Aluminum Pipe is a hollow extruded aluminum that is widely used for all types of fabrication projects where lightweight and corrosion resistance is a primary concern - frame work, support columns, gates, fencing, handrails, protective barriers, etc. Aluminum Pipe is available in the stronger 6061-T6 aluminum pipe and 6063-T6 which is more bendable and has a brighter finish. Metals Depot stocks hundreds of sizes of aluminum pipe that you can buy online in ready to ship precut or mill lengths or order just what you need Cut to Size in small or large quantity at wholesale prices.

Rusting stainless steel can be a concern and look unsightly. The metal is designed to resist corrosion which is why most users have fears when they start noticing stains and rusting on the metal. Luckily, there are various methods at different stages that can help to improve rust and corrosion resistance.

Design
Preparation during the planning phase, when using stainless steel, can pay off in the long run. Ensure the metal is used in areas with minimal water penetration to reduce damage to the surface. In cases where contact with water is inevitable, drainage holes should be applied. The design should also allow free circulation of air to prevent damage to the alloy.

Fabrication
During fabrication, exceptional care should be taking on the surrounding environment to avoid cross contamination with other metals. Everything from the tools, storage units, turning rolls and chains should be carefully monitored not to drop impurities into the alloy. This can increase the potential formation of rust.

Maintenance
Once the alloy is installed, regular maintenance is key in rust prevention, also limiting the progression of any rust that might have already formed. Remove formed rust using mechanical or chemical means and clean the alloy with warm water and soap. You should also cover the metal with a rust-resistant coating.

Stainless steel is an iron and chromium alloy.

While stainless must contain at least 10.5% chromium, the exact components and ratios will vary based on the grade requested and the intended use of the steel.

Other common additives include:

Nickel
Carbon
Manganese
Molybdenum
Nitrogen
Sulfur
Copper
Silicon
The exact composition of an alloy is strictly measured and assessed throughout the alloying process to ensure the steel exhibits the required qualities.

The common reasons to add other metals and gasses to a stainless steel alloy include:

Increased corrosion resistance
High temperature resistance
Low temperature resistance
Improved strength
Improved weldability
Improved formability
Controlling magnetism
What’s in your stainless steel isn’t the only factor in determining its unique characteristics however…

How it’s made will further alter the steel’s properties.

When producing stainless steel, several different materials can be used to achieve different results. These include:

Carbon
Stainless steel with high carbon content is much more durable and longer-lasting than other alloys. This type of stainless steel is popular for the production of food-grade utensils and cooking implements.
Chromium
Stainless steel made with chromium is much more resistant to corrosion, stains, and tarnishing. One well-known example of this type of stainless in use is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
Nickel
Making stainless steel with nickel improves the formability, weldability, and ductility of the material. This also improves its corrosion-resistant properties. Nickel is what allows for stainless steel to be such a versatile alloy.

Carbon steel is made up of a combination of iron and carbon. It is strong, durable, and commonly used in construction and manufacturing because of its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressure. Carbon steel is often used in things like buildings, bridges, and tools. There are different ranges of Carbon Steel, from Low Carbon (Mild Steel), to Ultra-High Carbon. Most of our inventory is Mild Steel or Medium Carbon steel, though we do have some High Carbon grades as well.

Popular Alloys Include: 1018, 1045, A36, & A513

Yes, very easily. Steel’s unique magnetic properties make it an easy material to recover from the waste stream to be recycled. The properties of steel remain unchanged no matter how many times the steel is recycled.

The electric arc furnace (EAF) method of steel production can use exclusively recycled steel. The blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) route can use up to 30% recycled steel.