Minerals – Shanghai Metal Corporation

Luxurious Teaware Design Inspired by Ferrari

One of the world’s most complex teaware techniques, Tsuiki craftsmanship (‘tsuikidoki’ in Japanese) has its roots among the famous rice fields of Niigata, in the town of Tsubame. Claimed to be the only ones in the world who know and use these techniques with such a perfection, teaware and sake-ware craftshop Gyokusendo reveals the key behind its copperware success.

Patience is all it requires during the twenty to thirty years learning process to become a tsuikidoki craftsman. Such a profession doesn’t cost only time but also big bucks. Trying to give a more modern look to the two hundred year-old technique of hand-hammering copper sheets, Gyokusendo saw the designer extraordinaire Ken Okuyama, a wristwatches lover, especially those from TAG Heuer, as a great partner.

The 51-year-old made a name for himself as the Pininfarina design director behind the Ferrari Enzo, Maserati Quattroporte, and Maserati Birdcage concept. Since leaving the Italian styling powerhouse in 2006, Okuyama has expanded his design focus to encompass everything from iron tea pots to eyewear, furniture to massage chairs, motorcycles to sports cars, buildings to robots and even the next-generation Shinkansen bullet train.

Now, his drawings had to become reality in the hands of the artisans at Gyokusendo who were met with the challenge of turning copper sheets into three dimensional teapot. Experienced smiths master this fine art and are able to strike the copper sheet just enough, which is crucial since it’s difficult to make the copper contract later on.

Gyokusendo’s copperware of a wide variety of colors and shades is unique. The surface oxidization adds a nice patina to the artwork when tin and potassium sulfide are fused onto the surface of the copper.

You may wonder why copper is so special in this art. Well, copper has antibacterial properties, and it purifies the water, meaning that the copper ions mellow the flavor of the tea and sake. So over the time it becomes even more lustrous, and the flavor becomes more full and rich: copper turns ordinary water into ‘good water’, to mellow tea, and mellow sake.

Shanghai Metal Corporation offers a wide range of metals such as copper, widely used in architectural artifacts such as Gyokusendo’s teaware and sake-ware. To find out more, please visit our Website or send your inquiry here. Our English speaking professionals will be more than pleased to help you. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Or you could try our new mobile app by scanning our QR code.

Source: gyokusendo.com, designboom.com, motortrend.com

Camilla G.//SMC Editor

Do You Know How The UK Coins Are Made And What Are They Made of?

The processes involved in producing a coin can be broken down into three different sections: making the blanks, making the dies and striking the coins.

Making the blanks

Depending on the alloy required, the appropriate metals are melted in the necessary proportions in a furnace. The metal is then extracted from the furnace in the form of a continuous strip, which is cut to produce coils weighing up to 2.8 tonnes. The strip is passed through powerful rolling mills to reduce it to the thickness of a coin. Blank discs of metal are then punched from the strip in a blanking press at a rate of up to 10,000 a minute. Rolling metal under great pressure makes it hard so the blanks have to be softened, something which is achieved by heating them in an annealing furnace at up to 950°C.

Making the dies

Once a design has been approved, a plaster model is prepared at several times the diameter of the intended coin. The plaster model is scanned by a ruby-tipped probe which records the design as a digital file on a computer. Guided by this digital file, an engraving machine cuts the design into a piece of steel at the correct size of the coin. Known as a reduction punch, this piece of steel is then used to make the dies which will actually strike the coins.

Striking the coins

For the final stage of the process, the blanks are fed into a coining press containing a pair of dies. Applying a pressure of around 60 tonnes, the dies strike the blanks and turn them into coins at speeds of up to 850 a minute.

= 1 penny coin =

First Issued February 15, 1971

Diameter 20.3mm

Weight 3.56g

Thickness Bronze: 1.52mm. Copper-plated steel: 1.65mm

Composition Bronze (97pc copper, 2.5pc zinc, 0.5pc tin)

= 2 pence coin =

First Issued February 15, 1971

Diameter 25.9mm

Weight 7.12g

Thickness Bronze: 1.85mm. Copper-plated steel: 2.03mm

Composition Bronze (97pc copper, 2.5pc zinc, 0.5pc tin)

= 5 pence coin =

First Issued Smaller version in June 1990.

Diameter 18.0mm

Weight 3.25g

Thickness 1.7mm

Composition Cupro-nickel (75pc copper, 25pc nickel)

= 10 pence coin =

First Issued Smaller version in September 1992.

Diameter (since 1992) 24.5mm

Weight 6.5g

Thickness 1.85mm

Composition Cupro-nickel (75pc copper, 25pc nickel)

= 20 pence coin =

First Issued June 9, 1982

Diameter 21.4mm

Weight 5g

Thickness 1.7mm

Composition Cupro-nickel (84pc copper, 16c nickel)

= 50 pence coin =

First Issued Smaller version introduced in September 1997. Diameter (since 1997) 27.3mm

Weight 8.0g

Thickness 1.78mm

Composition Cupro-nickel (75pc copper, 25pc nickel)

= 1 pound coin =

Issue Date April 21, 1983

Diameter 22.5mm

Weight 9.5g

Thickness 3.15mm

Composition Nickel-Brass (70pc copper, 5.5pc nickel, 24.5pc zinc)

= 2 pound coin =

First Issued June 15, 1998

Diameter 28.4mm

Weight 12g

Thickness 2.5mm

Composition, Outer Nickel-Brass (76pc copper, 4pc nickel, 20pc zinc). Inner Cupro-nickel (75pc copper, 25pc nickel)

= 5 pound coin =

First Issued August 4, 1990. Previously crowns had a face value of 25p

Diameter 38.61mm

Weight 28.28g

Thickness 2.89mm

Composition Cupro-nickel (75pc copper, 25pc nickel)

Collector versions have been struck in precious metals

As an international manufacturer and supplier for copper sheet and bronze sheet, Shanghai Metal Corporation produces slitting, edging, and oscillates winding to fit your specific copper requirements. To find out more, please visit our Website or send your inquiry here. Our English speaking personnel will be more than pleased to help you. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Or you could try our new mobile app by scanning our QR code.

Sources: Royal Mint, The Telegraph, museumvictoria.com.au

William P.//SMC Editor

How Much Do You Know About Copper?

1.Pyramid of Cheops

The first point of facts about copper is related to pyramids of Cheops. There were water pumping construction found by the archaeologists in this pyramid which was made partly from copper dated more than 5000 years ago.

2.Dead Sea Scrolls

When people Sea Scrolls, they will think that the classic items are made from animal skin. This principle does not apply in one of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in Israel. It is created by using copper. In the scroll, you will see the clues to find the hidden treasure.

3.New York’s Statue of Liberty

One of the materials used to construct the statue of Liberty is copper. It features 80 tons of copper from Norway. The craftsmanship was done in France.

4.Gold

When people want to get firm and tough gold, the manufacturer will add small amount copper. The train of gold is soft so that you can mould this material using your hands. Even though your jewelry is made from 24 k of gold, it still contains some copper.

5.Hieroglyphs

Copper was believed as the symbol of the eternal life. In the hieroglyph system, the ancient Egyptian people utilized the ankh symbol to represent copper.

6.Columbus

Columbus is one of the greatest sailors and explorers in the world. When he made a voyage to America, his ship was protected by using copper skin which eliminate the bio-fouling or even barnacles.

7.Copper cookware

Copper is the best material recommended by most high class chefs in the world. The material can transfer the heat better than any other material.

8.Copper products

Copper is widely used as the construction and frame in water piping and distribution since it can resist from any bacteria. Some products made from copper include handrail, door knobs and finger-plates.

9.Copper tools

Copper is also helpful to lower the risk of explosion. The tools or products made from copper will never cause any fire or even spark. That’s why the electronic tools are made by using this material to prevent the explosion to occur.

10.Anti corrosion

Copper can last longer and it prevents corrosion to form. The nuclear authority in Sweden and deep sea exploration uses copper as the protection for their equipment and pipework.

Source and photo credit: findfast.org, periodictable.com

William P.//SMC Editor

Artificial Mineral Re-Created by Reverse Engineering Tech

How easy can you get hold of precious metals and stones in their natural form? Gold, copper, tantalum, aluminum is surely more commonly seen in varying forms of artifacts such as technological, artistic, auto parts, electric, machinery, etc. In addition to their number of applications, these metals also have great recycling properties, giving life to new devices at any time.

However, once the precious elements leave their mineral form, there is no way back to it until two artists had a great idea to create an artificial mineral from old metal parts. As part of the project “Revital Cohen and Tuur Van Balen” an artificial mineral was created: H / AlCuTaAu. The project was commissioned for Arbeid van de Dag, De Brakke Grond, Amsterdam.

The artwork uses precious metals and stones that previously comprised old computers, electric drills, cellphones, and other machinery components recovered from a bankrupt factory. The reverse-engineering work is a result of extensive research and “speaks of the provenance of technological artifacts and the value of labor”, says Cohen and van Balen, the artists behind the art piece. They have a really poetic way of showing the tension and entanglement between technology and nature to create artificial minerals, unnatural animals and poetic machines.

Cohen and van Balen are well known artists with art pieces such as 75 Watt acquired as a permanent collection by the Museum of Modern Art, MOMA in New York City.

Shanghai Metal Corporation offers a wide range of metals such as copper and aluminum, widely used in technological, artistic, auto, electric, machinery artifacts. To find out more, please visit our Website, WordPress, LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. Or you could try our new mobile app by scanning our QR code. Moreover, we sell directly from Alibaba , EC21 ,Tradekey or directly at sales@shanghaimetal.com.

#BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Source and pictures: cohenvanbalen.com, thecreatorsproject.vice.com, nextnature.net

Camilla G.//SMC Editor

Green Building Material Of The Future

Asbestos is slowly disappearing from offices and houses the world over as societies became aware of its harmful affects. Although this new found awareness and action is a positive step there is another product that has potentially hazardous health effects, drywall.

Drywall has a freighting ingredient known as gypsum, a waste product of coal-burning plants. Gypsum is known to produce both mercury, formaldehyde and has the potential to be radioactive when combined with phosphates.

This was a major issue in both the USA and China as citizens of both countries became ill when exposed to drywall with high levels of these substances. Along with heavy metal and chemical concerns there is also a lot of dust associated with the deterioration and instillation of drywall which can severely affect indoor air quality. Fortunately, there is a product that can replace drywall.

Magnesium oxide is slowly becoming the go to material for interior walling in offices and homes. Magnesia was used in the construction of the Great Wall of China along with the Coliseum and many other ancient landmarks that have stood the test of time. The benefits of Magnesia are that it is environmentally friendly, fire-resistant, waterproof, mold/fungus and bug free and most importantly has only positive effects on indoor air quality.

Thus, the use of magnesium boards can greatly improve the air quality within a house and eliminate many allergens that would otherwise affect the inhabitants.

Shanghai Metal Corporation is committed to sustainable growth that improves the quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come. We take the recent construction scares across the globe very seriously and believe that our magnesium products can have a significant affect on improving the quality of life for many people. Magnesium products are part of our commitment to improving the quality of life for people the world over.

For our full list of products that we offer check out our website here. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn group, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Try also our new mobile application by scanning the QR code below.

Jordan S.//SMC Editor

#BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Sources:

http://www.smcbuildingsystem.com/MagnesiumPlate–tpl1024.html

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/05/02/chinese-drywall-adverse-health-effects-wallboard/8574707/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_drywall

http://www.propublica.org/article/american-made-drywall-emerges-as-potential-danger

http://ask.metafilter.com/232074/Dangers-of-Drywall

http://ductworks.com/indoor-air-quality/top-10-ways-homeowners-can-ensure-good-indoor-air-quality/

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-skyscraper-construction-crane-image2205911

Pictures: barrington220.org, global-yurtdisiegitim.com, greenliving4live.com

Unlimited Possibilities With a Limited Negative Impact

More than ever we faced limited resources on the earth. We can think about foods, fresh water and gas reserve. Growing every year is now more and more difficult to do, especially in the raw mineral and non-renewable energy sectors. In fact we need to use a lot non-renewable energy to extract limited raw minerals at the end the cost for the planet is high and irreversible.

Some metal industries are now aware about this problem and they start to find a way to limit their negative impact on the planet. Studies already proved that we can recycle carbon steel scarp without any limit of time. Even if this resource is limited on the earth we can recast infinitely without reducing the quality of the product. Therefore, this product becoming more and more attractive in a long term views in our economy because it can be connected with several projects. So now the challenge is to rethink about how to use each scrap metal resource.

In another perspective, recycle iron significantly reduced our consumption of non-renewable energy, and our CO2 emissions. Indeed, the CO2 emission is limited by the carbon steel scrap transportation to the recycling shop, the overall impact is nothing compare to the extraction process.

Shanghai Metal Corporation is a leader in the carbon steel material and equipment on the market with the highest quality standard and an affordable pricing. More information on our carbon steel products, visit our website here. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn group, Facebook, Twitter and instagram. You can also scan the QR code below to connect with us.

You can also find more articles by our team at SMC right below.

The new pipe line way for the gas industry.

A potential solution about the body car impasse

The best steel for the best dish!

Source: Epa.gov , stlpipesupply

Pictures sources: dmaeuropa,metro,franklinmetaltrading

JonathanT.//SMC editor

How China Can Save Europe from Crisis

The dissolution of the Soviet Union is arguably one of the greatest geopolitical disasters of human history. It resulted in the rise of ethnic nationalism and ethnic based conflicts across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Many of the new countries had mixed Russian and local population and after centuries of repression under the Russian Empire, and later the Soviet Union, tensions were high. This is the basic history behind the current war in Ukraine.

Russia is backing the anti Ukrainian forces with both financial and military aide. As a result many European Union members have levied sanctions against Russia which have the potential to hurt all parties involved. As the 6^th largest exporter of steel there is a massive gap that will need to be filled and this is where China can not only make a vast amount of profit, but also improve relations with the EU.

The economic recovery in the EU is fragile at best and any major shock could end the recovery and cause a recession. This is of particular concern in Europe where many nations are dependent on Russia for their raw materials and mineral resources. As many EU members want to limit their dependence on Russia, China is presented with a great opportunity to become Europe’s new de facto supplier of raw building materials.

China and the EU are becoming more interdependent on each other and adding Chinese steel to the equation will only increase economic cooperation. Furthermore, as Russian sanctions begin to take affect all over Europe the governments of these regions will most certainly be grateful to any nation that helps them avoid another economic crisis.

Shanghai Metal Corporation has been following the developments in Eastern Europe closely and with great concern. We take the economic health of the EU and the world as a whole very seriously. One of our main products is structural steel and it will be an honour to supply the EU if and when the need arises.

(Jordan S.//SMC)

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/07/21/russia-retreats-from-us-as-sanctions-begin-to-bite.aspx

http://www.issb.co.uk/global.html

http://de.bearing-news.com/ascat-technology-to-improve-steel-industry-product-quality/

http://www.euractiv.com/sections/social-europe-jobs/russian-steel-firm-threatens-eu-job-losses-over-sanctions-301721

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101855249

http://russianreport.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/day-of-victory-on-red-square/

Pictures: telegraph.co.uk, thevirtualtravelers.com, ukrainetrek.com, newsweek.com, ibtimes.com

Architectural Triumphs With Galvanized Steel

Corrugated and sheet metals such as galvanized steel have come a long way in the architectural and construction communities from when they were simply a strong and effective material used as roofing. It has come to the point now where they can be the feature of a home or building and used both inside and out.

This idea of galvanized steel as a universal building material is shown below where the house features has used it for both a roofing material and as exterior wall cladding. This industrial appearing material, when combined with the natural aesthetic of wood creates a juxtaposition between man and nature, especially given the lush backdrop of rural Australia.

From an interior perspective there is an increasing trend to use both corrugated, flat and shaped galvanized steel for both ceilings and walls. The remarkable example below featured in the master bedroom of a modern home show how the metallic surface of galvanized steel can add a touch of modernity to a design, with the corrugated sheeting offering a texture rarely seen in the interior of a home.

The versatility of this material is undeniable, with designers stretching their imagination to previously-thought impossible lengths. As is witnessed in the examples below; the ability to bend, shape, curve and erect this material at extreme pitches can lead to some outstanding design possibilities. The home on the left features a nearly 100% external composition of pre-painted corrugated galvanized steel proving the residents with high bush-fire protection, energy efficiency as well as a remarkable aesthetic!

In contrast to these curves seen above the design featured below presents an opposing dynamic of this material. With its sheer pitched sides, long straight lengths and intense angles it is hard not to appreciate the capabilities this material offers to architects and the remarkable results that are left for the eye to enjoy.

Shanghai Metal Corporation is a world leader in innovative metal manufacture and will strive to meet all of your building and design specifications.

To find out more about galvanized steel or to discuss customization and individual requirements please visit our website Here.

For more updates on this and other exciting developments follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin, you can also scan the QR code below to aceess theres mediums through your smart device.

Dominick F.//SMC Editor

Sources: Ral Homes, Colorbond, ArchiExpo & Freshome

Rolling Steel Coil to Make Sheets

The process of getting galvanized steel from its prepared form (coiled and wrapper up) is completed with the aid of a roller. This device allows the user to roll the galvanized sheets into any number of profiles depending on the intended purpose. The practice of rolling metals has been around since 1590, but really took off in approximately 1850.

Of the most well know of these purposes if for the use in metal roofing. For this application corrugations are rolled into the galvanized steel to match the environment of the area. For example the most typical corrugation seen is the circular wavy corrugation which performs best when there is some degree of pitch to the roof, whilst a flatter and wider pan may be used when the roof has less of a degree of slant. This wider pan has more surface area to transport water off the roof.

Corrugations for external use, such as the cladding of external and internal walls or ceilings may use what is referred to as a mini-orb (smaller corrugation) so as to provide a particular aesthetic, especially when emphasis is put on the internal. Furthermore galvanized steel coil can be pre painted to provide a particular color to meet the end users specification; this paint is baked on and provides an extra layer of protection from the elements.

Shanghai Metal Corporation, being one of the world’s leading suppliers and manufacturers of metal products offers galvanized steel in a multitude of forms that can be used to satisfy the applications mentioned above. These include piping, galvanized steel coils, strips, sheets, plates, wire, pre-painted steel, roofing material (in a number of profiles) as well as steel grating. We also stock and supply coil rollers so you can do it yourself or have the sheets repainted and cut by us.

To find out more about these products or to discuss customization and individual requirements please visit our website Here. For more updates on this and other exciting developments follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin. Or by using your smart device, scan the QR code below!

Dominick F.//SMC Editor

Sources: Drexmet; Union Corrugating; Galvanizing Association of Australia; Wikipedia; Gulf Coast Steel, Vostelpine

#BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Foods That Grow In Surprising Ways

You’ve never thought about it much until its brought up in conversation – does a plant grow in a tree or underground? Surprisingly, pineapples grow on bushes, artichokes are petals, cocoa beans on trees, and black pepper grows on vines. What about sugar? It’s not technically a fruit (as much as we want it to satisfy or five a day). However it does derive from the sugar cane plant. It takes a long process to get it into the crystallized form we all love. Here are the steps:

How To Get Sugar:

Grow the cane and harvest it
Extract the sugar syrup from the cane using rollers
Evaporate and clean the syrup in the factory
Separate the by-products. Three products are made; brown sugar, molassess and bagasse, two by-products used in alcohol and biofuel respectively.

And know you know! At Shanghai Metal Corporation we manufacture carbon steel sugar cane extractor blades. As an ISO 14001 (International Quality Management System) Company and recipient of the “Star Enterprise Award,” Shanghai Metal Corporation prides itself on exceeding international standards of quality and reliability. We guarantee the best prices, quality support, and fast delivery. To find out more, please visit our Tumblr, WordPress, LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. Or you could try our new mobile app by scanning our QR code. Moreover, we sell directly from Alibaba , EC21 and Tradekey.