What type of metal do you need?When new customers call or arrive at a OmniSteelSupply store, they often don’t know what type of metal they need for their project. Or they may think they need one type of metal like steel, but they actually need a different type like aluminum. That’s not a big deal, though. Part of the service OmniSteelSupply provides is helping customers identify the size and type of metal they do need.
There may be confusion in terminology or the customer may not know the difference between steel and aluminum. To find out what their customers need, store employees put on their detective hats and ask a series of questions that will help them understand what type of metal they need to buy.
Metal is the most versatile building material, and there are many choices of types, sizes and grades when building with metal. But the first decision customers need to make usually boils down to what type of metal is needed – such as aluminum, steel or copper.
Steel
Steel is considered a universal building product because of its strength, versatility, durability, and economic value. Used widely in the construction of roads, railways, other infrastructure, appliances, and buildings, most large modern structures, such as stadiums and skyscrapers, bridges, and airports, are supported by a steel skeleton. Steel is also used in a variety of other construction materials, such as bolts, nails, and screws.
Not sure what type of metal you need? Use our website navigations, interactive guide to help you determine the best metal to meet your requirements. At OmniSteelSupply, we can supply you with any metal you want!
Aluminum
More than 3 billion pounds of aluminum is used annually in U.S. construction. Aluminum is remarkable for the metal’s low density and for its ability to resist corrosion. Structural components made from aluminum and its alloys are vital to the aerospace industry and are important in other areas of transportation and structural materials.
Symbol (on the Periodic Table of Elements): Al
Weight (average mass of the atom): 26.9815386
Melting Point: 1,220.58 degrees Fahrenheit (660.32 degrees Celsius)
Boiling Point: 4,566 degrees F (2,519 degrees C)