Company – Shanghai Metal Corporation

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

Metal industry driving force behind fast growth in dry bulk shipping demand.

According to MarketReportsOnline.com the demand for steel in 2015 will grow at a tremendously fast pace. This fast paced growth will consequently send the dry bulk shipping sector a boost that will drive up the demand growth for that industry. In the research report of 56 pages published by MarketReportsOnline.com it states that Iron ore and coal will be the driving forces behind the anticipated growing demand for dry bulk shipping.

The dry bulk shipping industry is predicted to have a much better year in 2015. Growth rates for the first quarter of this year are expected to be higher than they were in 2014. The global dry bulk shipping industry holds an essential place in maritime transport, carrying large volumes of unpacked products. These products are carried in 20 feet bulk containers, that can carry up to 192 tons of bulk goods.

The latest innovation on these containers, like the one designed by Shanghai Metal Corporation, offer fast and efficient ways to load the bulk goods via the roof and unload through the latch on the bottom of the front door.

Scan the QR code below or follow us on these social media outlets.

By Youssef el Issaoui//SMC Editor

Credits: SMC website, Google Images

Eco Update: China

A not so widely known fact is that China almost consumes as much coal as the rest of the world combined, where it accounts for 80% of the countries source for energy. This is an alarming trend considering that the burning of this fossil fuel is one of the most polluting ways to generate electricity. In an economy where manufacturing and industry is on the rise this further adds to our concern.

However, this may soon be about to change! Given the high levels of pollution in the country, particularly in industrial cities and around Beijing (where often daily particulate matter in the air can cause respiratory problems for even the healthy) people are sick of this issue and the government is listening. A number of measures have been announced that should help to curb this trend; firstly the country has introduced bans on the building of new coal fired power plants and place limits on total energy consumption. These legislative measures will be complemented with an emissions trading scheme, due to be implemented by 2016, bringing the country up to speed with the developed economies of Europe and New Zealand.

There are signs that this move is working too, with coal imports at their lowest since 2012 despite prices being at their lowest since the peak of early 2011. This is complemented by banning of extremely low quality coal imports, particularly varieties containing high levels of sulfur and ash whose burning produces the highest levels of pollutants.

As a responsible and socially aware Metal supplying and manufacturing company based in China (with global offices) with heavy involvement in the metals and mining industries,Shanghai Metal Corporation (SMC) is proud to report on this news and welcomes developments in this area as it will undoubtedly lead to an increase in the quality of life of many everyday Chinese.

To find out more about our range of metal 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

Adapted from: Frik Els. Images: National Geographic; Green Media;

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

The Test of Time

A true testament to the durability and thus desirability of a material is the legacy of the structures and constructions that are left standing as time goes by. We know that the process of galvanization increases the ability of steel to withstand the nature forces of rust and corrosion bought on by water and the elements; let us take a look at the most notable of these structures;

As with all structures maintenance is required to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure; however few materials, at this cost can boast up to and above thirty years of maintenance free use as is seen with galvanized steel. Pictured above is the Boca Channel Bridge, located in the Florida Keys. It is consistently exposed to the corrosive elements of the sea water, however over its life of 42years it has not required any maintenance due to the galvanization of the steel whereas other, non galvanized bridges in the same area have had to be completely replaced.

This durability, despite the increased initial capital investment has been shown to save money over time as this maintenance or continual painting is not required, as would be the case with a non-galvanized steel construction. A prime example of this cost is the Goldengate Bridge in San Francisco, California (picture above), where 28 full time painters are required to constantly paint the bridge as its non-galvanized steel bears the brunt of nature and its original rivets are constantly being replaced with new galvanized ones.

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!

Dominick F.//SMC Editor

Sources: Steel Works, American Galvinizers Association, Golden Gate Bridge Org

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

Furniture Trend Alert

Trending currently around the world is the increase in popularity of galvanized furniture; prized for its often industrial look, adaptability and durability (especially in outdoor settings) consumers are updating their homes with these trendy pieces. Pictured below is a striking outdoor setup where a selection of galvanized pieces has made a particularly striking impression on an already stellar location.

Complementing this galvanized furnishing trend is the addition of industrial fittings to the home and bare walled rooms to give the impression that one is in a warehouse. This has the effect of opening up a space and also allowing the resident of the dwelling to have a unique living perspective. This ideal is emphasized below, where galvanized furniture is complemented with galvanized steel bars to create this aesthetic but also a bonus practical foot rest.

Further tapping into this trend is our example below, which goes one step further by incorporating the use of reclaimed timber scaffolding along with galvanized piping to emphasize the urban rival and reclamation that this trend emphasizes.

Dominick F.//SMC Editor

Sources: Groundwork, Coroflot

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

#BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Construction Trend: Prefabricated Housing

Given the increased costs of owning and building ones home around the world, prefabricated housing is on the rise as it offer home owners the ability to have their own home and at an affordable price. For example the headline photo in this article features a pre-fab home call the Y-Cube, retailing for just $US50,000.

The above example in Spain features a lust forest design on its exterior and is kept water light with the galvanized steel roof. This model shows how prefabricated homes don’t have to be all the same, thanks to customization of such little details and can actually be quite striking.

With a remarkably different design but equally impressive take on the concept of prefabrication the picture below shows a Brazilian Architects newest design out of Sao Paulo which not only protects residents from the sometimes harsh tropical forest climate but also allows for adequate ventilation and sunlight through its prefabricated galvanized steel shutters; something much needed in this unique environment.

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

Lisa, A, Kriscenski, A, Humble Homes

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.

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