improve corrosion resistance but use different methods. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that builds a thick, rigid, and non-conductive oxide layer on the metal. Alodine is a chemical process that forms a thinner, conductive layer. It offers good protection but keeps the metal’s electrical conductivity.
Hard turning is precision turning that shapes metals with high hardness, typically above 45 HRC. The process uses a single-point cutting tool made of CBN (cubic boron nitride), ceramic, or carbide. The goal is to produce a smooth surface and meet tight tolerances in a single operation. It’s most often used on steel parts after heat treatment, eliminating the need for secondary grinding.
Linishing is a surface finishing method used to smooth and polish metal parts. It removes burrs, scratches, or weld marks using abrasive tools like belts or discs, making the surface cleaner and more even. It’s often done after cutting, welding, or shaping to prepare the part for painting, coating, or assembly.
Tin is not a magnetic metal. Standard tin does not react to magnets, and you cannot attract it with a magnet. Tin is known as a “diamagnetic” material, which means it creates a weak opposing force to a magnetic field.
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