METAL – THE NEXT BIG FUEL?

According to a new report from researchers at McGill University, powdered metal fuels could be an effective replacement for the fossil fuels we currently rely on: coal, oil and natural gas. As well as providing an alternative energy source, powdered metals would significantly slash carbon emissions and environmental damage.

Not only do grains of powdered metal contain more energy per liter than any conventional fuel, but the fuel may be recyclable in some cases. By grinding the metal, the ratio between the surface area and volume of the grains is vastly increased – making a ‘better’ burning product.

However, it is important to note that the powder would not be a primary energy source like petroleum, but rather a storage medium for energy sources such as nuclear or hydroelectric power.

Whilst this technology may seem promising, there are considerable downsides in that: this method is currently not cost-competitive, and the investment in heavy mining equipment to obtain these metals would likely off-set any carbon saved in the actual burning of the metal. Additionally, developments in battery capacity and efficiency still lag behind, making it difficult for powdered metals to be used effectively as an alternative fuel source.

Despite this, the rapid pace of development and modern technology may mean that we see powdered metal as a viable energy alternative in the not-so-distant future!

Image: Stabilized flames of different metal powders burning with air, compared to a methane-air flame (Credit: Alternative Fuels Laboratory/McGill University)

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The Need to Add Aesthetic Value in Modern Architecture

In today’s modern era we can observe that important constructions become more and more aesthetically innovative. More and more buildings receive their outstanding title from their stylish form. Obviously, throughout history, we weren’t the first one to put effort in the aesthetic details. Famous palaces such as the Taj Mahal, Palace of Versailles, Summer Palace, Alhambra and many others have gain their popularity today thanks to their aesthetically pleasing construction. They are also well known because of their historical functionality and story. There exist plenty other palaces which had important function but are less popular, one of the reason is because they do not stand out aesthetically.

This phenomenon can also be observe in modern constructions. Good-looking buildings are more popular and can have an important impact on the image of their representative city and attract tourists. Below, we have some of the most famous building designs which have, without doubt, played an important role in tourists attraction.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

This amazing sky-crapper is the tallest man-made building in the world, at 829.8 m (2,722 ft), having over 150 floors ! The decision to build Burj Khalifa is reportedly based on the government’s decision to diversify from an oil based economy to one that is service and tourism based.

Space Needle, Seattle

This futuristic observation tower is the symbol of Seattle, having nearly 20,000 people a day used its elevators to enjoy its observation deck at 160 m (520 ft) and the rotating SkyCity Restaurant.

Salomon R. Guggenheum Museum, New York

This art museum is the permanent home of a renowned and continuously expanding collection of diverse style of art. In 2013, nearly 1.2 million people visited the museum, and it hosted the most popular exhibition in New York City.

Llozd’s Building, London

Who would ever thought that this sci-fi building is located in London ! One of its key feature is its 12 lifts which are located on the exterior to get more space in the interior of the building, hence its nickname : The Inside-Out Building.

Canton Tower, Guangzhou

This stunning sky-crapper was once the tallest building in the world. The rooftop at 488 m is the highest and largest outdoor observation deck in the world. 16 transparent cars can carry you for an amazing sightseeing on a track round the edge of the tower’s roof

Grand Lisboa, Macao

This 47 floors hotel is your alternative destination of Las Vegas. Its casino offers 800 mass gaming tables and 1000 slot machines. The star of The King of Gambling, Stanley Ho is on permanent display at the casino, which is said to be one of the largest diamond in the world !

There are still dozens of other examples of stylish buildings and their number keeps growing. Shanghai Metal Corporation is the leading specialist for building materials from the floor until the roof with plenty of options. To see more, please visit our website or send us your inquiry. Our English speaking staff will guide you to find your wanted product with the best quality and price. Don’t forget to follow us on Social Media.

    

Ayu P.//SMC editor

Dream Home Furnishing With IKEA’s Very Affordable Little Helper

If you ask any present college student or graduate where they bought their furniture while at school, odds are IKEA is high up on that list. As of January 2008, IKEA became the world’s largest furniture retailer thanks to their product management, placement and quality given to their customers. IKEA’s product lines range from your everyday table spoon and doorknobs to larger media furniture, sofas, and full furnished kitchens. With style and functionality at it’s forth front, IKEA needed a material that would both look aesthetically pleasing with their items and durable-stainless steel was the answer.

Using China as the main example; out of their 2615 products on sale, 544 have in one way shape or form stainless steel. With over 20% of their products in China containing stainless steel, it’s a great thing that most of IKEA’s stainless steel articles are sourced from Asia, including China at 90%, Taiwan and Korea with the final 10%. The ability to adapt stainless steel on their existing products gave them that hint of style they needed.

With IKEA’s popularity at a world’s recognition, they have attracted new and modern designers. The ability for these designers to use stainless steel in their products has helped promote IKEA product as not just functional but stylish, as well as potentially raise their revenue. With some products, consumers have a choice of whether or not to include stainless steel in their product. For example, you could buy a bed frame and keep the wooden legs that it comes with, or opt to spend $20 more on those stainless steel legs which makes your bed look better. At the end of the day more people choose to spend just a little bit more to make their bed look sleeker and better looking.

The example of the bed legs is just one small one, but it shows the significance a small change can make. Stainless steel has absolutely helped IKEA pave the way to different markets with their high quality and affordable products.

It is this same idea of affordability and quality that we here at Shanghai Metal Corporation bring to the table with your stainless steel needs. 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: Ikea, Stainless Steel Report  SMC stainless steel pipe

Mario B.//SMC Editor

Read more articles by this author here.

#BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Galvanized Steel Bathroom – The Hottest Trend in Berlin Nightlife

Surely Berlin is known for its history, the Spree River, the Museum Island, government buildings, the most famous Unter den Linden or Kurfuerstendamm alleys and the former East Berlin centre, Alexander Platz or the only recently adapted to a shopping and entertainment centre Potsdamer Platz. Art scene and dynamic, cutting-edge performances also impress visitors, providing more a memorable experience and a journey in history.

However, it is impossible to walk through Berlin without finding a pub, a bar or a disco, where the German nightlife takes place in its full spectrum. Tourists expect to experience every single quarter of this fantastic capital. If not enough recognition for its throbbing music, shirtless men, or “world’s scariest bouncers” (according to the Guardian), the most exclusive nightclub Berghain is now even more talked-about techno nightclub due to its unisex-bathroom.

Designed by Berlin firm Karhard Architecture and Design, Berghain’s unisex-bathroom is all detailed in galvanized steel. It reminds me of prisons or something industrial, giving me the feeling that something tough is going on in there, all in gray color and somewhat dark. But it is still appealing, in a good way. The design is sharp, and objects, shapes, textures, elements and little details give the “flow” to this unisex-bathroom that prisons lack. If you keep looking you see, it’s chic!

Brass strips to brighten the dark gray color ceiling

And then you wonder how can a gray, galvanized steel bathroom be chic? I’m telling you, this is the next thing in bathroom design, which combines the hardiness of galvanized steel for enduring lots of people and the practicality of stainless-steel toilet for being easy to clean.

Modern, clean lines, majestical , the galvanized steel for bathroom design follows the contemporary minds of the new generation who is always waiting for the next new thing. And there it is: galvanized steel and stainless steel bathroom.

Shanghai Metal Corporation is the international manufacturer and supplier for three galvanized lines of hot dip galvanized steel. The monthly output for each line is approximately 5000 ton. Galvanized steel is widely used for construction and building, roofing, ventilating duct, handrail, partition panel, and now for the next trend in bathroom design as the one adopted by the  nightclub Barghain. 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.

You can also read more articles by our team at SMC:

Hidden Gems of New York City: I Mean Really Hidden

Liquid Packaging Business That Prospered Without Angels

Liquid Packaging Made Famous by a Watch Company

Are There Enough Metal Buckets for the Ice Bucket Challenge?

Move Along Airplanes – Submarines Overtake Travel

A Brazilian’s Take on Legalizing Graffiti In Urban Streets of Brazil

How Much Petrol Costs Internationally

Can You Do A 360 Degree Loop On A Swing Set?

Air Quality – What Can Be Done?

Using Steel to Print Ads on People!

Have You Played These Cool Games?

Pylons – The Under Appreciated Life Bringer

Use Galvanized Steel to Fight Raccoon Invasions!

Benefits of Galvanized Steel

SMC #BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Source: world66.com, homes.yahoo.com

Picture: homes.yahoo.com, remodelista

Camilla G.//SMC Editor

Multiculturalism in the Workplace

Shanghai Metal Corporation employs people from all over the world in order to provide our clients with the best customer service and experience. Why is it important to have people of all sorts of nationalities and cultures working in the same environment?

As globalism becomes more and more prominent, multiculturalism in the workplace is increasingly becoming the norm. Employees have a great chance to gain exposure to new ideas and different points of view. This can help individuals think outside of the box and become more innovative when faced with problems.

After all, the more perspectives and ideas are used to solve problems, the more new and ground-breaking solutions that can be generated. For companies and employers, this can be very advantageous. If employees can see and understand beliefs of someone whose beliefs, ideas, and trains of thoughts are different from theirs, then they can open up their world view and gain the ability to solve problems based on their multicultural knowledge. Also, this can lead to greater understanding between colleagues and businesses.

Another benefit of multiculturalism in the workplace is the ability to create a larger, broader network. Companies are able to build professional networks with people from all over the world. Corporations are able to conduct business in multiple languages and understand the differences between different and sometimes contrasting cultures.

Shanghai Metal Corporation is one of the leading supporters and pioneers of multiculturalism in the workplace. We encourage all of our employees and interns to continuously pursue cultural awareness and global knowledge. Our teams are made up of professionals and specialists from different cultures. All of us work together and bring something unique to the table.

Written by:

Alexis Ty // SMC Editor

International HR Consultant

Modernity In Cinema – Friend Or Foe?

The eternal battle against progress of the marring of romanticized art continues into cinema. The film industry is constantly in motion. While the stories that keep the Hollywood money machine churning run in cycles, technology continues to evolve with every passing decade. A new revolution is stirring as 3D releases, DSLR cameras and free Internet distribution (YouTube, etc.) bring the digital age of film-making to Hollywood’s front door.

One of the industry’s most renowned cinematographers, Roger Deakins, recently revealed his intention to move into digital photography. The man with nine Academy Awards nominations is making the switch. Many filmmakers already sit comfortably on the “dark side,” including the most well-known proponent of the digital format – Michael Mann.

But why would a 35-year veteran give up the authenticity of film for the sleek look of digital? The Artists depicts how such a progression in technology’s affects on those in the industry:

“The advent of the talkies sounded the death knell for George Valentin (Jean Dujardin)’s career as a silent movie actor and saw him fall into oblivion. For young extra Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), it seemed the sky was the limit – major movie stardom awaited.” Rotten Tomatoes

Hence there are winners and losers in the evolution of cinema. Maybe Roger Deakins is attempting to avoid the fate that hit his past peers – and should be an indication of big changes to come.

Ominous evidence of things to come?

Shanghai Metal manufactures hot rolled steel strips used in the manufacture of electronic projection screens.  It features stable quality and a wide variety of steel types such as hot rolled steel strips and coils in various standards from mild steel to high strength steel. We also have a wide range of sizes in accordance with your needs. To find out more, please visit our website, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can also read more articles by our team at SMC:

How To Survive an Elevator Crash

Umbrellas – Can You Guess Where They Are From?

Pylons – The Under Appreciated Life Bringer

Imagine A Summer Without Air Conditioning

The Secret To The Perfect Shave – Stainless Steel Razors

Man Of Steel: Why It Wasn’t Called ‘Superman’               

The Science Behind Saw – Could It Really Have Cut Through Bone?

What Hollywood Finally Got Right About Science

Modern Metal Revamps Ancient Weapons

Why You Should Thank Carbon Steel for Your Flavorsome Stir Fry

Good News for China’s Steel Sector

Quiz – How Much Of Your High School Chemistry Do You Remember?

How You Can Get Your Own Game Of Thrones Valyrian Style Blade

Tired Of Wasting Money On Expensive Morning Coffees? Why Not Invest In A Stainless Steel Coffee Maker

Is Stainless Steel Really Stainless?

Sources:  Screen rant  , Rotten Tomatoes

#BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Siobhan R.// SMC Editor

Modern metal revamps ancient weapons

Here we see that tradition survives when injected with modernity. Historically, a Japanese concealed weapon used for throwing was referred to as a Hira-shuriken, but in modern times it is known as a throwing or ninja star. Whilst previously this term was used for any star made of metal everyday items, they later tended to be made of the relatively modern alloys stainless or carbon steel.

 

 

Corresponding with this traditional versus modern clash in manufacturing, the current perceptions of the throwing star differ from their origins. Unlike their revere today, the stars were thought expendable by Samurai warriors hence haven’t been preserved over time. Current replicas do however resemble the originals, thanks to the ready availability of carbon steel from which they could be made has increased due to its wide array of uses.

 

 

It’s purpose of course has changed over time. Contrary to popular belief, shuriken were not primarily intended as a killing weapon, Shuriken were primarily used to cause either nuisance or distraction. Targets were primarily the eyes, face, hands, or feet—the areas most exposed under armor. The shuriken would sometimes be thrown in a way that cuts the opponent and becomes lost, later causing the opponent to believe that they were cut by an invisible swordsman.

Shuriken, were also used in other innovative ways; they might be wrapped in fuse to be lit and thrown to cause fire , embedded in the ground injuring those who stepped on them, or wrapped in a cloth soaked in poison and lit to cover an area with a cloud of poisonous smoke. There are reports of shuriken being coated with poison, while other reports indicate that shuriken may have been buried in dirt or animal feces to cause a then-incurable tetanus infection.

 

Once a cheap throwaway item, in its new carbon steel state throwing stars are revered collectibles. Shanghai Metal Corporation agrees on the value of carbon steel and is a manufacturer of this and other value added metal products similar to those mentioned in this article. If you would like to find out more, check out our website, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Sources: Active Interest Media,Japanese Daggers, Ninja Weapons

Siobhan R. // SMC Editor

Iconic Aluminum Roofing Around the World

Venues around the world utilize aluminum roofing because it is not only attractive and modern but because there are many advantages due to its compound. Aluminum is corrosion and water resistant; thus,  protecting the structure from weathering and erosion making it useful for buildings that are near coastlines.

The service life of Aluminum is up to about 50 years. Unlike other traditional roofing materials, there is little upkeeping that will be required once it has been installed. The panels are put together in a sort of puzzle construction, creating a seal above the building. Energy bills are cut due to the fact that aluminum has the ability to insulate heat in the winter time and keep buildings cool in hot summer months.  The list of benefits seems almost endless. Take a look at some of the famous venues that utilize aluminum as a roofing material:

La Tete-au-Carre – Nice, France (It is the first ever inhabited sculpture of the world, and it is made entirely of aluminum.)

Infosys Building – Hinjewadi, Pune, India

The Clyde Auditorium “The Armadillo” Glasgow, Scotland

Shanghai F1 Circuit – Shanghai, China

National Graduate Research Institute for Policy Studies – Tokyo, Japan

Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia

Shanghai Metal Corporation offers Aluminum Sheet Roofing in various types including slate, standing seam, shingle, tile, and shakes in various colors and sizes. SMC also produces aluminum magnesium manganese roofing for added protection. More information on aluminum roofing material can be found on our website here. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn group, Facebook, and Twitter.

Kristie K.//SMC Editor

History of Business Cards

The practice of exchanging cards has a long and interesting history that can be traced back to the 15^th Century. In today’s modern business environment, the action of giving business cards is a valued tradition and varies within each country and industry.

Experts have traced the origin of business cards back to the 15^th century in China where ‘visiting cards’ would be giving to show the intention of meeting with another individual. Much like today, these visiting cards were an essential tool of self-promotion and forging an introduction especially for the upper classes.

During the 17^th century, the practice of exchanging cards grew strongly within Europe as footmen of the aristocracy or royalty would present these cards to the servants at the home of a host to announce the impending arrival of a distinguished guest. The giving and receiving of these cards was tangible evidence of meeting one’s social obligations.

The social etiquette in the 18^th & 19^th century, was if a gentleman was to visit a household they must give a ‘calling card’ to each lady on the initial visit. The servant of the house would greet the visitor and outreach a card tray for the visitor to place their card on and to wait outside whilst the card was examined and to decide their acceptance.

Later in the 17^th century merchants within London began to use ‘trade cards’ which were vital promotion tools to inform customers of the business’s location and the services they provided. These cards would be handed out to the public in squares and marketplaces and were very serious as they were vital to the business operations.

During the Industrial Revolution the middle class experienced rising income growth and social formality lessened. A class of private entrepreneurs emerged within Europe and the United States that had a constant need to exchange contact information. As a result, they merged the idea of a visiting and trade card to produce the first variation of the modern business card which were handed out at presentations and exhibitions.  By the 1890s in the US, the uses of business cards became widespread and the cards achieved their current level of ubiquity by the early 20^th century.

Today’s business cards come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, designs and materials. The standard plain card is a feature of the past where now a catchy detailed design and look is just as important as the contact information. The practice of handing out cards is widespread throughout the globe but the traditions and cultural values still vary from country to country. After four centuries of development and use, business cards purposes have evolved to the central means of exchange and respect between business partners. Important factors about the cards have remained the same as they are still an important means of introduction and the first impressions really do matter.

Here at SMC we have a wide range of new stylish Stainless Steel Business Cards available. If you would like to keep up with the evolution, then a Stainless Steel Business Card is the newest innovation that makes a strong and unforgettable impact.

For more information please visit our website at:

http://www.shanghaimetal.com/Stainless_Steel_Business_Card–pds7194.html

If you would like to request a catalog you get in touch by the details below.

Email: shanghaimetalcorp@gmail.com 8122@shanghaimetal.com

Twitter: @CarbonSteelSMC

Linkedin: cn.linkedin.com/in/carbonsteelsmc

 Sources: Design Float, Sage Media

Elle T. // SMC Editor