Aluminum Foil – Shanghai Metal Corporation

SM(ART) RECYCLING : JAPANESE ARTIST TRANSFORMS ALUMINUM BEER CANS TO POP ART

How would you react if you knew someone who drinks beer, takes the aluminum cans then transforms it into art ?

Well this japanese artist, MACAON is the kind of person who does this kind of thing. From basic and used aluminum materials he imitates well known characters like Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story, Gundam robots, Pikachu and even a cool mask of Dark Vader !

The fun thing about this artist is that most of his works are imitations of already famous characters which allows a wider understanding and appreciation from the public’s point of view. Although each of this figure doesn’t represent a deep meaning, the message that Macaon transmits, directly or indirectly, is to wake up the collective consciousness of recycling ; as the world consumes more, it is in our best interest to stop wasting basic materials and start thinking new strategies as to reusing them better. We live in world where beer cans can be transformed into your favorite cartoon, movie or animated character.

As you can see, aluminum beer cans here are reused in a sophistic way and are not wasted. Without basic and flexible material like aluminum, consuming society like ours would have difficulties to satisfy our needs. Simple gestures like recycling aluminum cans can lead to a better future and that is what Macaon’s creativeness can influence to later generations.

It’s amazing how a common material like aluminum can have different types of uses. That is exactly what Shanghai Metal Corporation can provide you !

As representatives of the metal industry, Shanghai Metal Corporation is one of the leading businesses in the manufacturing of metal quality products in the global field. As a major producer of aluminum, stainless steel, copper, shipping containers and other metal products and service, we essentially are committed to the universal use that metal can offer by delivering overseas and promoting environmental sustainability.

To know more about our company please visit our website. Also follow us on Twitter,Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also download our new mobile application by scanning the QR code below.

#AddingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Maria // SMC Editor

IMPORTANCE OF METALS IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE

Whether you like it or not, metals play a BIG PART in our everyday life. We interact with them differently as each of them has it’s own properties : some are used as supporting elements for buildings, smartphones, transportation. Some are used for decoration by artists and sculptor or some are used to display wealth, like gold for example.

That being said, we have tendency to overlook the importance of metal because we confront them directly or indirectly everywhere, therefore perceiving their presence as self-evident. Oh and also, some of them are imperceptible to human eyes so this may contribute to our lack of understanding metal in our life.

So let’s explore these hidden but common metals we interact with everyday shall we ?

COPPER for example, is a type of cheap metal used by companies to conduct electricity. The average American will use more than 1,000 pounds of copper in their lifetime ! You can find them in your ALARM CLOCKS, DENIM JEAN BUTTON, PORTABLE AUDIO DEVICES or your DOORKNOB and even in your GRANOLA BARS ! Copper is essential not only for everyday objects but also for our own body.

Next on the list is STEEL. Like Copper metal, you can find it almost everywhere too. Taken for granted, they are in buildings, machinery, cars, galleries and statues. So can you imagine our world without these elements ? It would be hard to conceive another element as useful as these metals. When the word Steel is pronounced it also means RECYCLING. Each year, the US alone recycles no less than 80 million tons of steel, which works out to about 70% of the world’s total steel recycling

Another metal important for our future is ALUMINIUM. Thanks to its strength, low weight and good potential for recycling Aluminium is as useful and flexible as it’s other metal brothers. It’s properties also allow to build high buildings, transportation and also for packaging, the most common use that this metal is known for.

Not to mention other types of metal, these three principles are maybe the most commonly known by public although people easily tend to forget their usefulness.

Apart from the referred objects we just mention, the crazy thing about metal is that it has a really wide range of function and can be used by any types of profession. Physicians and architects take advantage of these metals by constructing impressive buildings industry while some artists see these elements as pure physical support in which they transfer their imagination and creativity.

See how great metals are ? As representatives of the metal industry, Shanghai Metal Corporation is one of the leading businesses in the global field. As a major producer of copper, aluminium, steel and other metal products and service, we essentially are committed to the universal use that metal can offer by delivering overseas and promoting environmental sustainability.

To know more about our company please visit our website. Also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also download our new mobile application by scanning the QR code below.

Maria // SMC Editor

#AddingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Maria // SMC Editor

China, Second Biggest Producer of Copper In The World (List of Top 10 producers)

copper bloomberg — copper tubes source: bloomberg.com

Most copper is mined/extracted as copper sulfides from large open pit mines in porphyry copper deposits that contain between 0.4 to 1.0% of copper. This is the case in some mines in Chile and the United states .

According to the British Geological Survey The amount of copper in use is increasing and the quantity available is barely sufficient to allow all countries to reach developed world levels of usage.
It was reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS), the global production of metal increased by 400 million tons between 2013 and 2014 reaching 18.700 million tons, although the demand for copper decreased compared to the previous year.

1. Chile (Mine Production: 5.800 million tons)

Chile’s copper production has been increasing for the last decade although technical and regulatory issues could slow down the trend. between 2013 and 2014 the production increased from 5.780 to 5,800 tons.

2. China (Mine production : 1.620 million tons)

china's copper mine production 2006-2014 — china’s copper mine production 2006-2014 Source: statista.com

China is the largest refined copper producer, but it lacks copper mineral deposits. It has to import unprocessed copper ores and copper scrap.
China increased its copper production in 2014, putting out 1,620 million tons of the metal compared to 1,600 million tons in 2013. Reuters reports that notes that the country’s production increased during the second half of the year, due to the re-lauching of a 100,000-tonne-a-year smelter Liaoning province (North east of China) after 5 years of inactivity.

3. Peru (Mine production: 1,300,000 tons)

between 2012 and 2013 peru’s prodcution didn’t change much. In 2013 the country produced 1.300.000 tons. But it is expected that the mine production could rise by as much as 10 percent in 2014, and Peru’s energy and mines minister, Jorge Merino, has projected a 17-percent increase in copper production alone thanks to several new projects and also the the expected increase of foreign investments in the mining industry.

Copper factory – Source: cnbc.com

4. United States (Mine production: 1,220,000 tons)

5. Australia (Mine production: 990,000 tons)

6. Russia (Mine production: 930,000 tons)

7. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (Mine production: 900,000 tons )

8. Zambia (Mine production: 830,000 tons)

9. Canada (Mine production: 630,000 tons)

10. Mexico (Mine production: 480,000 tons)

Being at the heart of the booming copper industry, Shanghai Metal Corporation offers a wide range of copper products . You can visit the company’s website , contact us and follow us on twitter and facebook for more information and news on metal.

Scan the QR code below and stay informed about our latest updates:

Houria // SMC Editor

ALUMINIUM – THE BATTERY OF THE FUTURE

Why do we like so much aluminium at Shanghai Metal Corporation? This is a very easy question. Because aluminium is a very versatile material that can be employed for a wide range of purpose. For instance, according to some specialized websites in the near future aluminum may be used in the production of various electronic devices batteries. The researchers of the University of California at Stanford have announced the development of aluminum-based batteries promising better performance and a lower impact on the environment compared to current models made of lithium.

What is more special about the aluminium batteries is that, not only their life would be significantly higher than conventional batteries (7,500 versus 1,000 cycles), but especially we should be able to fully recharge them in just a minute. Moreover, the aluminium batteries could be applied to a high number of devices such as smartphones, electric cars and laptops.

Since aluminum is very less expensive than lithium, a further advantageous feature of the aluminium battery would be its lower cost of production. Furthermore, aluminum guarantees the total absence of any risk of fire. The environmental benefits are obvious. A smartphone battery that takes only one minute to charge results in a considerable decrease in energy waste.

Source: http://techleaks.in/

Do not forget that Shanghai Metal Corporation provides you with a great selection metals such as aluminum which can be use for various applications. Check out our aluminium sheet/plate, widely used in the production of automobile, building wall and celings. Feel free to contact us for further information. We have English-speaking staff who will be more than glad to help you.

Stefano // SMC Editor

Metals & Co – more than a table

Today Shanghai Metal Corporation wants to take you again to one of the well-known capitals of fashion and design in the world: Milan. We have already mentioned the Italian city for hosting the upcoming 2015 EXPO, but this new article deals with the major Italian event for interior design: SaloneDelMobile.

“The Salone del Mobile is the global benchmark for the Home Furnishing Sector. An invaluable tool for the industry as well as an ongoing, quite extraordinary promotional vehicle. The Salone made its first appearance in 1961, designed to promote Italian furniture and furnishing accessories on the export market, and it has continued to do so impeccably, ensuring that the quality of Italian furniture is known to all four corners of the earth, and continues so to do, with half of all its visitors coming from around the world.” (from http://salonemilano.it/en-us)

Among the furniture presented, here is a selection of unique tables featuring metals and several material such as wood, glass and crystal. Because the metal goes with everything!! Take a look!

9-arredare-Domitalia-Euclide-03 — da cosedicasa.com

Euclide di Domitalia. Wodden top plus a support structure made of painted bent sheets steel.

8-arredare-Marioni-Anteprima-Salone-del-Mobile-2015_immagine_20150219112404 — da cosedicasa.com

Notorius di Marioni. The brass work structure and the oval top recall the 40s’ atmospheres.

6-arredare-dale-immagine_20150226103035 — da cosedicasa.com

B 110 di Dale Italia. Lacquered iron legs support an antique oak flat surface recovered by old Italian roofs.

4-arredare-marasrl-MG_2034_ombra — da cosedicasa.com

Argo di Mara Srl. A folding table with chromed metal conical legs, featuring lockable wheels.

5-arredare-cattelan-HYSTRIX_01 — da cosedicasa.com

Hystrix by Cattelan Italia. An innovative table made of glass and painted iron.

2-arredare-Calligaris-STATUS_rovere-chiaro — da cosedicasa.com

Status by Calligaris. An essential combination of wood and metal.

1-arredare-lema-MEMO_PieroLissoni — da cosedicasa.com

Memo di Lema. A linear assembly of fine wood and lacquered aluminum.

Take you time and come visiting our website. Did you know that Shanghai Metal Corporation provides you with a great selection of metals? You can for instance take a look at our aluminum department products. Do you need aluminium foils? We have them! Or maybe you are looking for aluminum sheet plate? We can help you! Not just aluminium, but also copper, steel and so on. Do not hesitate to contact us.

Scan the QR code below and stay informed about our latest updates:

Stefano // SMC Editor

Aluminum: Metal of the Future

Aluminum is seeing a marked increase in use in Automobile manufacture over the traditional metal; steel. This trend has been driven by two major factors. Firstly the market price for aluminum has fallen by over a third since its 2011 peak, making the metal and attractive option, despite it costing more than three times as much as steel. So what else is driving this trend? The intrinsic properties of aluminum make it suitable for vehicle manufacture; particularly its light weight. In a society that is increasingly concerned about fuel economy and pollution this is of particular importance, as lighter cars mean that less gasoline needs to be used to propel them.

So one can pose the question; how real is this trend? As mentioned in our previous article on the new Ford F-150 pickup truck, it is the first modern-mass produced vehicle to have its body completely composed of aluminum. However there are other examples, particularly in the luxury automobile segment that also have aluminum bodies, like the Audi A8 and Jaguar XJR.

This is just the beginning of the aluminum switch, as we can see the strong investment in technology and infrastructure. The biggest example of this being Alcoa Inc. and Novalis (the largest metal manufacturers in the United States) spending a combined $US 1 Billion on upgrading factories just to produce aluminum sheet metal for automobiles. This is not an intrinsically US phenomena, with Hindalco spending $US 550 Million upgrading aluminum sheet metal for automobile manufacture plants in Germany and China.

As a world leader in aluminum production and supply Shanghai Metal Corporation stocks this material in a range of forms and can customize specifications to suite your requirements. To contact us 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.// Editor SMC

Sources: The Wall Street Journal; Anish Kelkar, Richard Roth, and Joel Clark; Wikipedia; Motor Trend; Forbes

Coated and Colored: Your guide to Metal Roofing

Whilst many materials can be used to provide protection as a roof for homes and other buildings such as stainless steel and galvanized steel the preferred material due to cost and durability is Galvalume. Galvalume is a patented product which is essential regular steel that has been galvanized using a 55% zinc-aluminum coating.

This can be installed unpainted in its natural appearance either in standard round corrugations or nearly any profile to suit the design and/or functions of the roof in question. It doesn’t even have to be in sheet form as straight from the factory you can order metal roofing tiles to recreate the appearance of cement or terracotta tiles but with the durability and flexibility of Galvalume steel.

But the beauty of this product is the array of prepainted colours that are available which can really enhance the aesthetics of your home; we have chosen some examples to illustrate the unique nature of this product. The colored finish is actually powder coated and baked on to the steel coil, adding another layer of protection to the inner steel which is why this is one of the most durable products to use ; after being tested for effectiveness in both coastal locations and even the Australian desert this product has proven its effectiveness.

As a licensed supplier of Galvalume materials SMC is able to offer this product either in coils or sheets (in any profile) and either painted or with the natural metallic appearance. Should you have any queries, request or customizations please do not hesitate to 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: Colorbond; Industrial Galvinizers Corp.; Galvalume

Fords Revolutionary 2014 F150 Pickup

First the first time ever a motor vehicle manufacturer is using a nearly all Aluminum metal body in one of its pickup trucks, why you ask?

In 2010 President Obama introduced new tough fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles, which meant that they needed to start reducing gasoline consumption per mile traveled. This is exactly what ford managed to do, by switching from Aluminum to steel Ford shaved 700pounds off the weight of the vehicle which is roughly 15%. So what effect did this have on petrol consumption? Reducing the weight so dramatically has reduced combined urban and highway consumption to 17 miles per gallon which is more than 25%.

This lighter body also opens up the doors to more potential fuel savings. As the vehicle is lighter it no longer requires the same heavy hitting 3.5L V6 engine so by replacing this with a more economical motor will further increase this vehicles potential to save fuel which is important as efficiency regulations are incrementally ramped up past 2020. Further more if other technologies such as auto stop/start and hybrid engines are installed this can be further maximized.

With the F150 being fords most profitable vehicle worldwide this is also somewhat of a gamble for Ford to be making, given that aluminum has somewhat of a reputation for being weak- after all it is the basis of kitchen foil, right? Wrong! When aluminum is combined with small amounts of other metals to form and alloy it is actually just as strong as steel. So in an industry already struggling this could put Ford in a strategically beneficial position or isolate ignorant consumers.

As a world leader, Shanghai Metal Corporation (SMC) offers Aluminum in various type and size with offices and subsidiaries located throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas. More information on aluminum can be found on our website here. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn group, Facebook, Twitter & Tumblr. You can also scan the QR code below with your smart device to connect with us on these platforms.

Dominick F.//SMC Editor

Adapted from: The Wall Street Journal, M. Ramsey July 26 2013

Sources: The Wall Street Journal; ExtremeTech; Lesgrenoules

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Kuala Lumpur: Sky Scrapers of Steel

The Sky line of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is known throughout Asia and indeed the World for its iconic landmarks. But perhaps what is less well known is what exactly is holding one of Asia’s world city’s tallest buildings peering skywards.

A prime example of the architectural triumphs of KL’s downtown is the Petronas twin towers. When construction was completed in 1996 and officially speaking between the periods of 1998-2004 they were the tallest buildings in the world standing at 451.9m (1483ft).

The other most prominent feature of the city’s skyline is the Kuala Lumpur Tower, with a less extreme height but arguably more iconic shape this tower reaches a height of 421 meters at its peak. Purposefully designed to provide KL with better telecommunications with its aerial its bubble also houses an observation deck, bar and revolving restaurant. Holding both of these impressive structures together and with such great strength is galvanized steel. For durability and strength both structures use this material extensively throughout, with it being hot-dip galvanized and then duplex coated.

Shanghai Metal Corporation offers steel in a multitude of forms that can be used to satisfy the applications mentioned above. These include galvanized steel coils, strips, sheets, plates, wire, pre-painted steel, roofing material (in a number of profiles) as well as steel grating, stainless steel and copper.

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, Instagram, Twitter & Linkedin. Otherwise use your smart device to scan the QR code below and connect with us.

Dominick F.// SMC Editor

Sources; GalvaCo, A Couples Odyssey, The Conversant Traveler

Inside-out: Galvanizing Your Interiors

Despite its typical applications in outdoor environments where many metals are prone to rust, there is an increasing trend towards using galvanized steel, in particular sheeting indoors for not only its durable nature, but also its appealing metallic aesthetic. As we see below, with a piece of metal sheeting on a kitchen bench, a strong surface is created which makes cleaning up a breeze as you never have to worry about scrubbing off paint or chipping stone/ synthetics.

When combined with a wooden base the coffee table below creates an industrial, yet still rather rustic feeling and believe it or not you don’t have to pay a fortune for a table like this from your local furniture store or gallery. For an example like this, it would be neither difficult nor expensive for one to do-it-yourself and restore an old piece of furniture into a reclaimed piece of art; all you need is an old table, a sheet of galvanized steel from your local hardware store and some rivets or tacks to attach the steel to the base.

Just as furniture can be used to add metallic finishes to your home’s interior, so too can this be done with internal wall cladding. Using a variety of profiles (to achieve your desired look) you can make your home into an urban warehouse or country farmhouse depending on the desired aesthetic. Sheeting can go straight over the original plaster walling and viola!

Shanghai Metal Corporation 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.

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!

#BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Dominick F.//SMC Editor

Sources: Empire Laser & Metal Work; Bridger Steel; Michel Lanham