Plasma Cutting

When you need steel cut to your specifications, you want to get it done by the experts. For years, most places have used methods like oxyfuel cutting, laser cutting, and even water jet cutting in some specific cases, but today the best method to get the perfect steel cut is with plasma cutting.

 

The Benefits of Plasma Cutting

Prior to plasma cutting, shops would employ one of several different methods, depending on the type of cut you needed and the material to be cut. One of the most popular was oxyfuel cutting, which works well as an economic choice for single cuts of mild steel that are over about 5mm thick. Unfortunately this is a pretty limited range of cutting capability. For smaller thicknesses, laser cuts were an option, at a significantly higher cost. With both methods, the ability to get a consistent, quick, clean cut on the burn table is difficult.

 

Plasma cutting, which uses a plasma torch to cut through the metal, has many advantages over the old methods. A few of the benefits plasma offer include:

• Cutting speeds much faster than oxyfuel. With very thick cuts it could be as much as twice as fast, but as the metal thickness decreases, you could see speeds up to 12 times faster than more traditional methods.

• The ability to cut more metals at varying thicknesses, without losing any of the precision. Laser cutting, while it is precise, is only useful for very thin metal plates. As the plates get thicker, the method for cutting gets less and less precise. By using nitrogen, plasma cutters can get through steel, aluminum, and many other types of metal.

• Easy and economical use. Unlike some other metal cutting techniques, training for plasma cutting is minimal, and it is more cost-effective than other methods.

• Safety, since the gas used for plasma cutters is not highly flammable. The hazards of operating this type of cutter are far lower than some other methods. In addition, the materials remain cool, which can prevent burns and prevent warping or damage to other parts of the metal as it is cut.

 

Other Advantages and Uses for This Technology

The introduction of plasma cutting brought a revolutionary new method for cutting steel with incredible accuracy and precision, even for thick steel. However, plasma cutting has other advantages. First, it can be used for cutting a wide variety of metals that were previously impossible, or nearly impossible to cut, including painted, dirty, or rusting metals.

 

The fact that plasma operates on electricity and compressed air means companies like Wasatch Steel don’t have to worry about buying and using specialty gases, arranging for pick-up and drop-off of gas cylinders, spending money on extra fees, hefty insurance policies, and more, so often they can pass the savings along to clients. 

 

Whether you are looking for standard metal line burning, or plasma cutting. Plasma cutters are much more user-friendly, providing methods to automatically ensure proper torch height and templates that enable better control for the cutter.

 

With faster cutting speeds, higher quality, increased productivity, and more versatility, plasma cutting makes sense to reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction with the final product.

 

Metal Finishing

Metal finishing can have a variety of benefits for end products as a metal treatment. With an increased durability, higher chemical resistance, electrical resistance, potential for vulcanization, decorative appeal, potential for enhanced conductivity and more, using metal finishing can help you to unlock the potential of your metal products.

There are a large number of metal finishing options and at Wasatch Steel.  We sale many different metal finishes and coatings to suit many budgets and many needs.  Click link to see a verity finishes, coatings, and patinas we offer  http://wasatchsteel.com/finishings.html

Here are some examples of the types of metal finishes and coatings that there are:

• Metal grinding- through the use of friction you can smooth out a metal products surface which helps to increase the sleekness. Metal grinding can be done using a variety of different materials including a ball grinding mill, Rod Mills, semi-autogenous grinding mills and autogenous grinding mills. Depending on the type of metal material that you are working with we can help to provide you with a simple solution for smoothing metal using metal grinding finishing.

• Buff polishing: for a non-textured smooth finish buff polishing can produce a glossy sheen with metal. Both polishing can round out edges and leave you with a very bright and smooth, shining piece of metal.

• Metal plating: by using a chemical bath you can alter the surface of metal to change the color or to change surface details of metal. Major defects may not be changed using metal plating and this is generally used for an aesthetic appeal.

• Brushed metal: this is used for removing any surface imperfections and will create a uniform grain for the metal. A belt or a brush is used to smooth the metal and create a distinct grain on any metal piece. Brushed metal is great for decorative pieces and can work to smooth out a metal and make it look more uniform.

• Vibratory finishing: this is a way to remove burrs and sharp edges and create a uniform texture. This is an excellent way to finish metal and smooth edges to prevent injury during assembly of metal pieces.

• Sandblasting: sandblasting is the process of forcing sand were steel shots into a metal at a high speed which can smooth out the texture and leave this deal with a matte look.

• Hot blackening: this process spreads a thin layer of black oxide onto a metal products surface which leaves it with a black matte finish. This finish is extremely resistant to abrasion and is generally used for automotive parts, firearms and tools. This will help to protect metal from wear as well as degradation and corrosion. This process is quite complicated and involves a series of cleaner baths  and coolants.

For steel supplies in Salt Lake City and a variety of metal finishes and coating options consider visiting Wasatch Steel for supplies on your next project. We are willing to offer you competitive prices to help you manage your budgetary concerns as well.

Metal Finishes and Coatings

Metal is all around us in the world, and has many different uses to build our businesses, homes, and cities, protect our valuables, and even stand as an enduring symbol of freedom like the Statue of Liberty. What differentiates the metals we use in daily life are the finishes applied. There are dozens of different steel finishes and metal coatings, and what you ultimately choose has a lot to do with what your purpose is, and what kind of finished product you want.

 

Steel Finishes

One of the most common steel finishes you will find is painted steel. Steel is popular because of its ability to hold a variety of colors, so you can customize it any way you want. In addition, you can get steel finishes like red oxide, a traditional anticorrosive material that protects the metal from the elements. Its weather resistance properties, with zinc hydroxyl phosphite to inhibit rust, make it a popular choice for outdoor applications.

 

You may also consider steel finishes such as powder coating or ultraviolent (UV) coating. These methods make the steel increasingly durable and resistant to corrosion, abrasion, cracking, breaking, and the harmful effects of UV rays.

 

Metal Finishing Techniques

Wasatch Steel sales a variety of metal finishing and coatings that can provide protection, decorative looks, and resistance to everyday wear and tear. Some of the most common metal finishes include:

• Plating – applying inorganic coatings using a wide variety of methods to increase hardness and corrosion resistance.

• Anodizing – converting metal surface into an insoluble oxide coating through and electrolytic process. These coatings can be used as a decorative look on their own, or as a base for painting or other processes. This method is most commonly used on aluminum.

• Chemical Conversion Coating – a solution that reacts with the metal surface to form a layer of base metal for protection.

• Mechanical Finishing – such as blast finishing and mass finishing, which provide matte or satin looks, a “frosted” look, and covers other imperfections. These are followed up with polishing to remove scratches or other marks.

• Etching – if you have a specific design in mind, you can use chemical reagents or etchants to create the perfect look.

 

The Patina Finish

A patina finish forms naturally on the surface of many metals, most commonly copper and bronze, as a protective method to preventing corrosion and weathering in the metal. It’s created when oxides, carbonates, sulfides, and sulfates form on the surface of the metal after it’s exposed to weather and other outdoor elements such as oxygen, rain, and carbon dioxide.

 

The most famous of all patina finishes is on the Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty is made entirely of copper, and after more than 100 years of standing in New York Harbor, she has developed a considerable natural patina finish. Under normal conditions, especially those in damp coastal and marine environments, patinas can take years to fully develop through a slow chemical reaction among copper, carbon dioxide, and water.

 

Some artists can also add a patina finish to give new objects an antique look and as a way to make objects appear “distressed”. When artificially created, patinas can take on a range of colors from blue and green to yellow, black, white, red, or a mixture of several colors.

 

Whether you are looking for the perfect finish for your next work of art in your home, or trying to protect Lady Liberty in the New York Harbor, a metal finish can be a critical component to keep your items protected from the elements.

 

 

Contest Time!

CONEST TIME! Win $$$!!! We want to see your best steel work. Post them to our wall, and we will put them in our contest gallery. From there, you need to share your picture with your friends and family to get people to like the picture. The picture with the most likes at the end of March WINS! 1st place wins $50 2nd place wins $30 and 3rd gets $20! (The likes MUST be in OUR contest gallery so please make sure you are sharing the right photo. Call us with any questions!) Good luck to all! Let’s see some awesome pictures!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.214469428691871.49412.171375649667916&type=3

Construction and Steel

Steel in Construction

Do you work with steel in the Salt Lake City area?  Steel is used in construction projects for a number of reasons and it`s not just due to its great strength.

Steel Products in Construction

Steel is used often in Salt Lake City area for construction. Steel is a very strong material. It has a high strength to weight ratio which makes it perfect to construct buildings with. This is why steel products in construction are very useful. In construction about 80% of our buildings have steel as the primary component in the construction of the structure. Steel will resist decay and corrosion well. Steel is resistant to many disasters such as wind, floods, fire or hurricanes. Steel doesn't warp like wood does so the frames are straight and this is important with larger structures with more weight to them.

Most steel is recyclable. It can be melted down and used again for another project once it's no longer needed. Many buildings today contain some recycled steel in them. Steel products are also lighter when compared to other construction materials but they are strong at the same time so this is beneficial. Steel in Salt Lake City area is perfect for making structures that meet seismic codes. Steel products are designed to exceed these codes. Steel will flex during these events and not crumble like stone or brick tends to do. A structure frame made out of steel may still be standing even after a large jolt but other buildings will be complete rubble.

 

Steel is made to regulations so there's no variance in the product.  There are no differences in steel no matter what steel products you end up buying. This makes it easier to have the same materials for whatever project you're working on. Steel is also easier to setup than other materials so you can stick to important budgets when working on a project when you use steel in the construction. Another main advantage of steel is that it doesn't burn like other materials do especially wood products. When you use steel you reduce the overall risks for fires. Steel also greatly reduces fire risk when you combine it with a gypsum interior style finish.

 

Steel products aӏso don`t suffer from bug infestations such as terminates. Steel isn`t attractive to pests and you won`t have to spend a lot of money to clear out this type of problem when you use steel. Termites can weaken other structures like wood can cause them to fail. Steel products are every durable and resiѕtant to pests. Another advantage to steel is that it will last a long time when you build something with it. Steel doesn`t need to be replaced very often if at all, and a structure can stand for many years before any of the frame needs repairs.

Steel products should be used in construction because it has many advantages. Steel in Salt Lake City area should be used in projects because of its strength and other factors that make it an attractive building product. Wasatch Steel is here for all of your steel needs. www.wasatchsteel.com

Steel Pipe and Tubing

As steel suppliers in Salt Lake City there are a variety of products Wasatch Steel carries. As a business we realize that you need supplies such as raw steel, equipment and steel accessories. At Wasatch Steel we sale steel pipe, and steel tubing at competitive prices and at bulk rates. We’ve been in business since 1946 and have plenty of experience delivering these products and producing high-quality steel and steel accessories. 

Here is some more information about steel products such as steel pipe and tubing.

How to measure pipe?

Steel pipes: steel pipes are needed mainly for all different functions in construction. If you have never purchased steel pipes before however, there can be some confusion on how to measure steel pipe as well as how to identify the correct type of steel pipe that you need for a project. To measure steel pipe you will go with the inside diameter (ID) measurement and round off to the nearest eighth of an inch. You can also measure the outside circumference of a pipe and provide details based off of that measurement. Be certain to include socket gaps if you are purchasing pipes for plumbing purposes.

How to measure tubing?

Tubing products: tubing is also something that can be used in construction and has a wide variety of mechanical applications. Ordering tubing for raw materials can be a confusing process for a beginner and you need to know how to measure it before you can order tubing correctly. In ordering tubing you should measure the steel tubing by taking the outside diameter (OD) from exterior to exterior of the pipe. The industry standard for tubing is to measure the outside diameter of the tube and then provide measurements for the length of the tube. You should ask extra questions as to the tube thickness especially if you are going to be joining pieces of the tubing together.

Should you have any questions about ordering steel pipes or tubing products Wasatch Steel can provide you with answers from our live help customer service representative online visit www.Wasatchsteel.com. With a variety of steel accessories available in our warehouse do not hesitate to contact us should you have inquiries about steel accessories and ordering steel accessories.

Decorative Steel

The world of artistic metal has expanded in recent years to include several different ways people can decorate their home, office, or business with beautiful metal sculpture pieces. With the trend toward more and more people using sculptured steel pieces, it’s easy to find creative metal that can express your personality and dress up your dwelling.

 

Decorate Outdoors

The exterior of your home doesn’t need to be a bland mix of stucco, siding, and brick. With some simple additions, you can transform your home into a beautiful work of ornamental art. Metal can be a great way to decorate large vertical or horizontal spaces on your home, above your garage, and on outdoor buildings like a shed. You may also consider putting metal art above your windows for a dramatic, classy look that goes beyond traditional plastic shutters (which have no real function, and look a little too “cookie cutter” in most neighborhoods). Plus if you have distinctively shaped windows, you could add a decorative metal grate cover over the entire window for a stylish look. The key is to steer clear of some of the fads, such as a solitary large metal star, and find something truly unique.

 

 

A great place to start is a steel supermarket. You can find ones open to the public, such as Wasatch Steel in Salt Lake City, and take time to browse their selection to find a piece that complements your taste and accentuates your home.

Decorate Indoors

Metal wall art is also a popular way to decorate indoors. You can create a vivid look in your home with steel accents above a mantel, or on a spacious wall. In addition, you can easily paint steel, you can go beyond basic metal colors and create a dramatic look for your interior walls. When you shop for metal components, visit a steel supermarket that is open to the public and browse through to find some unique pieces that will make a bold statement on your walls.

 

Another great way to use metal art in your home is on the fixtures. Whether you replace your light fixtures, doorknobs, handles and hardware on your drawers and cabinets, or even a special metal cabinet door, a unique metal fixture can make a big difference in the finishing details of your home, and the look and feel of your entire décor.

Fences and Rails

Both indoors and out, you can also use artistic steel to bring a unique look to the fences and rails at your house. If you have a two-story home, you may consider installing stair rails and balusters to bring out your personality in a unique way. Whether you prefer a whimsical design, geometric shapes, or something more specialized, you can find it at WasatchSteel Salt Lake City, the steel supermarket.

 

Outside your home you can also use steel to create a tailored look for fences and rails on your home’s exterior. That could include unique designs for the pickets, cast iron finials for the top of your gate, or even floral elements sprinkled throughout the design.

No matter what kind of style you prefer, you can find all your steel needs at Wasatch Steel, the best steel supermarket in Salt Lake City, Utah.