What to Consider When Choosing an Online Metal Supply

In choosing an online metal supply in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, a number of factors should be taken into consideration.

One of the most important factors to consider is whether the online metal supply is able to accommodate emergency or rush orders. Not all vendors are able to provide this type of service, which could seriously impact your ability to complete your project on time.

Along with a fast turnaround on shipping, it is also important to determine whether the online metal supply you are considering using requires a minimum order. This is actually fairly common in the industry, but that does not mean you have to settle for purchasing more than you actually need in order to meet a minimum order.

Naturally, you want to ensure that when your order is shipped, it is done so in a manner that will guarantee safe delivery. Professional packaging and crating should be absolutely assured when selecting an online metal supply.

Keep in mind that not all online metal supply companies have access to everything you need. In order to meet your specific job requirements, it's vital that you choose a company that will have access to everything you need, including not only domestic materials but also imported materials. Hard-to-find materials that some online metal supply companies may not carry include chrome bar, metric metal, metric fasteners, custom gaskets, and stainless steel diamond plate.

Consider, as well, whether the company provides any type of value-added services, such as plasma cutting, laser cutting, powercoating and painting, shear cutting, bending and forming, polishing, drilling, and plate and angle rolling. These types of value-added services can help to save you a tremendous amount of time and hassle if they are provided by the metal supply company you choose to use.

What types of products and shapes does the company offer? A good selection of products and shapes should include fasteners, grating, perforated sheet, seamless tubing, valves, fittings, pipe, diamond tread plate, round bar, wire cloth, flanges, specialty products, rebar, and embossed sheet.

Choosing the right online metal supply is vital to ensuring that your job is completed per specifications, on time, and on budget.

An Introduction to the Carbon Steel Flange

Regardless of the type of piping system used in your facility, flanges form an integral part of that system. Used as a way of connecting valves, pumps, pipes, and other types of equipment, flanges are typically either screwed or welded. Flanged joints can be constructed by bolting together two flanges with a gasket between them, effectively creating a seal.

Different Types of Flanges Available

In choosing flanges, it is important to recognize that flanges can be manufactured from a variety of different materials. Along with a carbon steel flange, other types of flanges include aluminum flanges, cast iron flanges, high-pressure steel flanges, and brass flanges. The forged carbon steel flange is by far the most popular option. Materials used in the construction of flanges are often chosen in an effort to match the material used in the pipe in which the flange will be used.

As is the case with pipes and fittings, it is also possible to coat flanges internally, using other materials. This is typically done in order to add certain desired properties. When a flange is internally coated with another material, it is referred to as a lined flange.

Various types of flanges are also available. Among the most commonly used types of flanges are the slip-on flange, weld neck flange, socketweld flange, threaded flange, lap joint flange, and blind flange. Depending on the needs for a specific application, specialty flanges, such as expander flanges, reducing flanges, long welding neck flanges, and orifice flanges may also be used.

The Benefits of Flanged Connections

Flange connections offer a number of benefits, including easy cleaning, modification, and inspection. A flange connection also helps to eliminate the need to weld pipe spools. Facilities also typically find that painting and blasting are no longer necessary with a flange connection. There are some potential disadvantages to using a flange connection, including the fact that a pipe system with a flanged connection will typically require more space.

If you need assistance in choosing the right type of flange for an upcoming project, it is important to work with an experienced online metal supply offering a wide array of flanges, including carbon steel flanges.