Hardening Steel With Heat
We have touched on the topic of the effects of heat on steel in the past. These little reminders are directed at those of us who are not accomplished thermal treaters of steel. And, that is based on the assumption…
Cut To Length Steel And Random Bar Lengths
Some time ago we posted an article about random bar lengths. The attention from that blog contributed to this follow-up about cut-to-length bars. More importantly, how that term differs from random (rdm) bar lengths. Random bar lengths can be anything…
Bending Steel
There is a famous saying; "A man must know his limitations." I am sure it is also appropriate for a woman. So it is with this topic. Some steel grades can be bent fairly easily. And, some steel grades in…
What is Lean Duplex Stainless Steel?
So, what is Lean Duplex Stainless Steel? When and where would you use it? A big topic for a short article. This is merely a brief introduction. Perhaps it will encourage further investigation. Also, we are referring here only to…
What is Brake Die Steel?
Let's begin this post with two of my favorite words; Ubiquitous; (everywhere, like raindrops during a storm), and, Esoteric; (known by a select small group of people). What do these mean? Brake Die, Gun Barrel or Rifle Stock, Pump Shaft Straightness,…
Defective Material
So, for almost 50 years I have had the opportunity to investigate various material/component failures, and with all the variables, two things have been fairly consistent. The first statement that is most often heard, aside from; "Don't look at me!"…
Conclusion – Ten Things to Know About “Finish Size”
REMAINING FIVE POINTS - elaborated If the finish shaft involves substantial step downs, or, if only a small portion of the bar needs to finish... share that information. Remember, your supplier cannot be responsible for a third parties work, and/or…
Finish Sizes & Bar Clean-Up Part 2
The following is a continuation from our last blog on ROUND bar clean up. It is important to share both your finish diameter AND length. They would like to know if you have a short stubby shaft, where straightness is…
Ten Points to Eliminate Mistakes on Finish Size – Bar Clean Up, For Steel Bars
We have talked about round bar grinding in the past. The following posts will look deeper into the communicating skills that will help you minimize disappointments in this area. Unfortunately, more people than not have purchased a bar of steel…
Five Ways to Limit “Galling” of Metals
[av_textblock size='' font_color='' color=''] We have discussed this in the past but it is a universal problem worth the re-visit. Many years ago, I had the rare opportunity to visit a maintenance crew at a major refinery. The purpose of…