Steel is an alloy that is mainly composed of iron and carbon, on which the latter provides the material’s needed improvements over its strength and fracture resistance. This specific alloy is known to be one of the most important engineering and construction material due to the benefits that it possesses. Some of these benefits include high strength, great aesthetic appearance, sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective.
Despite these benefits, plain carbon steel can still rust and corrode easily. So, to solve the issue of corrosion, this specific alloy is further modified into different grades and types. Two of the most popular modifications for plain carbon steel are stainless steel and galvanised steel.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that is combined with a minimum of 10.5% chromium. The integration of chromium allows this alloy to obtain a thin passive layer of chromium oxide that can prevent the surface from corroding and deteriorating. Increasing the chromium percentage of stainless steel makes the alloy more resistant to corrosion. Some other elements that can be combined with stainless steel are nickel, molybdenum, silicon, and manganese.
As mentioned, stainless steel becomes more resistant to corrosion due to the presence of chromium. This element, which was mostly added during the initial melting process, seamlessly combines with the oxygen for it to form a passive layer of chromium oxide. This specific layer deters the formation of rust or iron oxide and protects the surface from deterioration. The amount of chromium that is present on a specific grade of stainless steel determines its respective corrosion resistance.
Applications that are exposed to corrosive elements can benefit the properties of stainless steel. Some products that are made from stainless steel include food processing equipment, aerospace engine components, kitchen appliances, fasteners, and pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment.
Galvanised Steel
Galvanised steel is a type of steel that is coated in a zinc layer, which hugely offers surface protection and prevents the underlying steel from corroding. The layer of zinc is added after melting, refining, or shaping the steel plate or sheet. This layer acts as a protective barrier for the galvanised steel, making it possible for products fabricated from this material to last for a very long time.
The zinc coating of galvanised steel has two main functions. For one, it prevents the oxygen element from infiltrating the steel surface. Without oxygen, the possibility of corrosion will be minimised. Another function of zinc coating is it sacrifices itself to any corrosive element that is present in the surroundings. The coating may get damaged in the long run, but other parts of the coating will still shield the underlying surface from corrosion by attracting the oxygen into the coating, leaving the iron elements alone.
Applications that have small amounts of corrosion can utilise materials made from galvanised steel. Some of the products that can be made from galvanised steel include ductwork, automotive components, structural beams, railing, walkways, traffic signs, electric poles, and metal cabinetry.
Comparing Steels
When it comes to corrosion-resistance, stainless steel is believed to be better compared to galvanised steel. Stainless steel can easily maintain its corrosion resistance despite getting some scratches. Galvanised steel, on the other hand, may get exposed to corrosion once its zinc layer gets damaged. The appearance of stainless steel is also much better than galvanised steel since the former has a shiny, silver colour compared to the dull-grey pattern of the latter. One great thing about galvanised steel, though, is it costs cheaper than the stainless steel.
Most of the time, shelves at homes are used to store items for a specific area or room. For kitchens, the items that will be stored on shelves would usually include condiments, food ingredients, and kitchen tools. Shelves that are found in living rooms are intended to keep books, mementos, and so on. Some people would also use shelves just to keep their precious collectibles.
Businesses, particularly stores and establishments, would likewise utilise shelves in storing most of their products. Shelves located in stores are intended to showcase products and items that are being sold to customers. Storage areas of commercial buildings are also filled with shelves so that every product, tool, and equipment are properly displayed and sorted for easier inventory purposes.
Both homes and businesses would typically use wooden shelving for storage and safekeeping. But if you want to make these activities easier, you must invest in metal shelves due to their associated benefits.
They are Long-Lasting
The metals used in manufacturing and fabricating metal shelves are usually durable and long-lasting. Some of the metals that are used in producing metal shelves are aluminium, stainless steel, zinc, copper, and brass. All these materials are known to resist corrosion, extreme temperatures, and other elements that may easily damage other materials. And since shelves will only be used at homes or in businesses, items that will be stored on them will certainly not damage them even after a long time of us.
They are Noticeable
There might be times where you suddenly forgot the last place you stored a specific item. And if it happens that you have stored it on wooden shelving, then it would be difficult for you to spot it. However, with metal shelving, all items and products that you will store on them are easily visible due to the colour of its surface. Additionally, the grand appearance of metal shelves allows them to be much noticeable for establishments, which can even entice customers or visitors to buy your products.
They are Customisable
One great thing about metal shelves is that they can be modified and customised according to your preferences. They can sport a wide variety of styles, colours, and designs that can easily match the dimensions of a room or area. The weight capacity, width, and height of metal shelves can also be adjusted to easily fill in an area and allow the safe storage of any type of product. Additional accessories are also welcomed to further personalise the metal shelves.
They are Cost-Effective
Metal shelves are being preferred by property owners today due to their cost-effectiveness. Even if they are being customised and personalised, the price of metal shelves is still cheaper compared to other types of shelving. The enhanced durability and eye-catching appearance of metal shelves also make them worthy of the price that is set in purchasing them. The long-lasting quality of metal shelves guarantees you huge savings since you do not have to spend again for their repair or replacement.
The benefits of metal shelving can easily help home and business owners to enjoy item storage and safekeeping without worrying about anything. Just make sure that you hire the services of a professional metal fabricator for you to obtain high-quality metal shelving.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can help residential, commercial, and industrial properties attain the needed heat or air conditioning. The temperatures of the rooms and areas inside these properties can be readily regulated through all the equipment in an HVAC system.
While most of the equipment used for the HVAC system are already manufactured by reputable companies, the ducts that are used for the delivery and removal of air to and from the system must be fabricated first. Their fabrication and installation are both important since these ducts must supply, return, and exhaust the air needed by the properties. Without proper fabrication and installation of the ductworks, all their intended functionalities, as well as the performance of HVAC equipment, may not be simply attained.
Fabrication of HVAC System Components with Sheet Metal
One material that can be used in fabricating ductworks and other needed HVAC system components is sheet metal. Sheet metal may be made from aluminium, steel, copper, bronze, magnesium, and brass. These types of metal have their own set of properties that may or may not benefit HVAC systems. However, their durability and reliability allow them to be recommended for most fabrication works.
But when it comes to HVAC systems, two of the most suitable metal materials for fabricating their components are galvanised steel and aluminium. Some of the HVAC system components that need to be fabricated include rectangular ductworks, spiral ductworks, special fittings, roof curbs, and roof curb adapters. Thanks to the great workability of these metal materials, the design of the ductworks and other components can be easily matched with the existing design of the property.
Significance of Sheet Metal Fabrication in HVAC Systems
The surrounding temperature of properties will constantly fluctuate as the season changes. Fortunately, sheet metal fabrication can easily benefit HVAC system owners due to the following reasons:
To know more about sheet metal fabrication in HVAC systems, feel free to contact us at Metcon.
Businesses under the hospitality industry usually maximise sheet metal fabrication in creating tools, furniture, and other products. Fixtures and fittings of bars, restaurants, bakeries, and other related establishments are mostly made of sheet metal, which can be further categorised into aluminium, brass, copper, steel, tin, titanium, and many more.
Notable Features of Sheet Metals
Different types of sheet metal are typically used for fabricating a wide variety of products because of their durability. They can easily withstand heavy pressure without breaking, collapsing, and getting damaged. Their durability is also caused by their effective resistance to corrosion, moisture, and heat. Being malleable or bendable also makes sheet metals a popular choice for metal fabrication. Any possible products that are needed for certain businesses can be easily fabricated with these materials.
Aside from durability and malleability, sheet metals are often used in fabrication works due to their lightweight nature. Appliances, equipment, and furniture made from sheet metal can be easily moved and transferred to any place. Ultimately, the reason behind the popularity of sheet metals stems from the fact that they are aesthetically pleasing. From products to building structures, sheet metals can easily give off an appearance that is beautiful and mesmerising to look at.
Hospitality Industry and Sheet Metals
The hospitality industry, which hugely includes food & beverages, travel & tourism, lodging, and recreation, sticks to the goal of providing customers with excellent essential services like food or accommodation. Whether it is for necessity, leisure, or luxury, the said industry must do everything just to attract customers and maintain a consistent number of customers in each noted time.
One way to keep customers feel entertained and accommodated is to keep the overall appearance enticing and maintain the effective functionality of their respective establishments. And if there is one thing that is common among best hospitality businesses, that would be the existence of sheet metal materials.
The dining or drinking section of these businesses would typically have beer pumps, bar pourers, and dip trays that are made from various types of sheet metals. Sheet metals are also used in fabricating tables, chairs, countertops, exhaust hoods, utensils, cooking equipment, shelves, cool rooms, trolleys, pans, knives, door handles, window grills, and many more. All products that can be formed out of sheet metals can easily obtain their notable features.
Hire the Best Fabrication Company
The best sheet metal products can only be fabricated if you hire the best sheet metal fabrication company out there. With the right company, you can easily request unique yet elegant customisations that are best suitable for the existing theme and style of your establishment. Finishes and materials can also be modified with the right fabrication company. Moreover, a great company will not compromise quality since they only use the best sheet metals possible for the whole fabricating process. And if possible, work with a company that can offer added services like repairs, maintenance, and other related sheet metal works.
Fortunately, we at Metcon Steel can provide you all your custom sheet metal fabrication solutions without ruining the overall quality of products and equipment. We can work with you to design, fabricate and, if needed, install your customised projects and sheet metal needs including outdoor furniture, table frames and legs, wood heating products, gates and railings, steel window frames, and shelving/racking.
The number of people who want to own and open commercial butcher shops is increasing again as they see the importance of having these shops around the city. The demand for the products that are sold by these shops is growing. With careful attention to the needs and essentials of the shop, a commercial butcher shop can be as profitable as one would have predicted and expected during the planning phase.
Aside from finding a perfect location, an effective and appropriate fitout can truly help a commercial butcher shop succeed. A commercial butcher shop fitout must possess all the needed equipment, furniture, and other tools to make it functional. This type of fitout must also match the needs and wants of the target market so that it can successfully lure a lot of potential and returning customers.
Basic Composition of a Commercial Butcher Shop
Commercial butcher shop must have all the tools needed for processing meat. These tools include a set of utensils, butcher’s knives, cleaver, bone saws, and cutting boards. Meat processing equipment must also be obtained to easily turn out any type of meat in just a few seconds. Food scales that are accurate and precise are also needed to make sure your customers can trust your shop.
Walk-in coolers and other refrigeration units must also be installed for effective storage and regulation of raw meat products. Freezers can also be utilised for products that need to be frozen for a certain duration. Another important product that a commercial butcher shop must contain is shelving. Shelving that is made from durable and high-quality materials can keep products fresh and clean. Worktables and butcher blocks are also essential in providing stable surfaces for the preparation and packaging of products.
Using Custom Fabricated Steel Material for the Shop
Most of the tools, furniture, and equipment that are needed for a commercial butcher shop can be made from different steel materials. However, most commercial butcher shop owners utilise custom fabricated steel material because of numerous reasons. First, products out of custom fabricated steel are very sturdy, which is very ideal for a butcher shop as it deals with pointy objects and heavy food products.
Custom fabricated steel products also come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. This characteristic alone is great for commercial butcher shops that have specific limitations when it comes to the available space and layout. Additionally, custom fabricated steel equipment and furniture are easy to clean and maintain. The time for cleaning these products is very limited since the daily workload of these shops is hectic. Cleaning and maintaining them easily can save time, money, and other valuable resources.
Some products that can be made from custom fabricated steel include sinks, basins, countertops, splashbacks, trolleys, and tables.
Metcon Steel Can Provide All the Needed Services
If you need any custom fabricated steel products for your commercial butcher shop fitout, feel free to contact us at Metcon Steel. Conveniently located in South Geelong, we offer over 30 years of industry knowledge and experience. We offer high-quality metal fabrication to many sectors of the industry providing fabricated constructions on a supply only or supply and install basis. Our market-leading, up to date machinery enables us to accurately cut, fold and fabricate a range of metals including but not limited to steel, galvanized, zinc, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, and brass.
