Steel Information

Farmhouse Style Steel Sheds

2010-07-27T13:37:00.001-07:00

Steel or metal sheds have been a necessary element of the farmhouse and farm style house. They come in a immense variety either to store up grains and even to deposit your gear along with other things. Huge steel or metal sheds that would have been used for building substances stored on large properties have considerable ranges to choose from.

You can have ranch designed steel sheds showing open or even enclosed bays by means of your type of access used for easy access.

The ordinary farmhouse style sheds are:

* Farm style metal sheds with a track driven door.

* Large farm sheds sporting a carport.

* Gaping farm style steel structures more often than not need a solitary section.

* Are large hay sheds.

Separately from everyday and ranch use, they are, also employed for every day reasons. You are able to errect them to park sizeable vehicles, look after live stock and these can equally be used as a garage. One can select web based sites where you can choose the plan as well as the structure for whatever purpose. You would be able to utilise any metal shed depending on the needs.

* Domestic steel or metal sheds - Are tough, strong and relatively cheap. They not only satisfy your needs but will look after your resources as well. One can store your farm tools, boats and other devices, safely and soundly, in these sorts of metal sheds.

* Farmstead style sheds- Used as tool or equipment sheds, hay sheds or just plain storage sheds; they may come with partly concealed enclosures. The weather proofed sheets provide strength and hardiness. They are appropriate for grain and/or other feed storage and offer appropriate shelter for harsh weather conditions.

* Equine steel or metal sheds- You could deliberate using these sheds for housing your live stock. Appropriately used as paddock steel sheds, equine stables and stalls. These concepts of reliable steel sheds offer you a secure storage facility and prove to be inexpensive. You can utilize them to produce a wide range of steel sheets for your use.

* Commercial metal sheds- Regularly these sheds have been extraordinarily well-liked and used for housing your vehicles at your place of work. One would also be likely to spot these types of steel or metal sheds that probably would have also been constructed as steel shed garages primarily used for cars or boats in many locations.

Steel sheds can be erected for many reasons. You can have them constructed in a pasture and utilise them accordingly. They can be definitely be found in lots of rural parts. In these areas you will probably not see any building which does not involve its own steel shed. Many corporations will help you to build steel or metal sheds and will suggest unique types of steel sheds such as:

* Steel Barn homes
* Steel Aircraft hangers
* Metal Aussie barns
* Large Steel garages
* Industrial steel sheds
* American steel barns
* Steel stables and stalls
* Acreage steel sheds

Exclusive steel or metal sheds fill several purposes. You will also be able to add them to residences. Their considerable use has guided a variety of companies to come up with numerous distinctive models. As a result they do offer several different styles as well as steel sheds for the customers. You can match up your requirements and alter the construction in view of your fancy. Even if you would like to look after horses, your car &/or plane or you might plan to stockpile your grains; you can go for any reputable business for their broad choice of steel sheds. They are loaded with a wide assortment of steel barn designs, metal sheds or stalls for your every day use and company use.

Article by Nicola Griffin http://www.ShedPlansSite.com Nicola has excellent information on her site about steel sheds, timber sheds. wooden sheds, garden sheds with design, construction and planning http://www.ShedPlansSite.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicola_Griffin

Your Guide to Understanding Common Steels Used in Knife Manufacturing

2010-07-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

Blade Steel Basics - Part 1 "Your Guide to Understanding Common Steels Used in Knife Manufacturing"

Quality steel is the backbone of any knife blade. Understanding the composition makeup and performance properties of steels commonly used in production knife manufacturing can be mind boggling. I fall into the group of knife enthusiasts who are familiar with good steel but don't necessarily understand why it's good or how it compares to other production steels in a side by side comparison. Composition defined simply is the balancing of elements to form steel for a particular use or purpose.

My objective for this series of articles is to create awareness and to generate discussion on common blades steels, breaking them down into terms we novices can understand so the next time you lay down your hard earned money for a knife, you're able to make an informed buying decision. For discussion purposes pertaining to blade steels, I'll reference Kershaw Knives.

The majority of modern production knives utilize 3 types of steel - High Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel and High Carbon Stainless Steel. We'll discuss the performance qualities, advantages and disadvantages of each as they relate to 7 blade steel attributes:

1. Strength
2. Toughness
3. Wear Resistance
4. Stain Resistance
5. Ease of Sharpening
6. Edge Retention
7. Performance / Value Ratio

Please note that the type of steel, though important, isn't the sole factor of a knife's overall performance. Other knife characteristic come into play such as blade design, blade construction, blade geometry, production treatments, handle design & makeup, balance, weight and others all effect how a knife will perform for a particular job.

Let's begin with High Carbon Steel (HCS). HCS typically contains an abundance of Carbon which exists in all knife steels and is the most important element to determine the hardness of steel. Most quality HCS blades will fall between a 58-62 range on the HRC scale like the Kershaw Knives K1079 Outcast with D2 coated HCS. At this range, most blades are capable of taking and holding hair splitting edges! To be considered a HCS, carbon must compose a minimum of.5% of the overall steel composition. What does this mean? Here is an easy way to understand it. HCS is essentially Iron combined with carbon and other alloys to create the desired performance characteristics for a blade. Other alloys present in HCS generally provide an element of corrosion resistance (chromium) or toughness (molybdenum). As an example, 1095 blade steel is composed of about 98% iron,.95% Carbon &.4% Manganese. Other alloys exist in trace amounts but do not contribute significantly to the blades overall composition and performance. HCS used in knife manufacturing include CPM3, 1095, A2, D2 (Kershaw Knives Outcast) and O1 steel.

Kershaw Knives utilizing HCS & HCSS (High Carbon Stainless Steel):

Kershaw Knives - K1079 Outcast

Kershaw Knives OCC-1000 w/ CPM-D2 HCS

Kershaw Knives ZT0170 Combat Knife w/ 14c28N HCSS

Kershaw Knives ZT0150 Black Fixed Blade w/ CPM-3V HCS

Kershaw Knives ZT0100 All-Black Fixed Blade w/ S30V HCSS

The advantages of HCS blades are:
• less expensive than stainless steel blades
• higher tensile strength (Kershaw Knives K1079 Outcast)
• better resistance to wear and abrasion
• HCS is recognized for its ability to hold a killer edge

The disadvantages of HCS blades are:
• rust & stain more easily
• require more maintenance
• lack toughness (prone to chipping)
• more difficult to sharpen (Kershaw Knives K1079 Outcast)

My next commentary will compare 5 common production HCS to the 7 attributes used to measure the quality & performance of a blade. Stay tuned...

*Special thanks to: http://www.zknives.com - a tremendous resource to learn about knife steels

Kershaw Knives - "The Legend Continues"

Chad Griffin, Owner, iShop Knives, http://www.ishopknives.com

iShop Knives has one uncompromising mission; to deliver the world's highest quality knives from the most respected, dependable and passionate knife makers in the industry. For unparalleled service and a truly worry free shopping experience, look no further than iShop Knives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chad_Griffin

SWOT Analysis new analysis released

2009-10-23T03:09:00.000-07:00

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) -Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) - SWOT Analysis - a new market research
report on companiesandmarkets.com

www.companiesandmarkets.com/Summary-Company-Profile/steel-author ..(sail)-swot-analysis-161607.asp

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) - SWOT Analysis company profile is the essential source for top-level company data and information. Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) - SWOT Analysis examines the companys key business structure and operations, history and products, and provides summary analysis of its key revenue lines and strategy.

Steel Authority of India (SAIL) is engaged in

the business of manufacturing and marketing steel and its allied products. It is a fully integrated iron and steel maker, producing both basic and special steel products for construction, engineering, power, railway, automotive, and defense industries. The company primarily operates in India. SAIL is headquartered in New Delhi, India and employs over 128,800 people. The company recorded revenues of INR456,544.4 million (approximately $11,340.6 million) during the financial year ended March 2008 (FY2008), an increase of 16.4% over FY2007. The operating profit of the company was INR97,558.2 million (approximately $2,423.3 million) during FY2008, an increase of 18.8% over FY2007. The net profit was INR75,967.8 million (approximately $1,887 million) in FY2008, an increase of 21.3% over FY2007.

Scope of the Report

- Provides all the crucial information on Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) required for business and competitor intelligence needs
- Contains a study of the major internal and external factors affecting Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in the form of a SWOT analysis as well as a breakdown and examination of leading product revenue streams of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
-Data is supplemented with details on Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) history, key executives, business description, locations and subsidiaries as well as a list of products and services and the latest available statement from Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)

Reasons to Purchase

- Support sales activities by understanding your customers businesses better
- Qualify prospective partners and suppliers
- Keep fully up to date on your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects
- Obtain the most up to date company information available

http://www.pr-inside.com/steel-authority-of-india-limited-sail-r1539830.htm

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. Reports Profitable 2009 Third Quarter and Nine Month Results

2009-10-23T03:08:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES--(Business Wire)-- Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (NYSE:RS) reported today its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009. For the 2009 third quarter, Reliance reported net income of $41.8 million, or $.57 per diluted share. For the 2008 third quarter, Reliance had net income of $152.5 million, or $2.07 per diluted share. For the 2009 second quarter, Reliance had a net loss of $5.8 million, or $0.08 per diluted share. Sales for the 2009 third quarter were $1.24 billion, down from 2008 third quarter sales of $2.57 billion, and flat with 2009 second quarter sales of $1.24 billion. The 2009 third quarter financial results include in cost of sales a pre-tax LIFO income amount of $67.5 million, compared with a pre-tax LIFO expense amount of $79.0 million for the 2008 third quarter and a pre-tax LIFO income amount of $75.0 million in the 2009 second quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net income amounted to $56.1 million, compared with net income of $416.5 million for the same period in 2008. Earnings per diluted share were $.76 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared with earnings of $5.65 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Sales for the 2009 year-to-date period were $4.04 billion, down 39% from 2008 nine month sales of $6.58 billion. The 2009 nine month financial results include in cost of sales a pre-tax LIFO income amount of $217.5 million, compared with a pre-tax LIFO expense amount of $136.5 million in the 2008 year-to-date period. Reliance`s tons sold for the 2009 third quarter were down 26% from the 2008 third quarter and down less than 1% from the 2009 second quarter. Average price per ton sold was down 34% compared to the 2008 third quarter and flat with the 2009 second quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, tons sold were down 13% and average pricing was down 29% compared to the same period of 2008. For the 2009 third quarter carbon steel sales were 54% of our revenues; aluminum sales were 19%; stainless steel sales were 14%; alloy sales were 7%; other sales were 4% and toll processing sales were 2%. David H. Hannah, Chairman and CEO of Reliance said, "The 2009 third quarter results improved substantially from the 2009 second quarter mainly due to higher gross profit margins. Because of mill price increases for most of our products during the third quarter and our significant inventory reductions over the past twelve months, our inventory costs on hand are now more in line with current replacement costs allowing us to improve our gross profit margins from the historically low margins experienced in the 2009 second quarter. We further reduced our FIFO inventory levels by $92 million in the quarter. Demand from our customers improved slightly during the quarter from the low levels experienced in July." "During the 2009 nine months, we generated record cash flow from operations of $807.2 million. We repaid $192 million of debt during the quarter. On September 28, 2009, we amended our existing $1.1 billion credit facility to adjust certain financial ratios and limit certain uses of cash through June 30, 2010. Pricing was adjusted and we also extended the maturity date on $1.02 billion of the $1.1 billion credit facility an additional year, through November 2012. Concurrent with the amendment and extension of the credit facility, we paid off and terminated our term loan that had an outstanding balance of $444 million, using $194 million of cash on hand and $250 million of borrowings on the credit facility. At September 30, 2009 we had cash on hand of $88 million. Our net debt-to-total capital ratio is 28% as of September 30, 2009," commented Hannah. "We are pleased with the significant improvement in our gross profit margins; however, we are uncertain as to business activity in the 2009 fourth quarter. Although we believe that demand is fairly stable at low levels, the fourth quarter is typically seasonally slower for us. Pricing also seems to be more stable than it was earlier in the year; however, we believe there may be some slight downward pressure on pricing for many of our products in the coming months. Because of this, we are not comfortable providing earnings guidance for the 2009 fourth quarter. We will, as the quarter progresses, communicate any meaningful information regarding our operations as it becomes available. Reliance stands on solid financial footings and is well positioned for the eventual recovery in economic conditions," concluded Hannah. On October 21, 2009, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $.10 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on January 6, 2010 to shareholders of record December 4, 2009. The Company has paid regular quarterly dividends for 49 consecutive years. Reliance will host a conference call that will be broadcast live over the Internet (listen only mode) regarding the third quarter and nine month financial results for the period ended September 30, 2009. All interested parties are invited to listen to the web cast on October 22, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time at: http://www.rsac.com in the Investor Information section or http://www.streetevents.com. Player format: Windows Media and RealPlayer. The web cast will remain on the Reliance web site at: www.rsac.com through November 22, 2009 and a printed transcript will be posted on the Reliance web site after the completion of the conference call. Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is the largest metals service center company in North America. Through a network of more than 200 locations in 38 states and Belgium, Canada, China, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, the Company provides value-added metals processing services and distributes a full line of over 100,000 metal products to more than 125,000 customers in a broad range of industries. Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.`s press releases and additional information are available on the Company`s web site at www.rsac.com. The Company was named to the 2008 "Fortune 500" List, the 2008 Forbes "America`s Best Managed Companies" List and the 2009 FortuneList of "The World`s Most Admired Companies." This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results and events may differ materially as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.`s control. Risk factors and additional information are included in Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.`s reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.`s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009.

Steel Buildings Catalogs

2008-08-22T02:33:00.002-07:00

Catalogs are promotional tools used in marketing. Catalogs are available in the printed form and as online versions. Steel buildings catalogs provide information about steel buildings. The printed forms may be short pamphlets or booklets with a number of pages. Steel building catalogs are necessary tools in the selection of steel building products. They provide a comprehensive idea about the cost of the construction. The catalogs of some manufacturers also give guidelines for the assembly of the system.

Steel buildings catalogs narrate the features of steel buildings, with adequate examples and thumb nails. Photographs are also used to make the catalogs more attractive. Online catalogs include video graphs and animated pictures of steel building construction. In catalogs, the price of a product is mentioned near its description. Attractive offers and discounts are also mentioned in catalogs. These catalogs can be used to acquire the price quotes of various kinds of steel buildings. Steel buildings catalogs also mention recommended accessories. Some catalogs include warnings about inappropriate structuring of steel buildings.

Steel buildings catalogs focus on every aspect of these buildings such as roof panels, wall frames and accessories. They describe the size, pattern and color of the product. Construction details are also included. The process of assembly is detailed through a series of pictures. Each step in the construction is outlined. The unique advantages of steel such as weather resistance, cost effectiveness and reduced time consumption are mentioned in catalogs. The special features of a steel building over its competitors are projected.

Steel buildings catalogs are available from manufacturer and builder websites on the Internet. Most manufacturers have printed catalogs meant to be circulated among the public. They put in maximum effort to boost the steel buildings industry. These catalogs are also distributed through news letters. Online catalogs are circulated through mails and affiliate marketing.

Steel Buildings provides detailed information on Steel Buildings, Commercial Steel Buildings, Pre-Fabricated Steel Buildings, Steel Storage Buildings and more. Steel Buildings is affiliated with Metal Building Kits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Emerson

3 Reasons Why Steel Buildings Are Beneficial and Gaining Popularity These Days

2008-08-22T02:33:00.001-07:00

Explained below are a few reasons for the use of the steel:

1) Money Saver -

The main reason for the increasing use of steel buildings is the low construction cost. Assuming that the building fits the parameters and limitations of what is appropriate for steel, prefabricated steel building kits are generally less expensive than the custom-designed structures built using traditional construction methods.

2) Multi-use -

Steel buildings can be used for a wide range of applications. Steel Buildings used to be limited to storage facilities and aircraft hangers. Now, steel is used very successfully for structures as small as toll booths and vending machine shelters, and as large as barns and agricultural facilities, work shops, sports facilities, even churches and retail centers.

3) Compound Benefits -

These prefabricated Steel Buildings are said to have several benefits & can be used in many circumstances. Prefabricated steel buildings can be erected more quickly than traditionally constructed buildings. Assuming that the prefabricated kit does not require significant customizing, the long project's design phase is reduced considerably with the use of the steel building system.

4) Non-combustible. Steel is a highly fire-resistant material. So a steel frame can better withstand a fire as compared to wood.

Conclusion:

Those design projects which fall under 50,000 square feet, steel buildings happen to be the best choice. For smaller warehouses, industrial and commercial projects, these benefits make steel buildings an extremely attractive solution for the cost-conscious building owner. Steel buildings are also the perfect choice for larger buildings where a large clear span space is required.

Standard Steel Buildings LLC design and build steel buildings in all parts of Texas, like Dallas, Austin & Houston. From commercial metal building for your warehouse, school, retail, church, storage, we make your buying process simple. Contact Us or Request a Free Quote

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Astha_Joshi

Steel Buildings for Sale

2008-08-22T02:33:00.000-07:00

Steel buildings are used for residential, commercial, recreational and agricultural purposes. Advantages of steel buildings are low building cost, durability and less time consumption. Prices of steel buildings depend on the price of steel at any given time. Steel buildings for sale give customers an option to buy the best at a low price. Sometimes if the cost of building materials or steel is lowered, steel buildings are available for sale.

A small percentage of steel building deals fail to materialize. Some customers create financial loss to the seller when they do not collect the product within the time limit. Then the product remains undelivered. In such cases, companies offer steel buildings for sale at very low prices. There is a reduction of $2000 to $4000 from the current market price. Extra fittings and other accessories of steel buildings are also kept for sale at cheap rates. Immediate availability of necessary goods is another benefit in the sale of steel buildings.

Some firms conduct year end clearance sales of steel buildings for special prices. Steel buildings for sale during festival and seasonal occasions are a great boon to customers. Modern facilities, wide selection and cheap rates make these sales a profitable event for buyers. To familiarise new steel building materials to the market, some factories give discounts to those special products. Normally steel buildings for sale by certain firms last only for a fixed period. Even single day sales are conducted by companies on limited pre-constructed steel buildings. Used steel buildings for sale are also available at very low rates.

According to the terms and conditions of some companies, steel buildings for sale do not include accessories or end walls. They also take transportation charge from customers. Online sale of steel buildings with a quote comparison list helps customers to evaluate products with respect to price and quality. Bidding of steel buildings for sale also enables customers to select the best options at low rates. The sale of steel buildings is promoted by companies to survive the tight competition in the market.

Steel Buildings provides detailed information on Steel Buildings, Commercial Steel Buildings, Pre-Fabricated Steel Buildings, Steel Storage Buildings and more. Steel Buildings is affiliated with Metal Building Kits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Emerson

New Vice President of Sales and Marketing Appointed for SunSystems; Britta Steele Brings over 15 Years of Senior Level Experience in Software Sales an

2008-02-15T04:34:00.000-08:00

Systems Union, Inc., developers of SunSystems -- an innovative financial and business information software solution, today announced that Britta K. Steele has joined the company as Vice President of Sales and Marketing to support its growing presence in the Americas.

In this role, Ms. Steele oversees the company's business development initiatives by supporting sales operations and driving revenues from strategic partnerships. In addition, Ms. Steele is responsible for leading all Americas marketing activities including brand management, demand creation, product marketing, corporate communications and field marketing. Ms. Steele also leads the company's marketing and business development initiatives to promote the SunSystems suite of products including:

-- Financials

-- Sales Order Management

-- Purchase Management & eRequistioning

-- Inventory Management

-- Product Management

-- Professional Services Automation/Time & Billing

-- Advanced Analytics and Reporting

-- Web Self-Service

With over 15 years experience working with financial professionals across medium to large organizations, Ms. Steele understands the issues faced by prospective customers in meeting their corporate objectives. Ms. Steele has demonstrated the ability to accurately develop solutions that enable customers to decrease total cost of ownership, increase analysis and forecasting capabilities and increase overall productivity. In her most recent position, Ms. Steele was Vice President of Marketing at Ascendant Solutions. Prior to Ascendant Solutions, Ms. Steele served as Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Coreintellect. In addition, Ms. Steele served as Senior Director of Global Product Marketing for Personic. Ms. Steele also spent five years at Oracle Corporation working in sales and then as Director of Worldwide Marketing. While at Oracle Corporation Ms. Steele was an integral part of the company's sales growth and was honored with 3 awards for marketing leadership and sales.

"We are delighted to have Britta Steele on our team at a time when SunSystems implementations are expanding in the Americas. SunSystems has long been recognized as a leading global financial solution. We are firmly committed to delivering our vision of empowering customers to achieve their financial and business objectives," says Mark Wolfendale, CEO, Americas, Systems Union, Inc.

"In the Americas, and around the world, SunSystems meets user demand for software and services that deploys globally, and can be managed locally -- all in a single instance and at the lowest cost of ownership. SunSystems' advanced analytics dramatically shorten the decision-making process helping keep organizations on track and on target," comments Britta Steele.

According to Mark Wolfendale, "The Vice President of Sales and Marketing role is vital in communicating and delivering our proven value proposition to the market: that SunSystems offers the same financials functionality as the "Big 3" at a fraction of the cost. SunSystems' seasoned management team, unique value proposition, strong customer relationships and technical expertise are instrumental in expanding our presence among enterprise companies throughout the Americas."

About SunSystems

SunSystems is a leading global financial and business management software solution. The product is used extensively by multinational organizations that require an international solution with global support. SunSystems is installed in 18,000 customer sites, with 250,000 customer seats in 194 countries. SunSystems customers include one quarter of the Fortune 500. SunSystems products are available in 27 languages. For more information, visit www.sunsystems.com.

About Systems Union Inc.

Established in 1981, Systems Union Inc. is part of Systems Union Holding Ltd. The company has 20 offices worldwide and over 200 channel partners in 74 countries. Systems Union has annualized revenue in excess of $70 million and 710 staff worldwide. For more information, visit www.systemsunion.com.

Austeel succeeds as a new-style "mini-mill"

2008-02-14T02:08:00.002-08:00

AUBURN-Having well-read public officials can be beneficial to local economic development, as Auburn's business community found out in the early 1970s. Then-mayor Paul Lattimore coaxed a Japanese steel company to build its new plant in Auburn rather than in Alabama after he read a newspaper article about a proposed new steel mill says James A. Dacey, vice president or Auburn Steel Company, Inc.The mayor hired a company to study the feasibility of locating the plant in Auburn and then presented the completed study to Japanese officials in Washington. The officials put him in contact with the Koyoei Steel Company, which informed him that it had already chosen a site in Mobile, Ala. for its next generation "mini-mill." But Lattimore didn't give up, and he invited Koyoei management to Auburn to examine the area. After considering the mayor's plan and seeing that the necessary water, power, raw materials, and market were in place, Koyoei decided to build its new mill in Auburn. Mayor Lattimore's reading habits and persistence helped him pull off a "steel steal" that today employs 300 Auburn-area residents.

Austeel, as the company is known, was built on a different model from the giant mills that rolled America's steelframed infrastructure for more than 100 years. "The one-mill business," says Dacey, "is a thing of the past."

The plant began operations very slowly because of the Japanese-influenced management style the owners brought to Auburn, Dacey says. First, the company hired a team of supervisors and trained them in production techniques. The team then split up and more workers joined each team. The teams would then rotate into different production areas."We took melters and trained them as steel rollers," he says. "That was totally unheard of in the U.S. steel industry."

Slowly and carefully, the teams expanded until each side of the plant, melting and rolling, had four teams in place. The plant's production grew from 50,000 tons per year to 150,000 tons per year as the team members improved their skills. The Auburn plant, upgraded in the years since its opening, now produces 450,000 tons per year, Dacey says.

The Austeel plant has no time clocks, as most employees are salaried. The company has no sick days or personal leave; the employee's supervisor approves pay for absences, says Dacey. The policies have worked well over the years, he reports; the company has an 0.4 percent absentee rate-the average U.S. manufacturer reports a 3.8 percent absentee rate, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

Dacey credits the company's survival

and prosperity to its employees' dedication to the business. When clients visit Austeel, he says, they are surprised to learn that individual steelmakers are familiar with the customers' purchases. The company cooperates with local schools in training programs, to ensure a future supply of skilled workers, he says.

Austeel has one of the best safety records in the industry, often going several years without a "lost-time" accident, Dacey says. The plant employs modem, computer-controlled processes to produce steel with a careful regard for the environment, he adds.

A "bar mill" in industry parlance, Auburn Steel Company makes several varieties of steel used in auto, mining, railroad, and other industries.

"We make rounds, squares, angles, channels, flats, reinforcing rod, and special bar shapes," says Dacey.

Austeel also produces its own oxygen used in the melting process.

Austeel's market stretches from Iowa to Maine and as far south as Virginia. Changes in the business have reduced the regional nature of the steel business since the 1970s, Dacey says. Competitors from as far away as Louisiana regularly compete with Austeel in its home area.

Dacey says the company plans to pursue growth through acquisition of existing mill properties. In 1994, the company added a second mill in Lemont, Ill. Each mill is run by a general manager, a post currently left vacant by retirement at the Auburn plant.

The Sumitomo Corp. of Japan owns most of Austeel, as well as several other mills around the world.

Gearmotor meets food industry sanitary requirements

2008-02-14T02:08:00.001-08:00

Ultramite SS right-angle, helical bevel gear drives feature smooth housing and C-Face mounting surfaces constructed of corrosion-resistant 316SS Stainless Steel. All unused housing holes are plugged with stainless steel caps, and nameplate information is etched into housing. Dual Lip/High Pressure Exclusion Seals keep lubrication in, while standing up to harsh chemical and high-pressure wash down environments. All hardware features capsulated locknuts. Milwaukee, WI - A NEW line of Stainless Steel Helical Bevel Gear drives is now available from Falk Corporation, for Food Industry sanitary requirements. These drives feature smooth Housing and C-Face mounting surfaces constructed of corrosion resistant #316SS Stainless Steel. This design eliminates areas where bacteria and pathogens normally grow and provides for thorough wash downs. In addition, all unused housing holes are plugged with stainless steel caps and the nameplate information is etched into the housing allowing for easier wash down. All hardware features capsulated locknuts, further eliminating areas for bacterial and pathogen growth.

Falk's New Ultramite SS Drives also feature a C-Faced Input for use with any brand of electric motor. Dual Lip/High Pressure Exclusion Seals are supplied as standard to keep lubrication in, while standing up to the harsh chemical and high-pressure wash down environment found in the Food and Beverage Industry. All Ultramite SS drives come factory filled with premium H1 approved lubricant For more information on Falk's products and services, contact The Falk Corporation, 3001 W. Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208, USA, Phone: 414.937.4686, Fax: 414.937.4047, E-Mail: info@falkcorp.com, Web Site: www.falkcorp.com

The Milwaukee, WI based Falk Corporation offers drive systems, gear drives, gearmotors, shaft couplings, fluid couplings, coupling guards, ring gears, and steel castings in mining, metal processing, pulp and paper, cement, aggregates, chemical processing, utilities, transportation, and food processing.

How Important Was the Invention of Iron Ore

2008-02-01T04:23:00.000-08:00

Our science books are full of successful inventions of Thomas Edison like electricity, phonograph and many others, but there is hardly any mention about his failures. One of his most peculiar failures was his lack of ability to find an effective way to excavate iron ore.

If he had been successful in excavating iron ore, he would have been a billionaire at that time and the possibilities that would have been generated after excavation like creation of millions of jobs, and many other inventions.

Iron is the most economical of all the metals available for mining, and yet at the same time is of no use in its pure form. Pure Iron is very delicate and cannot be used to manufacture any products. It is silver in color in its pure form. Its gets its gray color after it is combined with oxygen. Iron can not be put any practical application in its pure form.

Hence it was important that an effective extraction process was discovered. For ten years, from 1880 to 1890, Edison carried out many experiments, hired the services of scientists, to find a novel way to extract iron ore. He was doing this to extract iron ore for the Pennsylvania steel mills.

He shifted from his comfortable office to work in the old iron mines to look for an economical way to meet with the growing demand of steel . His experiments of testing and processing were getting very expensive and he had to sell all his stock in General Electric to fund his invention. His heirs must be regretting his decision even today.

Edison could not succeed to extract the iron from unusable, low grade ores. He had to finally abandon this project. He could never recover his money that he had put in this project. Later on however, he a earned lot of money after he continued his work on the phonograph and motion pictures etc.

It was a challenging task for both Edison and the American economy to find an economic way to produce steel at cheaper rates. After 1840 the American iron industry was going thru a resurgence as American was not one of the major steel producer in the world.

In 1844, government surveyors traced huge deposits of iron ore of anthracite in the Great Lakes area. After this Pennsylvania became known as America’s largest supplier of iron and steel.

A British engineer named Henry Bessemer invented a process for steel extraction process. He accomplished the incomplete task of Thomas Edison. He devised an iron smelting process thur which it was feasible to produce large quantities of steel. This process is still used by some manufacturers even today.

His invention was quite inexpensive and provided an efficient process to produce steel from iron ore. But still a refined process was invented by Abram S. Hewitt who even improved on Bessemer process of Andrew Carnegie. He soon became a steel tycoon that by his improved process of developing the open-hearth converter and his process was preferred over that of Bessemer by American steel manufacturers.

The American steel industry was revolutionised with the invention of low cost steel production. American Industry was now the leader in the world in steel production. In 1873 alone, America produced nearly 115,000 tons of steel. It was now possible to use steel in many industries because of fall in its prices.

Automotive industry in America is the major (nearly 70%) user of finished steel in America.

Accessories Available With Steel Buildings

2008-02-01T04:21:00.000-08:00

The versatility of steel construction allows for a number of add-ons and accessories for buildings. Whether building an office park, church, barn, or small hangar, you can enhance your steel building with a number of accessories.

Personal Doors- Personal Doors are available either as solid metal or long-vue. Doors may include 16-gauge frames and come complete with all necessary hardware. Face sheets are normally 20-gauge embossed finish, protected by a G-60 hot-dipped galvanized coating, with a two-coat acrylic paint finish.

Ventilators - Both continuous ridge vents and circular vents by are fabricated by galvalume or painted steel and have operable dampers.

Windows - Sliding slash aluminum windows are specifically designed to be used with various exterior wall systems. Windows may include latch, half-screen, weather-stripping and provisions for storm sash installation.

Louvers - Steel-constructed wall louvers have overlapping design weather tight blades which can be either fixed or adjustable. An insect screen is standard, and louvers may be installed either singly or side-by-side.

Frame Openings - These are wall opening accessory items, such as overhead doors, which require framing and support are easily accommodated by quality, secondary structural steel framed openings.

Translucent "Skylight" Panels - Translucent glass fiber panels may be provided in either "general purpose" or UL-Approved fire retardant material.

Eave & Gable Canopies - Structural eave and gable canopies may either be extensions of the roof line or situated below the eave or rake line. Both types of canopies are fully framed and trimmed and include return downspouts for eave canopies.

24-Gauge Rollformed Gutter & Trim - Strong, straight 24-gauge rollformed gutter and trim by gives every building a professionally finished touch along eave and rake lines.

Vertical or Mansard Facades - Vertical and sloped mansard facade systems gives the building designer the option to alter building profiles to achieve a flat, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

These are just a few options that await you when you design a steel building for your business. Contact a steel building kit company today to learn more.

Abs of Steel - 2 Awesome Tips for a Rock Solid Core

2008-01-31T05:26:00.000-08:00

Nowadays everyone wants abs of steel.

Having abs of steel shows that you are the pinnacle of being hot and sexy.

The problem is, the vast majority of people have no idea how to get abs of steel. They try to do it by doing hundreds of crunches and crash dieting. Unfortunately, this common approach to getting abs of steel is not very effective and may even end up sabotaging your efforts!

Whether you are an advanced bodybuilder or haven't exercised in years, the follow guidelines always have and always will be at the forefront of losing body fat and getting the abs of steel that the opposite sex loves.

Top 3 Tips to get Abs of Steel

1. Nutrition is King

That's right. In order to get abs of steel, you absolutely must follow the right nutrition guidelines.

These techniques are actually very simple and straightforward. The problem is that most people are on information overload to the point that they are just downright confused about what works.

If you want to get abs of steel, you need to have a certain type of diet. I am not an RD so I will not try to tell you what is best for your individual body, but I can tell you the basics that all the rest will stem from.

Here we go.

Create a defecit in the number of calories you consume.

This is very a very specific tactic that you must use. If you want to lose body fat, you need to take in less calories. This is an aspect of getting abs of steel that will help you really carve out the midsection.

But taking in less overall calories is not enough. You need to take in less overall calories while eating right foods at the right time. That is so important it needs to be repeated:

You need to take in less overall calories while eating right foods at the right time.

By eating the right foods, you are going to store less calories as body fat and start to see those abs of steel take shape. By cutting down on high glycemic "bad carbs", your blood sugar will stay more regulated. When you eat a big meal of bad carbs, your blood sugar spikes very high. Then, your body releases more insulin to store the excess blood sugar as body fat.

You want to avoid the bad carbs and instead consume more high quality protein (chicken, tuna, turkey, etc.), more complex carbs (wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice), and consume more healthy fats (usually omega 3 fatty acids found in fish).

This is the staple of having the proper nutrition to get abs of steel!

2. Lose body fat by total body strength training.

When most people try to get abs of steel they try do just do tons of crunches.

The truth is that in order to get abs of steel, you need to lower your body fat percentage. Nutrition is one half, and exercise is the other half.

To lose body fat and get abs of steel through exercise, you want to increase your active and resting metabolism. You can do this by adding muscle mass and high intensity cardio.

The best way to add muscle mass to burn fat is by doing total body strength training workouts 2-3 times per week in a circuit training format. This format will help you get abs of steel because you will work more overall muscle, which will increase your metabolism.

High intensity cardio has the same effect. If you try doing 2 minutes slow and 1 minute fast on a cardio machine, you are doing what is called interval training. This is excellent for burning calories, raising your metabolism, and for losing fat to get those abs of steel!

So as you can see the best combination of getting abs of steel comes from having the right nutrition and exercise program, not by crash dieting and doing lots of crunches.

Check out the link below for more great information on how to get abs of steel.

Want to Reprint this Article on Abs of Steel?

Reprinting is welcome as long as the content, links, author bio, and resource box are all included and remain completely unchanged.

Steel Buildings Texas - Making the Right Decision

2008-01-31T05:25:00.000-08:00

We all know that Steel buildings are gaining popularity day-by-day because the many benefits and advantages that steel building systems provide are without a shred of doubt. With this increase in popularity, more steel building companies are entering the marketplace which is making a purchasing decision for a customer more difficult. However, having a basic understanding of the industry will help to ensure that you are not taken advantage of and that you are able to decide what, how & from where you need.

Beware of Steel Building Hucksters

Like many industries, the steel building industry too has its share of hucksters. These companies, out to make some quick money, often prey on ignored consumers who are not having enough education to counter-check the details. Thus, making a purchase without having proper knowledge about steel buildings and the purchasing process can land you up in a disastrous situation. So, educate yourself before stepping out.

Low-Grade Steel Buildings

You’ll come across a lot of companies who would make you believe that they are selling their steel buildings a cheapest price in the market. Before, you get excited check if they are using low-grade materials and components in order to offer you the lowest possible price. These low-grade buildings may not be as reliable and may cost you more money in the future because of maintenance and other issues. Making your purchase for a steel building just by the price factor might get you in trouble. Its recommended that you go thorough a thorough check to ensure that these steel buildings are created equal. Purchase the highest quality steel building you can afford.

Getting the Worth

If you want to get the most value for your money, it is obvious that you will not want to shop for a steel building on price alone. The lowest price does not necessarily mean the best value. In fact, in many cases, the lowest price could mean the lowest value for your building dollar. Some steel building companies offer their customers very little in the way of post-sales support. There would be a lot of customers complaining that they purchased a building from a company and were left on their own to figure out how to get the building erected. This can be a challenge for an individual or organization that does not have the requisite experience.

When making a purchasing decision, you will want to take into consideration the total value you are receiving for the dollars you are spending. Will the steel building company support you during the construction process? Will the company help you design the building to your specifications? Will the company help you with the permitting process? These are important questions to ask, especially if you are a business owner with little time to devote to the project.

Standard Steel Buildings LLC design and build steel/metal buildings in all parts of Texas, like Dallas, Austin & Houston. From commercial metal building for your warehouse, school, retail, church, storage, we make your buying process simple

Steel Buildings – Making the Right Decision

2008-01-30T04:27:00.002-08:00

Like many industries, the steel building industry too has its share of hucksters. These companies, out to make some quick money, often prey on ignored consumers who are not having enough education to counter-check the details. Thus, making a purchase without having proper knowledge about steel buildings and the purchasing process can land you up in a disastrous situation. So, educate yourself before stepping out.

Low-Grade Steel Buildings

You’ll come across a lot of companies who would make you believe that they are selling their steel buildings a cheapest price in the market. Before, you get excited check if they are using low-grade materials and components in order to offer you the lowest possible price. These low-grade buildings may not be as reliable and may cost you more money in the future because of maintenance and other issues. Making your purchase for a steel building just by the price factor might get you in trouble. Its recommended that you go thorough a thorough check to ensure that these steel buildings are created equal. Purchase the highest quality building you can afford.

Getting the Worth

If you want to get the most value for your money, it is obvious that you will not want to shop for a steel building on price alone. The lowest price does not necessarily mean the best value. In fact, in many cases, the lowest price could mean the lowest value for your building dollar.
Some steel building companies offer their customers very little in the way of post-sales support. There would be a lot of customers complaining that they purchased a building from a company and were left on their own to figure out how to get the building erected. This can be a challenge for an individual or organization that does not have the requisite experience.
When making a purchasing decision, you will want to take into consideration the total value you are receiving for the dollars you are spending. Will the company support you during the construction process? Will the company help you design the building to your specifications? Will the company help you with the permitting process? These are important questions to ask, especially if you are a business owner with little time to devote to the project.

About Standard Steel Buildings: Standard Steel Buildings is a Texas-based steel building design and marketing company that handles all phases of steel buildings, from concept to delivery. The buildings are shipped from 12 manufacturing plants within the United States. All of their shipping points are American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) certified and are in good standing with the Metal Building Manufacturing Association. The company takes great pride in using American steel, ensuring their clients receive only the best quality steel church buildings available.

Stainless Steel Coffee Makers Not Just Another Pretty Face

2008-01-30T04:27:00.001-08:00

It's likely that the majority of stainless steel coffee makers are sold because they have that different look. The brushed stainless finish almost always looks nicer then a regular white plastic coffee maker, and glass carafe. Especially with the kitchens of today being extra stylish, and often having stainless steel appliances, don't we all want it to match?

What some people might not realize is that there is more to a stainless steel coffee maker then just another pretty face. There are specifically two key advantages I like about a stainless steel maker versus my old regular plastic glass carafe coffee maker. One is to do with replacement parts, the other to do with how my coffee tastes each morning.

Possibly you haven't done this, but leaving a glass carafe in the sink for a day then doing dishes that evening offers a pretty good chance you could crack that carafe. Especially if you're loading more dishes in on top of that carafe through the day. Of course we can all leave it on the counter, or in the coffee maker, but bottom line is coffee maker carafes aren't indestructible especially those made of glass.

A stainless steel coffee maker often comes with a stainless steel carafe. Guess what, really tough to break a stainless steel coffee carafe. You can drop it on the floor, leave it in the sink, some even put in the dish washer to reduce clean up time. I love it, can't beat something that I don't have to wash and I can't break it.

Now the second benefit of a stainless steel coffee maker also has to do with the carafe. Often times when I brew half a pot of coffee just for myself, I don't get around to drinking it all while it's fresh. The burner on the coffee maker tends to burn the coffee and reduce the taste and aroma, with a stainless carafe they're usually thermal as well. Meaning they don't require another heat source they keep the coffee warm inside by sealing in the warmth, and being insulated in the body. Just like a thermos you'd take to work with you.

Prices vary from under a hundred to several hundred dollars for a stainless coffee maker. All the major brands offer a stainless version of their top selling models including Cuisinart, Black and Decker, and Kitchen Aid. If you're shopping for a new drip coffee maker, be sure to consider a stainless steel model, and remember the extra few dollars it might cost isn't just for that sharp looking brushed stainless appearance it's for the added features to.

Abs of Steel - 2 Awesome Tips for a Rock Solid Core

2008-01-29T06:38:00.001-08:00

Steel Buildings Texas - Making the Right Decision

2008-01-29T06:37:00.001-08:00

Use Plastic-Lined Nipples To Keep Your Water Heater Corrosion And Rust Free

2008-01-05T04:15:00.000-08:00

A water heater's tank is made of steel and plumbing lines are often made out of brass or copper. This poses a problem. Brass or copper may not touch steel without causing the steel to rust and corrode. The brass or copper will remain unharmed when touching steel. This can cause a weakened water heater lining. Plastic-lined nipples were created to deal with this problem. If you have a brand new water heater and it is attached to copper lines, check to see if any corrosion has occurred. If it has, you should have plastic-lined nipples installed immediately to prevent corrosive damage to the water heater which could cause a leak.

If you are handy with plumbing, you can install gate valves on your hot and cold lines on top of your water heater. Install brass valves into plastic-lined nipples. This is better than installing directly into steel. Don't attach copper or brass directly to steel or the steel will corrode and rust. Now you have the ability to turn the water on and off at the water heater.

Heat traps can be used where the plastic-lined nipples are installed. Hire a plumber to do this to increase the water heater's efficiency. Make sure adapters are attached to the copper plumbing. If the water heater has a combination anode rod inside, the plastic-lined nipple will still be important. Now you can attach a plastic-lined nipple. If you have a curved dip tube installed inside your water heater, you will need a three inch long plastic-lined nipple as well.

The easiest method of adding plastic-lined nipples if you have steel plumbing is as follows: Attach to both the hot and cold lines a plastic-lined nipple where the lines protrude from the wall. Attach to both of the hot and cold lines another set of plastic-lined nipples where the lines connect to the water heater. Use copper flex-connectors to connect the hot line from the wall to the water heater and do the same for the cold line. Heat traps should be installed to your plumbing lines for increased heating efficiency and to keep the water in the lines warmer.

Plastic-lined nipples may also be installed on the T&P valve. A lack of corrosion or rusting will keep the T&P working properly without getting any trapped water inside. This can assist, but it isn't absolutely necessary.

The History Of Steel Reinforced Concrete

2008-01-05T04:14:00.000-08:00

There is a number of building materials that have been found to be exceptional when used in the construction of buildings. One of these exceptional building materials is steel reinforced concrete. Steel reinforced concrete is a specific type that has had strong steel rebar or fibers added to it while wet, creating a very strong type of concrete that is able to withstand almost anything when it has dried. Because the results of using steel reinforced are so good for the strength of the building, most modern buildings today use steel reinforced concrete in the construction process.

The advantages of using this in building construction was first discovered in the mid 1800's by a man by the name of Joseph Louis Lambot. He found that by adding thin steel bars or steel fibers to concrete, he could greatly increase the strength of the concrete, making it better for use in a variety of applications. In the early years, this was used for making a number of items, such as reinforced garden tubs, road guardrails, and reinforced beams. There were a number of different types of reinforced concrete products on the market because construction firms all wanted to use the product, but no standard method of production had yet been developed.

Over time, many different companies tried their hand at creating the perfect type of steel reinforced concrete. Through much trial and error, the best versions of this became widely known while the lesser brands slowly faded away. Buildings that used reinforced concrete in their construction began popping up all over the world, especially in the United States and Europe. This caused the buildings to have stronger support and last longer, allowing constructors to begin building upward and reducing limitations on weight and height for the buildings. One company in Europe completed over 7,000 buildings using reinforced concrete during its first ten years of operation.

In 1878, the first system was patented in the United States by an American by the name of Thaddeus Hyatt. The Pacific Coast Borax Company refinery, located in Alameda, California, was the first building constructed in the United States using this new system. The popularity of the process skyrocketed in the early 1900's and soon, a majority of the developers in the country were using steel reinforced concrete in the construction of their steel buildings. The process has been refined over the years, constantly changing and improving the formula for making high-quality steel reinforced concrete.

Today, many of the buildings located in industrialized nations use steel reinforced concrete to make the buildings stronger and better able to withstand the ravages of time and the weather. Reinforcing the concrete that will be used on the building adds tensile strength to the concrete, making it much stronger and more flexible that regular concrete, which helps prevent cracking and breakage. Steel reinforced concrete can be used in a number of building applications, including floors, beams, supports, walls, and frames.

How to Select a Pair of Quality Steel Toe Shoes

2007-12-19T23:13:00.000-08:00

Many companies produce reports and articles of why their steel toe shoes are perfect, so I will give an unbiased opinion of how to select a pair of quality steel toe shoes.

You should consider the following 5 factors when buying steel toe shoes: Fabric, Durability, Sole, Flexibility, and Additional Features. I will go into more detail on each of these categories below.

Fabric: Different fabrics can make or break a shoe in a matter of months. It can also make you feel uncomfortable if it is not the right fabric. There are gortex like rubber, canvas like fabrics, suede, and leather. Leather has one of the best aspects for steel toe safety aspects in my opinion. They are easily broken in after a few days and then they fit your foot like a glove. Leather will not burn and ignite into flames or melt. If they are burnt or scuffed they can be easily polished and masked away. Thick leather is ideal and looks nice.

Durability: Is the shoe made to last a long time or is it just made to OSHA standards with a shelf life of only six months? What I mean by durability, is whether the shoe will last for two years of wear and tear before you have to replace them. Some shoes may look nice and can take a beating but after a few months the stitches come apart, the metal wears through the padding and digs into your foot, there are many things which can occur if the shoe is not engineered just right. Does the shoe have a steel shank? Is the steel toe area padded well and with lasting material? Will the shoe backing hold? And the sole, how long will that last?

Sole: This is very important and is more of a sub category of Durability, but merits its own category. First, there are two types of soles, those made to last a year or more and those that are not. I have seen shoes with holes showing in the sole after only a few weeks as the rubber begins to wear away and the hollow honey comb style sole bears forth. Literally dig your finger into the sole in various areas, if it bends easily and you can feel the air, it wont last very long. Although tougher rubber or thicker may not be as comfortable, it will last. One problem with worn soles is that they have a tendency to wear on one side only based on your walking habits. After a while it is dangerous to walk in shoes that are half worn, it can throw your back out, cramps, and more. One more health issue to avoid caused by cheap products.

Flexibility: Will the product bend. If the sole is so thick it barely moves, how well will the contours of your foot feel after an 8 hour day? Some shoes are so heavily reinforced with different materials that the backs never mold to your foot or the steel toe area just continues to dig into your toes? What ever it may be, bend the shoe, try it on. If you feel too much discomfort in a certain area, take the shoe off and inspect it, you might just find that this shoe just wont work for you. This is another key point, some shoes just don't work for everyone.

Features: Are the shoes rated Electrical Hazard, Insulated, Waterproof, etc. There are many things to look at and it will depend on your job.

Retail Steel Buildings

2007-12-19T23:12:00.000-08:00

Retail steel buildings are great protectors for all types of retail establishments.

Because of multiple advantages, retail steel buildings are becoming popular day by day among franchisee chains and retail developers. It is a time consuming process to construct a retail building. In addition, significant amount of investment is needed. A wide number of pre-engineered steel building systems are in the market to fulfill your retail building needs. The providers of retail steel buildings assist building needs in the most economical manner. By erecting a retail steel building, you can save loads of money than is possible in conventional construction.

Retail steel buildings are designed to prevent the harshest climatic conditions on earth, such as heavy snow, tornadoes and hurricanes. It provides maximum usage of space with minimal investment. These buildings also prevent rusting and rotting. They are available in attractive designs with a variety of panel and trim colors.

Most retail steel buildings come with pre-drilled, pre-cut, pre-punched and pre-welded structures. By utilizing retail steel buildings, customers can uphold a clear span of up to 300 feet wide. Doors, roll-up doors, windows, insulation, ceiling lights and additional building options are offered. Along with these components, numerous exterior choices such as brick, slate, stone and stucco are also supplied to improve the look of the retail steel building.

Other benefits of using retail steel buildings are less maintenance, fire retardant, durability, flexibility, faster erection and cost efficiency. It can be easily expanded to any length according to your needs. Most of the retail steel buildings come with column free designs and do not require interior load bearing walls.

Many companies in this business attach warranty programs on retail steel buildings. They also offer warranty programs on the different components and parts. Almost all retail steel building companies provide project experts, who help all the way from concept to delivery.

Olympia Steel Building Systems, Crown International Steel Building Systems, American Steel Span, Standard Steel Buildings LLC, and General Steel Corporation are some of the leading manufacturers of retail steel buildings.

The evolution of tool steel

2007-07-25T00:11:00.000-07:00

Now available from International Mold Steel, Inc., DC53 is a general-purpose cold work die and mold steel. The product can potentially improve fatigue strength, machining and grinding, resistance to galling, and stability for EDM because of high tempering temperatures. Quality and heat treatment characteristics are described in this brochure.

AMM Scrap Iron & Steel Prices

2007-07-25T00:10:00.000-07:00

Prices and other information contained in this publication have been obtained by American Metal Market ("AMM") from sources believed to be reliable. Pricing information is collated through regular contact with producers, traders and purchasers, and represents an approximate evaluation of current levels based upon dealings (if any) that may have been disclosed to AMM prior to publication. Actual transaction prices will reflect quantities, grades and qualities, credit terms and many other parameters. The prices are in no sense comparable to the quoted prices of commodities in which a formal futures market exists. Efforts are made to ensure that pricing information is representative, but because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, AMM or others, AMM does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any published information. AMM is not responsible for errors or omissions, or for the results obtained by the use of such information, and disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by such errors or omissions, including those arising from the negligence of AMM, its employees or representatives.

Industrial Ethernet: wiring the enterprise: rumors of Ethernet's demise on the factory floor, especially for control applications, are unfounded. What

2007-07-04T02:07:00.000-07:00

Twenty years ago, Ethernet was dismissed for industrial networking. But slowly, out of the rat's nest of front-office data networks, Ethernet has reached out and touched the plant floor, More than touched, in fact. Analyst firm ARC Advisory Group Inc. (Dedham, MA) forecasts that the use of Ethernet-ready products on device-level networks will explode., Explains Harry Forbes, senior analyst at ARC, "Ethernet is becoming an intrasystem interface." Forbes suggests that people are looking at ways to utilize Ethernet for factory control applications that push the proverbial envelope vis-a-vis its networking capabilities. For a number of reasons, Ethernet is Enticing for industrial networking applications. It's tried and true; that is, it's popular, widely used, and used for years by information technology (IT) departments (and offices) worldwide. Moreover, compared to proprietary networks, Ethernet networks are easier to install and maintain; the networking technology is readily available, and far less expensive.

There's another enticement: The ability to standardize an entire enterprise--from the plant floor to the corporate boardroom--on one network. Such a network would greatly amortize the costs of installation, maintenance, and training. What's more, it would also promise greater access to production data throughout the enterprise, from anywhere around the world.
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According to Hirschmann-USA (Pine Brook, NJ), a supplier of networking solutions, "Over the past five years, there have been many enhancements to the Ethernet standards, especially in areas of determinism, speed, and prioritization. There is no monger any reason why Ethernet cannot be used to build deterministic fieldbus solutions that are cost effective and open."

ETHERNET EVOLVES

When first adopted in the mid-1980s as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 standard, Ethernet was considered unsuitable on the plant floor. The network protocol was (and still is) nondeterministic. Device response times could not be guaranteed because of data collisions and the delays in retransmitting data. Data throughput was slow. The network medium was subject to electromagnetic interference (EMI).

That was then; this is now. Nowadays, Ethernet now runs over shielded and unshielded twisted pair copper, coaxial, and fully EMI-resistant fiber-optic cable. (There's another medium. Hang on.)

Next, Ethernet operating speeds across even conventional wire cabling have increased at least an order of magnitude, from 10 megabits per second (Mbps) to 100 Mbps. Automatic switches that negotiate 10/100 Mbps are commonplace, thereby optimizing speed versus service, as well as letting you mix 10 Mbps (Ethernet) and 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) devices on the same network. The higher speed also reduces the probability of data collisions (thus lost data). The delays that do exist are so short as to be non-issues. For most factory applications, 100 Mbps Ethernet is deterministic enough.

Today, Gigabit Ethernet is available. This is Ethernet running at 1 Gbps, though the latest push is 10 Gbps. Gigabit Ethernet is primarily targeted lot enterprise-wide backbone networks; however, it is showing up in the backbone of distributed control systems in the process industries. Explains Forbes, "It's just for scalability. When users want to scale their [data] 'pipe' bigger, they don't have to do anything special; they just go buy a little more expensive switch."

DETERMINISTIC NON-DETERMINISM

The technology evolution most responsible lot minimizing Ethernet's nondeterminism are the advanced switching technologies that let multiple devices simultaneously transmit and receive data over multiple network loops. Unlike an Ethernet hub, which bridges all network ports into a common pool, an Ethernet switch lets users divide a network into virtual local area networks (LANs). This segments devices into logical workgroups, helping local data communications stay local. Ethernet switches also typically have a last internal backbone, which helps eliminate collisions among data packets and, therefore, lost packets. ARC points out that simply swapping a $400 Ethernet switch for a $100 Ethernet hub can make Ethernet more dependable. Even though both link devices and network rings together, fast switches can quickly swap network lines, thereby responding to anomalies quickly, such as miscommunications, power failures, and device failures.

For instance, the industrialized ED6008 8-port EtherDevice Server from Moxa Technologies, Inc. (City of Industry, CA) has redundant Ethernet ring capabilities so that when any segment of the network is disconnected, the server automatically recovers in 300 ms (with 120 nodes connected and a full load of network traffic). Plus, the server dynamically warns technicians when power fails or a port link breaks. It even sends warning emails when Ethernet traffic builds up.

Adding some intelligence-namely, software or firmware--to the switch improves quality of service (QoS) and adds queue management capabilities. According to officials at Cisco Systems, Inc. (San Jose, CA), "By assigning a priority to time-sensitive data, intelligent Ethernet switches can elevate that traffic above lower-priority data. This ensures that high-priority traffic always traverses the network even if the network becomes congested." Such capabilities are in the Cisco Catalyst 2955, a 12-port 10/100 Mbps switch [or linking programmable logic controllers (PLC) to factory floor networks. The switch has no fans, runs on a 24-volt DC current, operates at extreme temperatures, and can withstand extreme shock and vibration. Depending on the model, the switch can include two single-mode or multimode Fast/Gigabit Ethernet fiber uplink ports--for less than $3,600. The switches also have Qos capabilities that can classify, reclassify, police, mark, and even drop incoming data packets as application priorities require

Network Device targets cellular backhaul applications

2007-07-04T01:58:00.000-07:00

Radio transmission products that primarily provided DS1/E1 or DS3/E3 transport over radio links are now being required to support the proliferation of Ethernet interfaces on today's network equipment to increase bandwidth capacity and add support for Ethernet services. Next generation SONET/SDH features such as the Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), Virtual Concatenation (VCAT) and Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS) are ideal for multiplexing TDM and Ethernet traffic for transmission over radio links. SONET/SDH capable radio transmission products inherit all of the carrier grade attributes of SONET/SDH such as reliability, performance monitoring and secure remote management while providing the capability to mix radio and wireline segments to form a SONET/SDH ring network.

"New packet-based services are placing higher bandwidth demands on cellular backhaul networks and radio transmission links," said Richard Deboer, CEO, Galazar Networks Inc. "The world is migrating to Ethernet interfaces and the ability to transport Ethernet simultaneously with existing TDM signals is critical to the migration of the transport network infrastructure required to support new services."

The unique combination of Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, DS1/E1 and DS3/E3 client interfaces make RadioNode ideally suited to providing efficient multiplexing of the variety of signal formats in today's radio access networks. Inherent support for Low Order UPSR/SNCP rings allows efficient sharing of bandwidth and minimizes ports at the Radio Network Controller (RNC) and the Base Station Controller (BSC) when aggregating traffic from multiple cell sites. Support for up to 28 DS1/E1 ports and 8 Ethernet ports allows for continued growth of the existing DS1/E1 infrastructure while supporting the transition to Ethernet capable cell station equipment. SONET/SDH fiber infrastructure in the radio access network also provides increased immunity to costly service interruptions caused by tower lightning strikes.

In radio transmission applications, RadioNode's 0:2 SONET/SDH interface protection used in conjunction with VCAT and LCAS allows Ethernet traffic to be split over two diverse links providing resiliency to radio link interruptions and effectively doubles the contiguous transmission capacity to 311 Mbps.

Building on Galazar's reputation of delivering more than just devices with rudimentary software, our co-located team of experienced IC, hardware, software and system designers minimize customer time to market by working together to define, develop, verify and support these solutions as end-to-end systems. Through proprietary tools and processes we are able to provide extensive software, documentation, troubleshooting tools, reference platforms and application design information to customers.

Galazar offers comprehensive device management software, including advanced capabilities such warm start, interrupt management and a wide variety of troubleshooting tools that are field proven by our customers' deployments. This device management software, extensive hyperlinked documentation and customer system support have established Galazar's reputation as a design partner and supplier of choice to our customers.

Alloy Steel Products resist abrasion and impact

2007-06-19T02:18:00.002-07:00

Used to fabricate plates, chutes, and hoppers, WELLBRAZE and WELL-CLAD suit high- and severe-wear applications. As solid sheet with manganese and nickel content, WELLBRAZE has 17-20% work hardening factor and increases in toughness with use. WELL-CLAD has impact and wearing, chromium-carbide overlay applied to low-carbon steel (.12 max) substrate that absorbs impact resulting from heavy service. Composite material can be rolled or press-brake formed without separation.

WELLBRAZE and WELL-CLAD are the names of the alloy steel products developed to resist abrasion and impact in tough wear applications such as asphalt/concrete plants, coal mines, sand/gravel/rock crushing plants, power utilities, pulp mills, railroads, steel mills, foundries and refractories. The products are used in fabricating chute liners, hoppers, tumbling barrels, excavating buckets, conveyor parts, impellor fan blades, scrapers, pushers, grader and plowblades.

WELLBRAZE is a solid sheet (homogenous) with high Manganese and Nickel content. The product work-hardens (17-20% work hardening factor). The longer in service, the tougher it gets. WELLBRAZE can be welded with all low hydrogen production welding processes (E7018, E9018, E11018, E12018 and 12018 manual electrodes). It can be drilled with ordinary high speed drills. Material thicknesses up to 1" thick may be brake- formed (with proper bend allowances). Size range of material available is: Thicknness: 1/8" to 6"; Widths:48",72",96" ; Lengths: 144", 240", 288". Spec. sizes are available.

WELL-CLAD is an impact and wearing, chromium-carbide overlay applied to a very ductile, easy-to-weld, easy-to-form, low carbon steel substrate. The mild steel plate (.12 max carbon) was selected to absorb impact resulting from heavy service. The composite material (mild steel backing plate with the hardfacing overlay applied by a proprietary arc welding process) can be rolled or press-brake formed without fear of separation. WELL-CLAD was developed for severe wear applications.

Wellington Alloys is well-known as a leading nationwide supplier of alloy steels for severe duty applications in sheet and plate, "raw material only," as well as completely fabricated chute, hopper and bin formats for all tough industrial manufacturing, contractor, municipal, pit, quarry and mining applications, etc. Auxiliary product lines include wear points, edges, plow blades, shoes, discs, hammers and bolts.

Stelco signs information tech agreement with EDS Canada - Steel - Brief Article

2007-06-19T02:18:00.001-07:00

Under the terms of the agreement, Stelco will continue to outsource to EDS Canada information technology support and development services for most of the steelmaker's locations across Canada. In addition, EDS Canada will' implement new enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for Stelco's order flow, maintenance, procurement, human resources and finance functions.This agreement supports Stelco's strategic plan from an IT perspective and provides a number of important benefits to Stelco in an efficient and cost-effective manner,' said James Alfano, president and chief executive officer of Stelco.

Alfano said that implementing the ERP solution would help Stelco generate production and operational efficiencies without increasing his company's IT costs.

John Dowd, president of EDS Canada, said his company's services would enable Stelco to compete more efficiently and would position the company for global success in the digital economy. EDS Canada is a division of Electronic Data Systems Corp , Plano, Texas

Specifier's information

2007-06-18T22:51:00.001-07:00

The Vici from Hacel's Desire catalogue is a contemporary and stylish fusion of etched glass and steel. Available in complementary Wall Light, Pendant and Duet Pendant versions with a multitude of high output Compact Fluorescent light sources, Vici is ideally suited to a diversity of applications such as restaurants, retail developments and foyersWright Style carried out two successful fire tests with Intertek Testing Services in Wisconsin, to add USA fire test compliance to its other international test certifications. Systems tested: FI door, screen and window. The certifications were secured as part of a development strategy with distributor Hope's Windows Inc, based in Jamestown. The USA test certification is applicable in other global markets, such as the Middle East, due mainly to an increase in American architects working overseas and specifying US tested systems. Antron[R] carpet fibres from INVISTA have been developed to perform in the most difficult of locations, and to give carpet manufacturers flexibility and freedom to create inspiring floor coverings that deliver striking statements. With a reputation among contractors, specifiers and carpet manufacturers, as a fibre that balances performance with innovation, Antron[R] carpet fibres are used in hundreds of carpet creations to fulfil today's strict specification criteria. Its molecular structure offers high levels of durability and wear performance.

Opticolour has installed its spectacular opticolour[R] coloured glass wall coverings in the foyer and several bathrooms of a luxurious property development in London's Mayfair Opticolour worked closely with major construction company Galliford Try, a leading provider of building services in the UK, to create the prestigious residential development at George St. Galliford Try chose Opticolour to supply the toughened glass walling to give a resilient and stylish finish that would remain pristine for years to come.

Spline Sockets are made from aircraft quality steel

2007-06-18T22:50:00.001-07:00

Suitable for use on spline fasteners and 4, 6, and 12 point fasteners, spline sockets line includes 55 SKUs, in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 in. drive models. Geometric profile of socket's 12 teeth offers large contact area between tool and spline fastener that allows user to apply more torque without damaging tool or fastener head. Sockets loosen partially rounded hex fasteners and meet requirements for MIL-W-8982/1A. The sockets can be used on spline fasteners, as well as on 4, 6, and 12 point fasteners. The spline socket/fastener system offers higher strength in a more compact profile than conventional fasteners, making it common on military equipment and commercial aircraft.

When a spline socket is placed on a spline fastener, the geometric profile of the socket's 12 teeth provides a large contact area between the tool and the fastener. This lets the user apply more torque with without damaging the tool or the fastener head. Spline sockets can even loosen hex fasteners that have already been partially rounded.
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The precise fit between spline socket and fastener also helps prevent rounding or breaking off of fastener edges, which in turn, helps reduce the chance of foreign object damage to machinery. That's because the socket is designed to move the torque load away from the fastener corners, in addition to transferring it over a broader surface area.

Stanley[R] Proto[R] spine sockets are made from aircraft quality steel. They meet the requirements for MIL-W-8982/1A, as well as other leading aerospace and military specifications.

About Stanley-Proto

Professionals worldwide prefer Stanley[R] Proto[R] Industrial Tools for their outstanding quality, durability, and dependability. Developed according to strict ergonomic standards, they offer enhanced shock absorption and reduced slip, as well as designs that let professional users work faster and easier. Markets including auto-manufacturing plants, steel and airplane manufacturing, chemical plants, refineries, general manufacturing, transportation

Steel and Ornamental Metal Institutes

2007-06-07T04:15:00.001-07:00

Programs in which the Institutes are engaged include: Consultations on innovative framing systems using structural steel; Guidance on the design and finishes for bronze, stainless steel and aluminum for architectural and ornamental work, curtain wall systems, window walls and metal windows and panels; Advice on the use of alloys and surface treatments in designs for miscellaneous metal work.

Also, Seminars covering industry topics addressed to developers, architects, engineers, construction managers, detailers and fabricators; Representation before government bodies and agencies in matters of laws, codes and regulations which affect the industry and the encouragement of programs that will expand the volume of building construction in the area; Granting of subsidies to architecture and engineering schools; Publication of Metals in Construction, an annual magazine dedicated to showcasing projects featuring architectural, ornamental and miscellaneous work and; Funding of research programs that are related to the advancement and growth of the industry.
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Staff is available to provide consulting services and information concerning our industry's products and work by contacting The Ornamental metal Institute of New York at 212-697-5554 or The Steel Institute of New York at 212-697-5553. Both offices are located at 211 East 43 Street, New York, NY 10017.

Smalley Steel Ring Company - Sponsored Information - Advertisement

2007-06-07T04:13:00.000-07:00

Smalley Steel Ring Company was established in 1918 as a supplier of precision automotive piston rings. Today, Smalley Steel Ring Company is well known in the spiral retaining ring and spring business. Smalley is located in the Chicago Suburbs and has international distributors worldwide.

Smalley manufactures products for many different applications. Some industries that have advanced from Smalley products are Automotive, Aerospace, Medical, Military, Appliance and General Industrial Throughout the years Smalley has become established as the top manufacturer of spiral retaining rings and flat wire wave springs. Smalley has proved this by being a GM Supplier of the Year! Smalley is QS 9000 and ISO 9001 Certified. Many industries have benefited from Smalley products; for example, the automotive industry uses Crest-to-Crest springs to fit where even the smallest of coil springs can not. Our spiral retaining rings are used for clutches, transmissions and many other automotive components. Smalley products offer unique characteristics, which make them desirable in so many different applications.

Smalley starts with round wire, which is then crushed on all sides to produce flat wire. The flat wire is cold rolled on all surfaces to produce a material with a uniform microstructure and a smooth outer surface free of pits, scratches, cracks, seams and other physical discontinuities.
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Smalley offers an exclusive manufacturing process called The Circular-Grain Process. This process is not a stamping, but rather a continuous coil that is made from edge-wound, pre-hardened, spring-tempered flat wire. The flat wire has a grain structure that is linear, providing exceptional strength and dimensional stability. Smalley's Circular-Grain Process offers unusual flexibility in production. There is no special tooling needed, even for prototype or custom configurations. While efficient in high speed, high volume production, Smalley is also equipped to handle smaller runs, prototypes or special design requirements.

Spiral retaining rings have No Ears To Interfere[TM]. Spiral rings are interchangeable with standard snap ring grooves. There is no special tooling required for removal; carbon and stainless steel are available off the shelf. Stock sizes range from 114' to 16" and specials can be produced from 9/32" to 84". Flat wire wave springs can fit in tight radial and axial spaces. Stock sizes ran from 3/8" to 16", in carbon and stainless steel. Specials are available from 9/32" to 84". For more information, check out Smalley on the web at From our site you can request FREE catalogs, samples, software and design assistance. Smalley Engineers are always available for consultation.

Stull puts the lid on microwave uses: new closures open doors for microwavable steel cans and many other new applications

2007-06-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

Walk-in Oven is used for heat-treating steel parts

2007-06-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

Workspace inside this oven measures 48" wide x 72" deep x 72" high and a maximum temperature of 1200[degrees]F is provided by 120KW power, installed in Incoloy-sheathed tubular heating elements. A 10,000 CFM, 7 1/2-HP recirculating blower provides combination vertical/horizontal airflow to the load.

No. 835 features an aluminized steel exterior, 16 ga. stainless steel interior and 10" thick insulated walls, comprising 2" of 1900[degrees]F block and 8" of 10 lb. density rockwool insulation, as well as a 7" insulated floor with integral truck wheel guide tracks.

Safety and control equipment on this Grieve oven includes a 325 CFM powered forced exhauster, digital indicating temperature controller, manual reset excess temperature controller with separate contactors, recirculating blower airflow safety switch, and a 4-pen circular chart recorder.

Stull puts the lid on microwave uses: new closures open doors for microwavable steel cans and many other new applications

2007-06-02T02:39:00.000-07:00

Stull Technologies has come to the forefront of packaging news yet again with its line of microwave oven-safe Micro-Loc closures.

Known for creating some of the most innovative and widely used closure designs for food and household items, Stull recently rolled out a new generation of lids for microwavable containers. Stull first introduced a similar microwavable lid technology last year when they developed the Double-Lock Top for Campbell's line of microwavable soups. Standard friction-fit closures have the problem of popping off or disengaging during microwave heating. Campbell worked with Stull for a more efficient and superior functioning lid. Despite the challenges of creating a new closure system for a product with established size and dimensions and already in distribution, Stull was successful in developing a system that was better and more reliable for both Campbell and the consumer.

Central to the Micro-Loc closure is a locking system that can be easily removed and replaced by the user, but stays securely on the container during heating. To meet this requirement, the MicroLoc system features three "locks" or tabs around the inside of the lid. Two of them are fixed in place, and the third "flex-lock" is released by disengaging a single tab for easy removal. When reapplied to the container, the lid snaps down, alerting the user that it is securely applied.

Micro-Loc also features a patented venting system that releases pressure from steam build-up during heating, enabling the closure to remain securely in place. The unique vents also prevent product overflow or loss, and allow for uniform heating.

Now Stull's groundbreaking closure system has gone beyond traditional microwavable packaging. It will be coupled with Ball Corp.'s Fusion-Tek microwavable steel can, released in late October at Pack Expo International. This is a significant match-up in the development of microwave products, and is sure to lead to a host of new applications of Stull's closure technology.

In addition to the original design for cans, Stull is introducing similar lids in multiple sizes for microwavable bowls for products like pastas, stews, chili and other foods, as well as a smaller design featuring a hinged sealing door which snaps in place over a single opening. One version of this product will have a drink hole for microwavable beverages, while the other will feature a pour spout, intended for heating and pouring products such as sauces and gravies.

Stull Technologies continues to demonstrate its creativity and innovation, working closely with customers to develop tailor-made products. Micro-Loc is just the latest example of a good idea fostered carefully from concept phase to mass production.

For more information

Stull Technologies 732-873-7110; www.stulltech.com

Walk-in Oven is used for heat-treating steel parts

2007-06-02T02:37:00.000-07:00

No. 835 electrically-heated walk-in oven features maximum temperature of 1,200[degrees]F provided by 120 kW power, installed in Incoloy-sheathed tubular heating elements. With aluminized steel exterior, 16 ga SS interior, 10 in. thick insulated walls, and 48 x 72 x 72 in. workspace, oven includes 10,000 cfm, 71/2 hp recirculating blower. Safety and control features include 325 cfm powered forced exhauster, digital indicating temperature controller, and airflow safety switch.

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No. 835 is a 1200[degrees]F electrically-heated walk-in oven from Grieve, currently used for heat treating steel parts at a customer's facility.

Workspace inside this oven measures 48" wide x 72" deep x 72" high and a maximum temperature of 1200[degrees]F is provided by 120KW power, installed in Incoloy-sheathed tubular heating elements. A 10,000 CFM, 7 1/2-HP recirculating blower provides combination vertical/horizontal airflow to the load.

No. 835 features an aluminized steel exterior, 16 ga. stainless steel interior and 10" thick insulated walls, comprising 2" of 1900[degrees]F block and 8" of 10 lb. density rockwool insulation, as well as a 7" insulated floor with integral truck wheel guide tracks.

Safety and control equipment on this Grieve oven includes a 325 CFM powered forced exhauster, digital indicating temperature controller, manual reset excess temperature controller with separate contactors, recirculating blower airflow safety switch, and a 4-pen circular chart recorder.

For more information, please contact: THE GRIEVE CORPORATION, 500 Hart Road, Round Lake, Il 60073-2898. Phone:(847)546-8225. Fax: (847)546-9210. Web: www.grievecorp.com. Email: sales@grievecorp.com. Attention: Frank Calabrese.

Tata Steel may launch GDRs in Singapore

2007-05-08T04:35:00.002-07:00

Tata Steel is considering the Singapore Stock Exchange for listing a possible global depository receipt (GDR) issue for mobilising $500 million (Rs 2,100 crore) to part-finance its $12.9 billion (Rs 52,350 crore) acquisition of Anglo-Dutch steel maker Corus.

This will be over and above a Rs 3,655-crore domestic rights issue and a Rs 4,350 crore convertible preference share issue the company announced last month. Details of its overseas listing have not been disclosed.

Sources said the Tata group favoured Singapore because Tata Steel had become an established name in the investor fraternity in the country following the acquisition of Singapore-based NatSteel a few years ago. Also, Singapore's fledging bourse recently listed its first GDR and it trades closer to the Indian time zone.

When contacted, the Tata Steel spokesperson said the company had not taken any decision on its proposed overseas issue. "We will decide when it happens. We have not set any time frame for the overseas issue," he added.

However, the possibility of Tata Steel issuing a GDR issue on the London Stock Exchange could not be ruled out since Corus was a UK company, sources said.

The GDR issue, which will be Tata Steel's first share sale after 15 years, will be launched after the rights issues. Priced at Rs 300 apiece, one rights equity share will be given to the shareholders for every five shares they hold.

The company will also launch a 1:7 rights issue of convertible preference shares simultaneously. These shares will attach a coupon rate of 2 per cent. They can be converted into shares of Rs 500-600 each after two years.

The company will witness over 40 per cent of equity dilution after the two rights issues and the GDR issue.

Sinosteel planning US$4 bln steel plant in India

2007-05-08T04:35:00.001-07:00

Sinosteel Corp, a Chinese mineral trading company, plans to build a US$4 billion steel plant in India. It will join other global steel majors in tapping the fifth-biggest iron ore reserves in the world, Bloomberg News reported.

The company will invest US$500 million initially in the planned 5 million-metric-ton plant in eastern Jharkhand Province, Sinosteel's India managing director Wang Hongsen said in a telephone interview from New Delhi yesterday. The total investment will be made over eight years.

Delays in allocating land and mining permits have held up construction work on $21 billion projects announced in India by Arcelor Mittal and South Korea's Posco.

Meanwhile, steelmakers are not deterred by such delays as demand in Asia is growing faster than in Europe and North America. Steel usage in India is forecast to rise 7.7 per cent a year from 2010 to 2015, almost twice the 4.2 per cent global rate in the same period, according to the International Iron & Steel Institute.

"Foreign companies investing in India are willing to put up with some delays as long term benefits of such investments will far outweigh such irritants," said Dipak Acharya, who manages about $19 million at BOB Asset Management in Mumbai.

Sinosteel may next month sign an accord for the project with the Jharkhand state government, Wang said. It expects to get rights to mine 300 million tonne of ore for 30 years. Sinosteel will sell as much as 70 per cent of its production in India

ThyssenKrupp Steel to focus on slab logistics at Rotterdam port

2007-05-08T04:34:00.001-07:00

Germany's ThyssenKrupp Steel on Monday said it is now carrying out significant investment to expand its storage capacities at the port of Rotterdam. It said from 2009 the steel mill that it is currently building in Brazil will ship 2.1 million mt of steel slabs to Europe each year, and to be processed into flat steel products at the company's sites in Germany.

ThyssenKrupp Steel has decided to transship the slabs at the port of Rotterdam. The Port of Rotterdam Authority will create the necessary infrastructure for this, and the logistics company Steinweg will build a highly modern terminal with storage capacities and cranes. For the first time, the slabs will be handled by means of magnets, ThyssenKrupp Steel said in a statement.

This technology offers significant cost advantages, the company added. The combination of slab and container handling at the new terminal will provide maximum flexbility and productivity. Onward transportation of the slabs to the production sites of ThyssenKrupp Steel in Duisburg and Bochum will be by barge and rail.

The company will therefore be concentrating its slab logistics in Rotterdam, where it also tradtionally handles raw materials such as iron ore and coal. Meanwhile, steel exports for overseas destinations will continue to be handled via the port of Antwerp. ThyssenKrupp Steel owns interest in a sea freight forwarding company and a transshipment terminal.

Chavez to block exports of Venezuela's largest steel maker

2007-05-08T04:33:00.003-07:00

President Hugo Chavez said Saturday that Venezuela's largest steel maker, Sidor, will not be allowed to make any more exports until it meets domestic needs, and threatened to expropriate the Argentine-controlled company if it resists.

Chavez has criticized Sidor for selling the bulk of its production overseas and forcing local producers to import from elsewhere, saying Venezuelan industry should be given priority.

Sidor's parent company, Luxembourg-based Ternium SA, is controlled by conglomerate Techint Group of Argentina. Chavez said he has summoned Ternium chairman Paolo Rocca from Buenos Aires for talks.

"We're going to pass a law, Rocca. We're going to force you to supply, first and foremost, the Venezuelan domestic market before you take (the steel) to other countries," the Venezuelan leader said at a news conference.

"If you don't agree, give it to me. I'll grab your company. Give it to me, and I'll pay you what it's worth. I won't rob you," Chavez said.

Phone calls to Sidor for comment went unanswered Saturday afternoon.

Chavez, who was recently granted special powers to decree laws, also said he was ready to require that all businesses in Venezuela similarly supply domestic demand before exporting.

"I think we should work on a different model with Latin American business owners," Chavez said, calling for them to "operate differently ... at least here in Venezuela."

Earlier this week, Chavez warned he could nationalize Sidor and private banks if they failed to change what he called unscrupulous business practices that harm local industries.

Rio shares surge amid speculation that BHP could make a tilt

2007-05-08T04:33:00.001-07:00

Shares in Rio Tinto Ltd surged above $90 for the first time today amid speculation that BHP Billiton Ltd could take out its rival in a $122 billion-plus deal.

The stock closed up more than five per cent after Citigroup analysts fuelled takeover talk about the company.

Citigroup said while Rio Tinto's strong cashflow could make it an attractive target for private equity firms, BHP Billiton was a more likely bidder given the synergies that could be generated.

"Rio Tinto's strong cashflow and nominal gearing may bring it into the crosshairs of private equity, but we think BHP Billiton is a much more likely bidder given synergies and nationalistic control issue of Australian assets," Citigroup said.

"Applying even a modest bid premium means that any party will need to finance $US100 billion ($A121.99 billion)-plus through debt and equity.

"The deal is highly earnings accretive using conservative assumptions, with the major obstacle being concentration iron ore/coking coal market share and lack of BHP CEO-elect."

Rio Tinto shares surged $4.53 or 5.22 per cent to end a closing high of $91.38 while BHP Billiton put on 96 cents or 3.14 per cent to $31.56.

Rio Tinto's closing price gives the company a market value of $105.92 billion.

A union between BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto would create the world's largest producer of coking coal, thermal coal, copper and position the company as the equal largest iron ore producer with Brazilian giant CVRD.

"The greatest gains would be achievable in the iron ore assets in the Pilbara through optimising product specifications, mining fleet, rail distances to the port, etc," Citigroup said.

"Considering the scale and importance of these businesses to both companies, it is hard not to see $US500 million ($A609.94 million)-plus in synergies and cost savings in this area alone."

The brokerage said cost savings and synergies would also be achieved at the Australian coal assets, Canadian diamond mines, product marketing, logistics and global procurement.

Apart from competition concerns, Citigroup listed the lack of an anointed chief executive to replace Chip Goodyear as a major near-term impediment to any bid.

The brokerage said the disposal of non-core assets could overcome the competition concerns.

Citigroup ruled out any interest in Rio Tinto from the major oil companies and suggested private equity would need to team up with an existing industry player like Xstrata to formulate a potential bid.

"From a pure market capitalisation perspective, the major oil companies like BP and Royal Dutch Shell have the size and balance sheet capability to entertain such a transaction, but we do not believe they are interested in returning to investing in the Metals & mining sector after exiting the space in the 1980s and 1990s," Citigroup said.

"Strategic and diversification drivers could prompt other corporates to bid, but ultimately BHPB can pay the most given it has the most synergies to extract."

US auto groups gearing up already for next steel HRC trade case

2007-05-08T04:32:00.001-07:00

The US auto industry and its wide swath of OEMs are mobilizing again, according to a memo obtained Friday by Platts from the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), over a pending trade case on hot-rolled carbon steel imports.

Their target is the upcoming major flat-rolled steel trade case at the International Trade Commission – concerning a sunset review of antidumping and countervailing duty order on hot-rolled carbon steel.

Joining the carmakers, last fall MEMA lobbied the ITC hard with respect to corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat products. The auto industry declared victory when orders were lifted for products from Australia, Canada, France, and Japan. For Germany and South Korea, the orders remained in place.

Now, in a memo sent late Thursday to members of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), the Original Equipment Manufacturers Association (OESA) and others, MEMA said it had filed for an appearance in the sunset review of antidumping and countervailing duty order on hot-rolled steel.

"This action was taken after members identified hot-rolled steel as critical to the manufacturing process," said the memo. "If your company purchases hot-rolled steel, I urge you to review this memo and become involved in this case."

Specifically, as required by law, the ITC has initiated a review of antidumping and countervailing duties placed on hot-rolled carbon steel flat products from Argentina, China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Romania, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and Ukraine.

The products in question are defined as certain hot-rolled carbon steel flat products "of a rectangular shape, of a width of 0.5-inch or greater, neither clad, plated, nor coated with metal and whether or not painted, varnished, or coated with plastics or other non-metallic substances, in coils (whether or not in successively superimposed layers), regardless of thickness, and in straight lengths, of a thickness of less than 4.75-mm and of a width measuring at least 10 times the thickness."

Pinnacle trades its vanadium property

2007-05-08T04:31:00.001-07:00

Pinnacle Resources, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: PNRR) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with an Australian mining company that has indicated that it plans to develop Pinnacle's South African vanadium-bearing magnetite deposit.

The agreement provides for a $9 million cash consideration payable in two $4.5 million installments – the first payment, at a closing in the very near future, and the second installment after Pinnacle's "old-order" mining right is converted to a "new order" mining right in accordance with South Africa's current mining law. Pinnacle to date has received a $300,000 non-refundable earnest payment.

Pinnacle has a non-binding understanding with the buyer that Pinnacle, at its option, may convert part of the sales price into a share ownership in a public mining company that may become the operating company. At closing, Pinnacle will assume the obligations to pay for brokerage commissions, legal fees and minority interest buyouts. Totals are estimated at one million dollars payable out of the first payment and $500,000 out of the second installment.

Pinnacle's vanadium property comprises a resource of 300 million tons of magnetite to a depth of 200 meters from surface, which contain an estimated 25 pounds of V2O5 (vanadium pentoxide) per ton of magnetite. The extent and grade of this mineralization is indicated by 181 percussion drill holes and 29 diamond-drill core holes. The current price of refined V2O5 is $8.25 per pound.

Steel beats the odds

2007-05-08T04:29:00.000-07:00

With sky-high labor costs, a 35-hour workweek, and a surging currency, France hardly seems the kind of place where an export-focused manufacturer might prosper. Yet specialty steelmaker Vallourec, based just outside Paris, is not only beating the odds, it's performing so well that it landed the top spot on this year's European BW50 list.

Vallourec, which traces its roots to 19th century mill towns in Burgundy and northern France, illustrates how some of Europe's quintessentially Old Economy companies are learning to compete in the new, globalized world. Until the 1990s, Vallourec was a hodgepodge of businesses ranging from construction and engineering to metallurgy and steelmaking, and its growth was anemic. Since then, it has shed peripheral operations to focus on its most profitable products: steel pipes used in oil drilling and electric power plants. "We have oriented ourselves to the high end of the market," says Pierre Verluca, chairman of Vallourec's management board.

Vallourec has also gone global. Until 2000, all its factories were in Europe. But it now makes some 35% of its pipes in Texas and in Brazil and is expanding operations in China and India. That offers it a crucial hedge against the strong euro, since about 60% of its sales are outside of Europe.

The result: Earnings last year rose 58%, to $1.36 billion, on sales that were up 29%, to $7.5 billion. That has helped boost shares more than sixfold over the past two years, to 280 from 38. Recent rumors that Vallourec could be a takeover target for newly merged Arcelor Mittal (MT) have added bounce to its share price, though neither company has confirmed talks.

Of course, Vallourec has profited from high oil prices that fueled a boom in oil exploration. But it is also offering new services such as pipe installation and maintenance. Innovation is another key to Vallourec's success. The company has invested millions to develop high-pressure piping for the next generation of power plants. Expanding this business, which now accounts for 16% of sales, hedges against the possibility of an oil and gas slump.

Still, Vallourec can't afford to rest. It is keeping a close eye on China, where a quickly modernizing steel industry could provide a low-cost challenge. For now, though, oil companies are willing to pay extra for Vallourec's quality and reliability. "The cost of the pipe, even though it's expensive, is a fraction of the cost of a failure" in the oil field, says Dalton G. Dwyer, an investment banker with Industry Corporate Finance Ltd. in London.

An Old World company that makes steel pipes. It may not sound that exciting-unless, that is, you're a Vallourec investor who has ridden its success to riches.

Swedish steel company SSAB offers $7.7 billion for U.S.-based steel products maker IPSCO

2007-05-08T04:25:00.002-07:00

Swedish steel company SSAB Svenskt Stal AB said Thursday it made a $7.7 billion offer for U.S.-based steel products maker IPSCO Inc. in a deal that would give it a platform for expansion in North America.

The offer of $160 per share has been recommended by the boards of both companies, SSAB said in a statement.

IPSCO, which supplies steel to the energy, agricultural and transportation equipment and construction industries, had announced in April that it was in negotiations with an unidentified company that could lead to it being bought.

"The transaction will result in an immediate and significant accretion to SSAB's earnings and cash flow, bringing significant strategic and financial benefit," Chief Executive Olof Faxander said.

SSAB said it expects to generate after-tax synergies of around 600 million kronor ($89.2 million) a year from the acquisition, most of which is expected to be within the next two years. It also said it will seek a 10 billion kronor ($1.48 billion) rights offering this year.

IPSCO Chief Executive David Sutherland said the combined company would have a more diversified products that would help it serve customers better.

"It also joins IPSCO with a leading player in the global steel industry and reinforces our already solid position as a leading supplier of steel plate and energy tubulars in North America," he said.

IPSCO shares rose $8.64, or 5.8 percent, to $157.19 in New York. SSAB shares were halted before the announcement but later fell 5.91 percent to 215 kronor ($31.95).

Swedbank analyst Claes Rasmuson said it was a big and strategically smart deal, which "isn't totally risk-free, but it will probably do them well."

"It's interesting that they're not staying lazy and that they're participating in the consolidation of the sector," he said.

He added that the magnitude of the deal and the location of the acquisition was somewhat surprising.

"They've previously said they've wanted to expand in Asia, so this is a bit in the wrong direction I guess, but at the same time they're saying they'll use this to take steps into Asia."

Illinois-based IPSCO has about 4,400 employees and an annual steelmaking capacity of more than 4 million tons. It owns four steel mills, eleven pipe mills, and scrap processing centers and product finishing facilities in the United States and Canada. About 70 percent of its operations are in the U.S. and 30 percent are in Canada.

IPSCO said last month that its first-quarter net profit plunged 27 percent to $109.4 million because of higher costs, but sales in the period rose 14 percent to $1.03 billion.

SSAB said the deal will require approval of two-thirds of the votes cast by IPSCO shareholders as well as Ontario court approval.

US price of steel HRC drops $10/st on soft demand, weak orders

2007-05-08T04:25:00.001-07:00

The psychology of the hot-rolled coil spot market may be turning in favor of steel buyers as there are signs that prices in the US are feeling some downside pressure. Several deals reported to Platts late Wednesday and Thursday reflected that the price of HRC was off at least $10/st to a range of $550-560/st, ex works Indiana, or a midpoint of $555/st, for 1,000-3,000 st orders.

The previous high-end of the range – $570/st – is now being quoted for smaller orders of about 500 st. And there were even some one-off, bargain deals reported in the $520-540/st range, but these were for big tonnage orders in excess of 10,000 st, in some cases.

One big indicator – scrap prices in the US – declined for the second successive month this week, dropping by more than $60/long ton, on the heels of a scrap-price decline last month of at least $40/lt. With mills seeing some scrap-cost relief, steel consumers are anticipating the same. Another key factor, demand from end-users in the US, is frail. In fact, 72.2% of respondents to the ISM's Steel Buyers Forum April survey described inventory levels as "too high compared to demand." That level of response represented a 12-month high.

"I'm getting phone calls [from mill salespeople] asking if I need more steel for May," said one major US service center. "So you know they still have room to book you." The US mill lead times have been consistently short, "sometimes two to three weeks for hot-rolled coil," noted an international trader on the US Gulf coast. "Order books cannot be strong."

Far shorter delivery times than that are also being heard. "If I tell the mill rep I'll give you a 5,000-ton order, but I need 2,000 tons in five to seven days," claimed a buying source with a major pipemaker, "they will make it happen – especially the minis. They can switch you with someone else and do some nimble things."

The soft orders reflect, according a number of sources, the lack of strength from key demand drivers. "US GDP growth is so-so, the auto market is lousy, and housing's just plain bad," said the pipemaker. "Almost all the major sectors are down," added the same trader, who excepted the energy sector and some agriculture segments. "Lawn and garden equipment – -riding mowers and such – are doing well," noted the service-center buyer, "as is most of the oil patch."

Arcelor, Mittal Steel legal merger edges closer

2007-05-08T04:23:00.002-07:00

Arcelor and Mittal Thursday unveiled further details surrounding the legal merger of the two companies to create Arcelor Mittal, the world's largest steel company in line with a contract signed between both parties on 1 August 2006.

Subject to the approval of Mittal shareholders, the Indian firm will be merged into an ad hoc subsidiary named Arcelor Mittal, with each Mittal share exchanged for one Arcelor Mittal share.

Additionally, a merger agreement between Mittal and Arcelor Mittal was signed on May 2,, with documents relating to the merger due to be submitted to the relevant securities regulatory bodies shortly, said a statement.

Mittal and Arcelor's existing corporate governance structure will be applied to Arcelor Mittal, it added.

The second phase of the merger announced Thursday will see Arcelor Mittal merged into Arcelor, which will in turn be renamed Arcelor Mittal.

The exchange ratio between Arcelor Mittal and Arcelor shares has yet to be determined, said the statement, and will be announced once approved by the boards of the two companies.

Both companies are working to implement both mergers as soon as possible, concluded the statement.

CVRD performance in the first quarter of 2007

2007-05-08T04:23:00.001-07:00

Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD) maintained in the first quarter of 2007 (1Q07) performance consistent with its focus on continuous improvement, deriving from its efforts to make the best use of opportunities presented by the long cycle of minerals and metals through investment in organic growth and acquisitions backed by rigorous discipline in capital allocation.

These efforts have produced strong expansion in the Company's productive capacity and diversification of its assets portfolio, which, among other benefits, has allowed it to leverage its exposure to the economic cycle.

In order to facilitate comparisons with the past and better evaluate CVRD's performance, we shall, in this document, be using pro forma data for 1Q06 – as if Inco Ltd., now CVRD Inco Ltd., had been acquired from January 1, 2006 – with the exception of information concerning debt and investments.

Complete accounting information for 1Q06 can be found in the report "Financial Information – first quarter of 2007," filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Comissao de Valores Mobiliarios (CVM) in Brazil and in reports on CVRD's results for the first quarter of 2006.
In 1Q07, new records were set:

- 1Q07 was the best first quarter in CVRD's history for sales of various products: iron ore (58.6 million metric tons), pellets (7.9 million metric tons), refined nickel (71 thousand metric tons, on a pro forma basis), copper (66 thousand metric tons, on a pro forma basis), cobalt (580 metric tons, on a pro forma basis) alumina (700 thousand metric tons), aluminium (134 thousand metric tons, on a pro forma basis) potash (161 thousand metric tons) and rail transport of general cargo (6.0 billion net ton-kilometers (ntk)).

- Gross revenue of US$7.680 billion, an increase of 63.4% over 1Q06.

- Operational profit as measured by adjusted EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) of US$2.702 billion, US$1.078 billion more than 1Q06.

- Net earnings of US$2.217 billion, equal to US$0.92 per share, an 86.9% increase on 1Q06.

- Cash generation, as measured by adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of US$3.184 billion, 58.4% more than the US$2.010 billion of 1Q06.

Investments totaled US$1.360 billion, of which US$923 million in organic growth and US$437 million in sustaining existing operations.

In addition to these investments, the acquisition of 100% of Inco Ltd (now CVRD Inco Ltd) was concluded in January 2007, with the payment of US$2.053 billion to the remaining shareholders and in April the financial settlement of the acquisition of AMCI Holdings Australia was completed, with the payment of A$835 million, equivalent to US$656 million.

AMCI Australia will be consolidated into CVRD financial statements as from 2Q07.

On April 30, CVRD paid the first installment of 2007 dividends, of US$0.34 per share, a total of US$825 million.

The second installment proposed in January of this year, of US$825 million, will be considered at the meeting of the CVRD Board of Directors scheduled for October 18, 2007.

If the proposal is approved, our shares will be traded ex-dividend on October 19 both on Bovespa and NYSE, and dividend payment will be on October 31.

Brazil CVRD says 1Q profit more than doubled

2007-05-08T04:22:00.000-07:00

Brazilian mining giant Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (RIO), or CVRD, reported its best quarterly earnings performance in the company's history, fueled by the full consolidation of CVRD's acquisition of Canadian nickel miner Inco, the company said in a statement late Thursday.

CVRD, the world's largest producer and exporter of iron ore and iron pellets, said first-quarter net profit more than doubled to 5.1 billion Brazilian reals ($2.5 billion), up from BRL2.2 billion in the same quarter a year ago.

CVRD said the record results were due to the company's efforts to take advantage of the current peak in the mining and metals sectors through organic growth and acquisitions.

"These efforts have resulted in strong expansion of the company's production capacity and greater diversification of its mineral portfolio that, among other things, has permitted the company to increase its exposure to the current economic cycle," CVRD said in the statement.

The company, which is also the world's second-largest nickel producer, said revenue for the quarter also doubled to BRL16.6 billion from BRL8.3 billion.

In no area was CVRD's diversification more evident than in the company's nonferrous metals segment, which consolidated for the first time a full quarter of base metals unit CVRD Inco.

Driven by record-high nickel prices on the London Metals Exchange, nonferrous metals accounted for 43% of CVRD's gross revenue. It was the first time in the company's history that nonferrous metals topped iron ore, the company's primary product, in terms of revenue. Iron ore sales accounted for 40.7% of CVRD's first-quarter revenue.

In addition, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or Ebitda, more than doubled to BRL8.9 billion in the first quarter, up from BRL3.8 billion in the year-ago period. The margin on earnings before interest and taxes, or Ebit, increased to 49.7% in the first quarter from 40.7%.

CVRD said demand in the first quarter continued to be driven by China, which posted its fifth consecutive quarter of economic growth higher than 10%.

China imported iron ore at an annual rate of 418 million metric tons in the first quarter, a volume 28% higher than imports of 326 million tons a year earlier, CVRD said.

The Asian giant was CVRD's No. 1 customer in the first quarter, receiving shipments of 33 million metric tons of iron ore, or 50.4% of the company's exports.

CVRD sold 65.373 million metric tons of iron ore and iron pellets in the first quarter, up 4.4% from 62.627 million tons in the year-ago quarter.

The company has boosted sales volumes in recent quarters after a series of new mines and expansion projects came on line last year.

However, heavy seasonal rains crimped production from the record levels seen in the first quarter, CVRD said. The first quarter is typically the company's worst for production because of seasonal effects.

CVRD produced 65.645 million metric tons of iron ore in the first quarter, up 8.4% from 60.56 million tons in the year-ago quarter.

Pellet production advanced 21.3% in the first quarter to 4.175 million metric tons, up from 3.443 million tons in the same period a year ago. However, production at the company's Sao Luis pellet plant was temporarily halted in the first quarter last year, skewing the year-ago production figures.

In the first quarter of 2006, the company shut down the Sao Luis plant for maintenance and to shift iron ore fines destined for pellet production to export markets. Normal pellet production resumed in August 2006.

Nickel production rose 4.6% in the first quarter to 61,400 metric tons, up from a pro-forma 58,700 tons in the first quarter of 2006.

CVRD said nickel output in the first quarter was undermined by maintenance stops at two mines in Canada and a lack of rain that affected energy supplies in Indonesia. The company expects to produce 270,200 metric tons of nickel in 2007 and process an additional 16,500 tons acquired from third-party concentrate purchases and tolling contracts.

The consolidation of CVRD Inco also boosted copper output, which is a byproduct of nickel production, as well as improved operations at the company's Sossego mine in Brazil. CVRD produced 77,400 metric tons of copper in concentrate in the first quarter, up 35.1% from 57,300 tons in the year-ago quarter.

The company's efforts to diversify its mineral portfolio also continued to bear fruit in the aluminum production cycle, despite licensing woes that delayed the start of operations at the company's new Paragominas bauxite mine.

CVRD produced 1.731 million metric tons of bauxite at its Trombetas mine, up 4% from 1.665 million tons in the year-ago period. However, commissioning of the Paragominas mine, which is expected to produce 5.5 million tons annually, was delayed until March, CVRD said.

Production at Paragominas, which is in northern Brazil's Para state, started in April, the company said.

Alumina output surged 34.3% to 978,000 metric tons in the first quarter, despite the delays at Paragominas and a ship accident that affected bauxite deliveries from Trombetas, CVRD said. In addition, the Alunorte refinery also suffered energy shortages during summer hours. The refinery is expected to return to normal operations in the second quarter.

CVRD's shares ended 3.1% higher at BRL73.09 Thursday on the Brazilian Stock Exchange, or Bovespa. The company's American depositary receipts, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, closed up 2.7% at $42.77.

India: Roll back of export duty on iron ore criticised

2007-05-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

The steel industry on Thursday said the partial roll back of export duty on iron ore fines would hit domestic steel utilities and could affect expansion plans, even as ore exporters sought full withdrawal of the levy.

"We have been demanding that export duty be doubled to discourage export of iron ore, which is needed to fructify the massive capacity expansions announced by the major steel utilities," an official of Indian Steel Alliance told the media.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram today reduced the export duty on iron ore fines with less than 62 per cent Fe (iron) content to Rs 50 per tonne from Rs 300. However, export duty on iron ore fines with Fe content of more than 62 per cent and lumps would remain unchanged at Rs 300 per tonne.

"According to latest estimates we have about six billion tonnes of mineable iron ore reserve in the country and if the present level of exports continued unabated then we would be exhausting our ores by 2030 and forced to import," he said.

Even Steel Minister Ram Vilas Paswan had recently said that "there should not be a situation where steel utilities are compelled to import iron ore to meet their production needs in the future".

The miners, who were clamouring for reduction in the export duty, reacted cautiously. "It is a partial relief for us. The export duty of iron ore having above 62 per cent Fe content has been left out and their disposal would be a serious problem," Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), Secretary General R K Sharma told the media.

Brazil's CVRD signs exclusive transport contracts for China

2007-05-08T04:20:00.002-07:00

Brazilian mining giant Companhia do Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD) said Wednesday it had signed a 25-year freight contract with Bergensen Worldwide (B.W. Bulk) involving the construction of the four largest bulk cargo ships ever made.

B.W. Bulk is the world's largest owner of bulk cargo ships and provides services for the steel and iron ore industries.

The ships will have a capacity of 388,000 tons (dwt) each and are part of CVRD's strategy to develop an exclusive transport system for iron ore between Brazil and China, the company said in a statement.

""The first of these ships should go into operation in the first half of 2011, contributing to the reduction of cost through economies of scale and minimizing C+F (cost plus sea freight) price volatility of our iron ore to China," said the Brazilian company.

The largest bulk cargo ship in operation, with a 364,000 ton capacity, was introduced by CVRD, in partnership with B.W.Bulk in 1986.

B.W will also convert an oil ship for CVRD and this is expected to be ready to operate in 2008.

CVRD also said that it had signed a second contract, lasting 20 years, with Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Japan, involving the construction of a ship with a 300,000 ton capacity (dwt), the delivery of which is scheduled for 2011.

Cvrd to control 100% of Brazilian mining firm MBR's controller

2007-05-08T04:20:00.001-07:00

Brazilian Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (Cvrd) signed contracts with its Japanese partners on Empreendimentos Brasileiros de Mineracao (EBM), controller of Mineracoes Brasileiras Reunidas (MBR), to increase its stake in the company from the current 80% to a virtual 100%.

Cvrd has agreed to buy for 230.8 million dollars the stakes of Mitsui (114.5 million dollars), Sumitomo Metal Industries (60.9 million dollars) and Sumitomo (US$ 55.4 million) in EBM.

Simultaneously, Cvrd entered into a usufruct agreement on the EBM shares owned by Nippon Steel Corporation, JFE Steel Corporation, Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Kobe Steel Limited and Nisshin Steel, representing 13.753 % of EBM's total capital.

This agreement will transfer to Cvrd during the next 30 years all rights and obligations entitled to the EBM shares, including the right to dividends. In exchange, CVRD will pay to the four partners a total of 60.5 million dollars and an annual fee of 48.1 million dollars.

According to Cvrd, the transaction will allow it to maximize its exposure to "one of the best iron ore assets in the world and to exploit synergies mainly derived from the operation of mines, plants and maritime terminals, elimination of redundancies and best practices sharing, and are estimated to reach approximately 500 million dollars, on a net present value basis".

EBM, which is 80% owned by Cvrd and 20% by the Japanese partners, has as its main asset a 51% stake in MBR. MBR is controlled by Vale, which has a 89.8% interest – directly and through its stake in EBM.

MBR produced 64.6 million metric tons (mt) of iron ore in 2006, and it is the fourth largest producer worldwide. It owns proven and probable iron ore reserves of 1.134 billion mt.

US ferrous scrap prices accelerate their downward trend

2007-05-08T04:19:00.001-07:00

US steel consumers will be eagerly awaiting a reduction in surcharges this month as mills prepare to buy scrap at prices that are on average $60/long ton or more below April levels for top grades, based on transactions reported to Platts this week.

It was the second successive month of US scrap price declines following four months of upsurge to record levels in March. Scrap grades across the board are now selling below the $300 mark despite an uptick in export sales recently as Turkish mills came back into the market.

Some US mills had not made purchases yet this month as of mid-day Wednesday, a possible signal that they're trying to negotiate lower prices, or don't need material. Bid prices in the recent DaimlerChrysler factory auto bundle auction were said to be down by $75-80/lt. Some scrap processors said they had been unable to get a firm buy-side quote yet this month.

Processors meanwhile, report scrap inflow to their yards has increased as word got around that prices were falling. "We have the largest inventory we've had in three to five years," said a processor in the Northeast, who only two months ago had been worried about keeping his shredder fully supplied. "I hear about export buying (but) mills aren't competing against export-they're competing against (scrap) inventory levels."

Some processors, and the auto dismantlers they buy from, may have been caught with high-priced inventory. "One guy we buy auto bodies from, when I told him what prices I'm hearing, said he would just call all his flatteners in because he couldn't make money at (current) prices," said a processor in the Midwest. If that happens, he said, he might still have trouble supplying his company's shredder. He admitted however, that his inflows of other types of scrap had increased since mid-April.

Japanese steel exports rise 12% year on year in fiscal 2006

2007-05-08T04:18:00.001-07:00

Japanese steel exports have risen 12% year on year to 35.913 million mt in fiscal 2006 running from April 2006 to March 2007, Japan Iron & Steel Federation said on Wednesday.

The export volume had been falling year on year from fiscal 2002. The volume rose in fiscal 2006 on the back of stronger global demand.

Exports to South Korea rose 15.4% year on year to 8.92 million mt, to China up 15.4% to 6.40 million mt, to Taiwan up 2.2% to 3.60 million mt, and to the US up 21.6% to 1.96 million mt.

Specialty steel exports outpaced the growth of ordinary steel exports. Specialty steel exports rose 27.5% year on year to 5.61 million mt, while ordinary steel exports were up 10.5% to 24.68 million mt.

Semi-finished steel product exports were up 4.4% year on year to 4.57 million mt, and ferroalloys exports up 7.3% to 0.16 million mt. Japanese ferroalloy exports are mostly ferronickel.

Steel imports during the period also rose. The imports were up 11.4% year on year to 8.67 million mt.

AK Steel announces June surcharges for steel products

2007-05-08T04:17:00.001-07:00

AK Steel (NYSE: AKS) has advised its customers that a $310 per ton surcharge will be added to invoices for electrical steel products shipped in June 2007.

AK Steel's surcharges are based on reported prices for raw materials and energy used to manufacture the products, with the April 2007 purchase cost used to determine the June 2007 surcharges.

Brazilian iron ore exports drop 6% in March

2007-05-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

Brazilian iron ore exports amounted to 19.214 million metric tons worth US$1.02 billion in March '07 versus 20.497 million metric tons worth US$895 million in March '06, industry trade group Sinferbase said in its report on Friday.

Brazilian exports in March declined 6.3% on year as miners directed fines toward pellet production and domestic iron ore demand increased.

Year-to-date, iron ore exports were up 3.2% to 57.142 million tons in the first quarter of 2007 vs. the year-ago quarter.

Iron ore sales within Brazil totaled 4.022 million tons in March, up 26.7% from 3 million tons in same-period 2006, and 11 million tons through March 2007, up from 9 million tons in the first quarter of last year.

Domestic iron ore and pellet sales rose in March on year as local steelmakers boosted output to meet rising local demand.

Export shipments of pellets also continued to climb, rising 17.3% in March to 4.387 million metric tons compared with 3.74 million tons in March 2006, according to Sinferbase.

Pellet exports in the first three months of 2007 reached 15 million tons versus to 10 million tons year-on-year.

In early 2006, miners diverted iron ore fines normally used for pellets to export sales because of slack demand for pellets from international steelmakers. Iron pellets are prized for their efficient use in blast furnaces, and popular with European steelmakers.

The trend has reversed to start 2007 as European demand recovers, with pellet exports surging 53% to 15.006 million metric tons in the first quarter of 2007

Specialty steel distributor Edgen Murray to acquire PetroSteel

2007-04-21T04:15:00.001-07:00

US-based Edgen Murray announced Wednesday that it has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of PetroSteel International through a wholly owned subsidiary.

The closing of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of third party financing, and is expected to occur on or around April 30, 2007.

PetroSteel is a US-based distributor of specialty offshore grade steel plates and profiles headquartered in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. PetroSteel's revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006 were approximately $92 million.

"We believe the acquisition of PetroSteel will broaden our offshore product base allowing us to provide a comprehensive supply solution to our customers in the oil and gas industry," said Dan O'Leary, Edgen Murray's CEO.

Edgen Murray is a global distributor of high performance carbon and alloy steel products used primarily in specialized applications in the energy market, including the oil and gas processing and power generation industries.

The products Edgen Murray distributes are highly engineered prime carbon or alloy steel pipe, pipe components and high grade structural sections and plates, which are designed to withstand corrosive or abrasive material and possess performance characteristics required in extreme operating conditions, including high pressure and high/low temperature environments.

Edgen Murray currently serves customers in more than 50 countries worldwide through 23 locations internationally, including 15 in the US, two in Canada, three in Europe/West Africa, two in Asia/Pacific, and one in the Middle East.

Chinese steel mills, shipyards sign plate supply deals

2007-04-21T04:14:00.004-07:00

Major Chinese steel mills Anshan Steel and Jinan Steel have been active during the first quarter of 2007 in creating long-term supply agreements for steel ship plate with various shipbuilding companies.

By end-March 2007, Anshan Steel, based in northeastern China's Liaoning province, had signed a long-term ship plate supply agreement totalling approximately 600,000 mt/year of plate with various Chinese shipbuilding companies. These included the China Ocean Shipping Group, the Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Company, and the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company, according to sources at Anshan Steel. Anshan Steel's ship plate production capacity is reported to be at least 1.2 million mt/year.

"We (Anshan Steel) can supply ship plate with a maximum thickness of 100 mm," one Anshan Steel source told Platts. Base prices for Anshan Steel's ship plates currently range from Yuan 4,800-11,200 ($621-1,450)/mt, depending on the thickness and strength of the different types of plate. Prices for long-term supplies, however, will be set on an annual basis.

Jinan Steel, based in eastern China's Shandong province, set up a joint venture with Shandong Weihai Shipyard in March 2007, according to a source at the shipyard. The source said the JV is dedicated to the processing and distribution of shipbuilding-oriented steels. With a total investment of approximately Yuan 80 million, the joint venture has a design steel processing and distribution capacity of around 500,000 mt/year. This compares to Jinan Steel's steel plate production capacity of around 600,000 mt/year, with a maximum thickness of 30 mm.

Kazakhstan boosts steel output 14% in Q1

2007-04-21T04:14:00.003-07:00

Kazakhstan boosted crude steel output 13.9% year-on-year in January-March 2007 to 1.106 million tonnes, the National Statistics Agency told Interfax-Kazakhstan.

Output of flat steel products rose 24.9% to 811,300 tonnes, including 46,354 tonnes of tin-plate and tin-plated sheet, up 71.7%, and 143,916 tonnes of galvanized steel, an increase of 7%.

Ferroalloy production rose 2.6% to 421,815 tonnes.

The agency also said that Kazakhstan reduced coal production 6.4% year-on-year in the three months to 23.387 million tonnes.

Zamil completes primary stage of new steel facility- UAE

2007-04-21T04:14:00.001-07:00

The President of Zamil Steel announced that the company has completed the first of the two stages of a $46.7 million investment in constructing a new facility in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, Bahrain Tribune reported.

The factory will have a capability of generating 40,000 metric tones of steel for steel buildings, open-web steel joists and floor decking. Zamil Steel's new facility marks a very significant step in the company's global expansion initiative.

Zamil Steel's president also stated that the national sales of the company have gradually increased by an impressive 40 percent over the past few years. The company's sales in the pre-engineered steel-buildings industry has reached their highest ever which have resulted in maintenance of Zamil Steel's strength of the PEB market in GCC countries.

Russia's Evraz steelmaker in talks to buy Canada's IPSCO

2007-04-21T04:13:00.000-07:00

Russia's biggest steelmaker, Evraz Group SA, which completed a major acquisition in the United States at the start of the year, is in talks to acquire Canada's IPSCO Inc., a business daily reported Thursday.

Evraz's management held acquisition talks several weeks ago with IPSCO, the Vedomosti paper said, citing two unnamed businessmen familiar with Evraz's shareholders.

Irina Kibina, vice president at Evraz, declined to comment on the report.

In January, Evraz completed the takeover of Oregon Steel for $2.3 billion, making it one of the largest investments in the United States by a Russian company. Evraz already owns steelworks in the Czech Republic and Italy.

Billionaire Chelsea soccer club owner Roman Abramovich holds 41 percent of Evraz's shares.

Andrei Litvin with the MDM investment bank in Moscow said the Canadian deal was "theoretically possible" and called IPSCO an attractive and profitable target that would allow Evraz to diversify geographically and in terms of the products it makes.

However, he said there was a question mark over how Evraz would finance the acquisition of a company with a market value of some $6 billion. Since the Oregon Steel deal, Evraz has the highest debt burden among Russian steel companies.

China rebate cuts, voluntary restraint to dampen steel exports – official

2007-04-14T02:28:00.004-07:00

China will continue to reduce export tax rebates for lower-end steel as well as encourage slower export growth among major steelmakers to moderate the rapid growth of steel products sales overseas, said Luo Bingsheng, vice chairman of the China Iron and Steel Association.

'We are still putting forward new tax rebate measures aimed at reducing rapid growth in steel exports, especially of low-end products,' Luo said at an industry conference in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

He said Chinese steelmakers will be encouraged by rebate adjustments to move away from over-reliance on low-end products.

'Our focus is really on increasing investment in high-quality product. Cutting rebates is meant to curb overheating exports, and the question is whether this can be absorbed by domestic demand. If exports fall and domestic production increases, there will likely be a major impact on the domestic market and this we need to avoid,' Luo said.

China exported 43.0 mln tons of steel products in 2006, up 109.6 pct. Imports meanwhile fell 28.3 pct to 18.5 mln tons.

Luo said China's crude steel output this year would likely increase to 472 mln tons from around 419 mln in 2006.

'We have to control blind investment in steel. What I am more concerned with is overinvestment in hot-rolled sheet. We should be concerned about prices in hot-rolled sheet,' Luo said.

He added that the association has met with major domestic steelmakers to moderate export growth to head off trade tensions, but ultimately individual steelmakers set their own export strategies.

'We have met with major mills and discussed measures for the whole industry. This is what is meant by 'voluntary restraint' and 'industrial coordination'. But it is all voluntary and non-binding,' he said.

He said China's crude steel consumption is projected at 450 mln tons in 2007, adding that production and consumption are projected to peak around 2012.

China may announce export tax rebate reduction policies in early April, in order to control this year's export of steel products, an industry official said Monday

Mechel's Chelyabinsk plant to boost stainless steel output 650% by 2011

2007-04-14T02:28:00.001-07:00

The Mechel (RTS: MTLR) group plans to increase production of hot-and cold-rolled stainless steel products at its Chelyabinsk Iron & Steel Plant (RTS: CHMK) by 650% by 2011, to 300,000 tonnes per year.

The group's strategic marketing chief, Alexander Malanichev Wednesday at the Stainless Russia-2007 forum that meeting these targets would enable Mechel to increase its share of the hot-rolled products market to 80% in 2011 from 39% in 2006, and its share of the cold-rolled market to 50% from 15%.

The Chelyabinsk plant now produces 15,000 tonnes of cold-rolled and 25,000 tonnes of hot-rolled products per year, he said. The plans call for expanding production to respectively 200,000 tonnes and 100,000 tonnes.

Malanichev said these plans would be realized by modernizing production facilities, expanding the product line and improving quality while reducing costs.

He did not say how much the company would spend on updates at the plant, as the group's investment program to 2011 has not been approved yet. It will be approved by the end of the first half, he added.

Russia on March 20 imposed a three-year antidumping duty on imports of stainless steel from the European Union containing 2.5% or more nickel. The duty is 840 euros per tonne of steel.

Analysts reckon the duty will enable domestic producers to increase stainless steel production.

Macquarie: LME nickel price to rise 34% in 07, market tight until 2010

2007-04-14T02:27:00.002-07:00

Slow supply growth in the nickel market will keep the market tight until 2010, with average 2007 prices forecast to jump 34% on year and project delays remaining a key swing factor for the market, Macquarie Commodities Analyst Jim Lennon said Monday.

Already the strongest performer on the London Metal Exchange in 2006, nickel cash prices will again rise sharply to average $32,518 a metric ton during 2007, up from an average $24,271/ton last year, Lennon told delegates at the Informa Australia nickel conference in New Caledonia.

The nickel-rich French territory in the South Pacific is home to key development projects Goro Nickel, owned by Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (RIO) and Xstrata Plc's (XTA.LN) Koniambo project. Nickel is mainly used to produce stainless steel.

Delays at Goro and BHP Billiton Ltd.'s (BHP) Ravensthorpe project in Australia have been key drivers in nickel's meteoric price rise.

Following a large deficit of 51,000 tons in 2006, the market will move to a small surplus of 7,000 tons this year, but stronger demand growth of 7.4% during 2008 will absorb growth of 7.3% in output, keeping the market tight, Lennon said.

Consumption growth will slow to 2.9% in 2007, down from 11.9% last year but is expected to rebound again to 7.4% in 2008.

While nickel's outlook points to "higher prices for a lot longer," Chinese production of nickel containing pig iron represented a "wild card" in nickel's supply and demand fundamentals, Lennon said.

Innovative nickel production from very low grade ore mainly from the Philippines added around 30,000 tons to the global balance last year and is likely to rise to 50,000-60,000 tons in 2007, analysts say.

A slowdown in stainless steel growth could also offer some short-term relief for the market, Lennon said, but he warned that Chinese demand might be "even stronger than we assume – as it always is."

Chinese stainless steel production totaled 5.23 million tons in 2006, up 59.2% on year and forecast to grow another 40.7% this year.

But there might be signs of slowing stainless steel demand growth, such as high inventories in the U.S. and southern Europe and a rise in Chinese stainless exports, with global indicators pointing to growth of 2.2% this year, following a sharp rebound of 15.9% in 2006.

"The 30% plus rise in stainless production in the second half of 2006 cannot reflect underlying real consumption, even after allowing for restocking," Lennon said.

But demand growth will also accelerate to an average of 5.5% between 2006-2011, on the back of urbanization and building of infrastructure in India, China and other developed countries, and possibly Africa "unleashing huge pent-up demand," Lennon said.

High prices will encourage scrap use and use of lower-quality stainless steels with a lower nickel content.

Esmark makes offer for Mittal's Sparrows Point steel mill

2007-03-27T03:13:00.001-07:00

Sources close to Illinois-based Esmark confirmed to Platts Friday that the company has submitted a bid for Mittal USA's Sparrows Point mill in Maryland, and indicated it's the only US-based company to make an offer. Sparrows Point, located on the Chesapeake Bay, is a rarity-a US steel mill with direct ocean access.

Mittal has reportedly also received bids from more than a dozen global players, including Brazil's CSN, Russia's Evraz and Severstal, and India's Tata.

Last month, the US Department of Justice ruled that Mittal must sell Sparrows Point in order to satisfy an earlier consent decree calling for the divestiture of one of three Mittal mills that supplied tin mill products to the eastern US. Most observers thought the DOJ would select West Virginia's Weirton mill for divestiture, and Esmark even had a memorandum of understanding in place with Mittal to acquire that mill.

But Sparrows Point may also be a good fit with the Esmark footprint, which now covers primary steelmaking, finishing and downstream steel-service outlets from Missouri and Illinois to Indiana and Ohio, and now into Pennsylvania with its recent acquisition of galvanizing operation, Winner Steel. With Sparrows Point, Esmark would probably set its sights on buying an East Coast service center operation. One of Sparrows Point's key competitors is Wheeling-Pittsburgh, which Esmark now controls, so there's some immediate benefit.

Sparrows Point serves the construction, container, automotive and appliance markets. Built originally by Bethlehem Steel, the mill's raw steel production capacity is now about 3.5 million st/year. Other competitors are AK Steel, US Steel, Nucor and Steel Dynamics. Its product mix consists of slab, hot-rolled coil, cold-rolled coil, galvanized sheet, and tin plate. The mill employs about 2,400 people, most of whom belong to the United Steelworkers of America.

Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works to list on LSE

2007-03-27T03:12:00.003-07:00

26.03.2007- Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) has announced it is planning to have its GDRs representing its common shares listed on the London Stock Exchange as part of its global placement of the already existing and newly issued shares and GDRs.

The flotation will take the form of an offering to institutional investors outside Russia, and an offering in Russia.

ABN AMRO Rothschild, Morgan Stanley and Renaissance Capital are global coordinators and bookrunners, with Gazprombank acting as co-lead manager.

Fortescue ore all sold a year ahead of production

2007-03-27T03:12:00.001-07:00

Forecast production from Fortescue Metals' $3.7 billion Pilbara iron ore project is now fully sold after China's biggest steel maker, Baosteel, signed a supply agreement covering a game-changing 20 million tonnes a year.

Speculation about the agreement has been behind Fortescue's recent share price strength, with the 34 per cent price surge in the past 11 weeks carrying the value of the personal stake of the group's founder and chief executive, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, to more than $2 billion.

And in an add-on that will make the incumbent Pilbara iron ore producers BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto groan, the agreement provides for a "broad strategic relationship between the companies".

"Under this strategic relationship, Fortescue will preferentially seek out other opportunities with Baosteel to the mutual benefit of both parties."

The supply deal with Baosteel initially covers 5 million tonnes a year, or about 11 per cent of Fortescue's "stage one" production of 45 million tonnes a year.

First production is due in March next year but the schedule is under pressure following delays forced by cyclone George.

Two workers at a railway construction camp for the project were killed and 16 injured when the cyclone devastated portable accommodation at the camp.

Baosteel's deal with Fortescue envisages it will buy a further minimum 11 million tonnes a year and up to a maximum of 15 million tonnes a year.

That is out of a possible 25 million tonnes a year that Fortescue could expand beyond its initial target of 45 million tonnes a year.

Baosteel's direct entry into the Pilbara iron ore business has been sweetened by the formation of a joint venture with Fortescue potentially to develop a 1 billion-tonne low-grade iron ore deposit close to the new railway being built between the mine at Cloud Break and Port Hedland.

But there is no sweetheart deal on iron pricing, with the agreement based on the annual industry benchmark pricing for premium Pilbara iron ore.

Fortescue traded last Thursday at $22.70 a share. It was suspended from trade pending last night's announcement.

Steel demand down, prices up

2007-03-27T03:10:00.000-07:00

Chicago, Sunday, March 25, 2007 – The upward trend in domestic steel prices is being spurred by the rise in raw materials costs rather than by demand, a practice potentially damaging to steelmakers' financial health.

The nation's minimills are hiking prices to offset the cost of scrap, their primary feedstock, which has had a 50 percent price increase since January. The integrated mills, including those operated along the lake shore by Mittal Steel USA and U.S. Steel Corp., also are raising prices to neutralize higher energy costs.

Roy Berlin, president and owner of Hammond-based Berlin Metals, said the threat of increased steel prices spurs service centers to order more steel despite already-bloated inventories. If demand continues to lag, inventories will escalate farther above the optimum three-month level and stall future steel orders.

From his steel industry outlook presentation at the Steel Business Briefing conference in Chicago last week, it is apparent steel analyst Charles Bradford agrees that service center hedge-buying often leads to an inventory bubble, such as the one that occurred in early 2005. That bubble caused a significant drop in steel prices and steel producer profits.

"Inventories go up as steel prices go up, inventories go down as steel prices do down," said Michelle Applebaum, managing director of Applebaum Research, during her presentation at the SBB conference.

Service centers are businesses that inventory and distribute metals for industrial customers and perform first-stage processing like sharing, slitting, stamping and sawing on the steel they resell to fabricators and manufacturers.

Centers typically have thousands of customers, while steel mills serve just hundreds. The effect of rising steel prices on the market was illustrated in 2004 when service center overbuying helped drive steel prices up and then down.

As steel prices and surcharges climbed throughout the first eight months of 2004, service centers overbought on the anticipation of shortages and even higher prices. By early 2005, service center inventories were bulging, and they stopped buying while working down their inventories.

Steel prices and steelmakers' profits plummeted before they rebounded as demand rose.

Service center inventory levels were at a 3.7-month level in February, up slightly from January's 3.5 month supply. This was primarily due to the month's shorter delivery time, according to the Metals Service Center Institute. The Institute predicts that at the current rate, inventory liquidation "is likely to last into the second quarter."

The consensus 2007 U.S. economic forecast is for 2.7 percent growth, and even that is being reduced, Bradford said during his presentation. U.S. economic growth is being tempered by the current lag in consumer demand due to higher energy costs, a dip in new housing starts and lower auto sales.

"Steel mills need 3 percent economic growth for there to be steel growth," Bradford said. "Even the non-construction side is weakening."

Bradford predicts steel company earnings to bottom in the first quarter and to improve significantly in the second quarter, but the third quarter is "very cloudy."

"First, we expect lower scrap prices in April/May, which could put some pressure on prices, and some customers are still sitting with excessive inventories and have been talking about reducing their steel buys in April," he said in his Friday steel outlook report. "Secondly, the automakers (the second largest steel user) face labor contract negotiations in the third quarter."

US domestic scrap prices shoot higher on continued strong demand

2007-03-22T05:51:00.004-07:00

US scrap prices rose by $15-25/long ton to five-month highs over the past two days, based on continued strong export demand, and a perceived increase in domestic flat products demand, as demonstrated by hot-rolled-coil price increases of $20-30/st by several domestic mills over the past two weeks. High prices for scrap substitutes, notably pig iron, also are said to be a factor.

This makes February the third-straight month in which scrap prices have increased. Prices for top grades are up by an average of $50/long ton, or roughly 20%, since the beginning of the year. The market took its latest bullish tone from factory auto bundle auctions held by Ford and DaimlerChrysler earlier this week, where the upper end of the bidding ranges are said to have touched $35/long ton.

Prices for No. 1 dealer bundles and No. 1 busheling delivered to the mill are both higher by $25-30 to a range of $280-285/long ton in the northeastern US region and eastern portions of the Midwest. Prices for standard grade shredded steel are up by similar levels to a range of $270-275/long ton, according to market sources.

Price increases for heavy grades were more muted at $15/long ton on average. Plate and structural scrap steel has been sold at $255/long ton, while No. 1 heavy melting scrap is fetching $250/long ton on a delivered basis. The price differential between the two heavy grades, typically around $10, thus is unusually compressed, a phenomenon seen for most scrap grades at times in recent months.

Imported pig iron is said to be priced currently at around $320/mt, CIF US port, which translates to prices above $340/mt to US consumers, in most cases. Supplies are said to be limited and delivery times extended.

Export scrap prices can be expected to rise in concert with domestic levels but the increase may be less robust, particularly if Turkish rebar producers hold off additional purchases into next month. Turkish mills purchased large tonnages of US-origin scrap over the past three months but were said to have taken a wait-and-see attitude by mid-January.

Metal Management 3Q profit up slightly

2007-03-22T05:51:00.003-07:00

Metals recycler Metal Management Inc. said Tuesday its fiscal third-quarter profit rose 1.5 percent, as a higher costs and lower income from joint ventures nearly offset a sales hike.

For the quarter ended Dec. 31, Metal Management earned $15.6 million, or 60 cents per share, compared with $15.4 million, or 60 cents per share, for the same quarter in 2005.

Revenue rose 33 percent to $524 million from $395.1 million, while income from joint ventures dropped to $357,000 from $3 million in the year-ago period.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, rose to $471.7 million from $346 million in the 2005 period.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had expected a profit of 74 cents per share on $469.5 million in revenue.

Company officials attributed the results to weak U.S. iron market demand, along with slower domestic stainless steel mill consumption and declining copper prices.

EC partially approves acquisition of steel scrap processor TSR

2007-03-22T05:51:00.001-07:00

The European Commission said Wednesday that it has decided to refer part of the proposed acquisition of steel scrap processor TSR by Cronimet, Remondis and Alfa Acciai to the German competition authority, and has approved the remainder.

The EC said in a statement it has referred certain aspects of the acquisition for examination under German national competition law, as the deal threatens to affect competition significantly in certain scrap markets in Germany. The notified operation does not give rise to any competition concerns in the European Economic Area other than these aspects, and the Commission has therefore approved the rest of the deal under the EU Merger Regulation, it said.

Alfa Acciai produces concrete reinforcement bar and reinforcing steels, Cronimet is a trader of ferrous scrap for use in steel production, while Remondis is active in water and recycling management. TSR trades and processes scrap for the steel industry.

The buyout of TSR threatens to seriously affect competition on the regional markets for the collection of carbon steel scrap in the Ruhr area and for the collection of alloyed steel scrap around Stuttgart where there are considerable overlaps between parties, the EC said. Due to joint ventures with other leading market players, considerable structural links would be created on these markets, according to the EC statement.

The German authorities decided the transaction could affect competition and asked the Commission to refer this part of the decision on the concentration to them. This provision of the regulation allows the Commission to partially refer a case when a concentration threatens to affect significantly competition within a Member State, which presents all the characteristics of a distinct market.

AMG Resources forms scrap joint venture with Alliance Steel

2007-03-22T05:50:00.001-07:00

Scrap processor AMG Resources has formed a joint venture with Alliance Steel Service, a regional recycler in the US upper Midwest. The venture will be called AMG Alliance and will operate a scrap facility in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The joint venture is located on the Mississippi River next to an existing AMG processing yard and includes rail and barge-loading facilities. The venture will handle industrial and obsolete ferrous grades

"We're in the process of hiring people and purchasing equipment," AMG vice president Eric Goldstein told Platts, adding: "We're shooting to be up and running by April, when the [Mississippi] river is passable."

AMG processes more than 1 million long tons/year at 10 operating facilities in the US and two in the UK. The Pittsburgh-based company also operates 13 commercial offices in the US and one in the UK, in addition to two secondary steel marketing offices in the US.

Alliance operates a processing yard in Minneapolis, and a shredder at Deluth, Minnesota. The company also is in partnership at a third scrap processing location in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Metal Management to acquire TIMCO Scrap Processing, Inc.

2007-03-22T05:49:00.002-07:00

Metal Management, Inc. (NYSE: MM), one of the nation's largest full service scrap metal recyclers, Tuesday announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of TIMCO Scrap Processing, Inc. ("TIMCO"). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

TIMCO, a privately-held company established in 1935, is a full-service metals processor and supplier serving Texas and specifically the greater Houston area. TIMCO handles approximately 120,000 tons of ferrous scrap metals each year. TIMCO has long-standing customer relationships that fit well in Metal Management's already large portfolio of industrial customers in Houston. TIMCO operates a water-based scrap facility and has six mobile shears, a Sierra ferrous baler and material handling equipment.

Daniel W. Dienst, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Metal Management said, "The acquisition of TIMCO will broaden our already strong platform in the Houston area, which supports scrap generators and dealers throughout Texas. With its facility situated with access to the Intercoastal Waterways, TIMCO fits neatly into our portfolio of businesses that support consumers who receive scrap via water. We look forward to welcoming TIMCO and its customers to the Metal Management family."

Ron Moore, President of TIMCO, will remain with Metal Management following the close of the transaction. Mr. Moore stated, "I look forward to joining the Metal Management family and becoming a part of one of the world's largest scrap metal recyclers with an outstanding reputation in Houston and across the United States."

The acquisition is being funded with Metal Management's cash on hand and is expected to close during the company's current fiscal quarter. It is anticipated that the acquisition will be immediately accretive to the earnings of Metal Management.

About Metal Management, Inc.

Metal Management is one of the largest full service metal recyclers in the United States, with approximately 50 recycling facilities in 16 states.

Metalico reports record year; Solid gains in revenue, Operating income and earnings per share

2007-03-22T05:49:00.001-07:00

Metalico, Inc. (AMEX:MEA) Friday reported its best year ever, with increases in revenues and operating income for 2006 compared to 2005.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $10,048,000 or $.39 per share on sales of $207,655,000, compared to net income of $5,589,000 or $.23 per share on sales of $155,237,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005, both on a diluted basis. These results represent an increase in sales of $52,418,000 or 34% over the 2005 results. Operating income for 2006 increased $5,465,000 or 39.8% to $19,183,000, compared to $13,718,000 for 2005.

Metalico's Scrap Metal segment enjoyed year-over-year unit volume increases of approximately 16% for ferrous and 7% for non-ferrous. The Lead Fabrication segment experienced approximately 5% higher year-over-year unit volume. Non-ferrous metal prices saw an increase of 51% year over year, while prices for ferrous and fabricated lead products also rose year over year by 7% and 11%, respectively.

The Company's Scrap segment experienced a 68% increase in operating income while the Lead Fabrication segment increased operating income by 12%. Net income for 2006 benefited from a lower effective tax rate of 35% (versus 40% for 2005) due to state investment tax credits earned for operating and investing in approved enterprise zones.

Fourth-quarter sales increased by 25.1% to $47,757,000 in 2006, compared to $38,172,000 in the prior year's fourth quarter. Operating income for the quarter ended December 31, 2006 was $2,078,000, compared to operating income of $3,495,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2005, a decrease of 40.5% due to higher operating costs.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2006 was $1,824,000 or $.07 per diluted share compared to net income and diluted earnings per share of $955,000 and $.04 respectively. A decrease in the Company's income tax expense of $1,041,000 in the fourth quarter of 2006 from the comparable period for 2005 was principally responsible for the increase in fourth-quarter net income.

In May of 2006, the Company sold substantially all of the lead smelting assets of its Gulf Coast Recycling, Inc. subsidiary, in Tampa, Florida, and exited the lead smelting business. For the year-ends December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company has reclassified the operating losses of Gulf Coast to discontinued operations.

"Our record financial performance in 2006 resulted from solid year-over-year unit volume growth across all commodity products sold and continued pricing strength in non-ferrous metals," said Carlos E. Aguero, Metalico's President and Chief Executive Officer.

"In addition, we improved our net working capital, reduced total debt by more than one-third, and significantly improved shareholders equity. A stronger balance sheet will enhance our financial flexibility as we continue executing our strategy of growth through acquisitions and internal development projects while diversifying our mix of commodity metal revenues."

EBITDA (*defined below) for 2006 was $23,793,000, an increase of $6,198,000 (35.2%) over $17,595,000 of EBITDA reported for 2005.

Metalico's outstanding debt fell to a total of $18,502,000 as of December 31, 2006 from $29,318,000 at December, 31, 2005, a decrease of 37% or $10,816,000, even after financing approximately $9,861,000 in capital expenditures. Shareholders' equity increased by 32% or $17,588,000 as of December 31, 2006 to $72,599,000, from $55,011,000 as of December 31, 2005.

The Company's results also reflect the consolidation of its investment in AgriFuel Co., a biodiesel development company.

As of December 31, 2006, Metalico had 11,754,688 common shares issued and outstanding and 14,372,187 non-trading preferred shares (exchangeable for common at a one-to-one ratio) outstanding, for a total of 26,126,875 common equivalent shares outstanding as of that date. The company's preferred stock is held principally by the financial institutions that financed Metalico at its inception.

Since December 31, 2005, 4,006,421 freely trading shares of Metalico common stock have been issued from the conversion of 2,645,684 preferred shares (including 507,213 shares converted in 2007) and the exchange of convertible debt for another 1,360,737 shares.

Metalico, Inc. is a rapidly growing holding company with operations in two business segments: ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal recycling, and fabrication of lead-based products. The Company operates six recycling facilities through New York State and five lead fabrication plants in four states. Metalico's common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol MEA.

(*)The Company defines EBITDA as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, other income and expense, stock based compensation in subsidiaries, minority interests and discontinued operations. EBITDA is considered non-GAAP financial information and a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA is included in the attached financial tables. Metalico's results for all periods have been adjusted for its Gulf Coast Recycling divestiture during the second quarter of 2006 as Gulf Coast's results of operations have been reclassified as discontinued operations.

Stainless steel will continue to cost more

2007-03-22T05:48:00.002-07:00

Wed March 7, 2007 – Finance minister P Chidambaram may have arm-twisted steel companies to roll back their post-Budget price hikes, but stainless steel is expected to still cost more.

According to stainless steel makers, the spiralling cost of nickel, the main raw material for stainless steel, has held them back from rolling back the price hike of up to Rs 10,000 a tonne announced on March 1.

"Last year, nickel was priced at $14,000-15000 a tonne on the international market against today's price of $44,000 a tonne," said NC Mathur, director of Jindal Stainless, which makes almost 40% of the country's stainless steel. Sail's Salem steel plant has also retained its higher prices.

Although stainless steel accounts for just 4% of total steel consumption in the country, a price hike directly affects the common man because it results in an increase in the prices of utensils.

"If the finance ministry reduces the customs duty on nickel and steel scrap from the present 5%, we will lower our prices," Mathur said. Stainless steel companies were expecting a customs cut in the Budget as part of the government's efforts to curb inflation. They said nickel did not attract any duty in the EU, Japan, US or Korea. It was just 2% in China, they pointed out.

Sail, Tata Steel, RINL, Essar Steel, Ispat Industries and JSW Steel on Monday announced a full roll back of Rs 300 to Rs 700 and of Rs 300 to Rs 500 on TMT bars and galvanised corrugated products, respectively.

These companies also rolled back the hike of Rs 500 on HR coils, though revised domestic prices continue to be lower than prevailing international prices.

Metalico ponders options after shredder acquisition falls through

2007-03-22T05:48:00.001-07:00

Scrap processor Metalico is considering other options for acquiring a shredder after a deal to acquire one in Rochester, New York, fell through in 2006, company executives said in a conference call Friday.

Metalico announced in March 2006 that it intended to acquire Union Processing in Rochester, which processes approximately 120,000 long tons/year of ferrous scrap using a 98-inch [rotor diameter] shredder. Metalico has in the past supplied a small portion of Union's ferrous throughput.

"We were not able to come to satisfactory terms and so we terminated that effort," Metalico President and CEO Carlos Aguero said during the call, adding that other options for acquiring a shredding operation are being pursued. "We have locations under consideration in Rochester and Syracuse [New York] and are in the process of determining now which is best for us," he said.

Metalico's expansion strategy received another setback last year when it terminated the planned acquisition of Niles Iron & Metal, which operates two scrap yards in northeastern Ohio processing a combined 200,000 lt/year of ferrous scrap. The acquisition, announced last July, would have doubled Metalico's ferrous scrap volume.

US steel buyers unfazed by expected price announcements

2007-03-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

There was word Friday in the US hot-rolled coil market – among several traders and big service-center buyers – that Nucor is preparing to soon open its May spot book for HRC orders, and most sources expected another fairly strong attempt to push the price higher. "The marketplace is not really ready for another hike," a major Southeast service center buyer told Platts, "but a $40 price-hike announcement would not be a surprise."

In an earnings conference call, however, at least one producer stated that its earlier-announced price hikes were indeed being accepted by steel consumers. "We are seeing our March and April price increases stick in the market," said Jim Bouchard, Wheeling-Pittsburgh and Esmark CEO. In early March, Wheeling-Pitt said it would raise transaction prices of all flat-rolled products by $50/st on orders scheduled for shipments effective April 1.

Meanwhile, several Nucor customers offered as explanation for the anticipated price hike that the steelmaker still needs to get its spot price more in line with its contract business. Nucor's typical contract deal, which carries a surcharge for scrap, is now at about $620/st EXW (ex-works), which is considerably higher than spot transactions.

"Nucor's been trying to get $580/st EXW for April rollings, and even that's been a stretch," said an East Coast service-center buyer. Integrated producers appear to now have a raw material cost advantage over flat-rolling mini-mills that are paying near-record prices for scrap, merchant pig iron and steel scrap substitutes like DRI.

For example, one big trader told Platts that Mittal Steel USA's April bookings have been at $550/st, EXW Indiana, about $30/st below Nucor's asking price. "There is upward pressure on pricing," he said, "but still a wide disparity."

Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel puts on a $53 scrap surcharge for April

2007-03-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel said Wednesday that, effective April 1, 2007, it will institute a raw materials surcharge of $53/st on orders scheduled for April shipment. The surcharge is based on sharply higher prices for steel scrap since late February.

"The continued volatility of steel scrap has made it necessary for Wheeling-Pittsburgh to develop a methodology for administering a scrap surcharge," said Thomas E. Mihelcic, vice president-Commercial. "We believe our calculation provides a fair way for Wheeling-Pittsburgh to capture the growing portion of our production that is influenced by the highly volatile scrap market," he added.

The current scrap content of the West Virginia flat products producer's combined steel production is 70%, but this can change based on operational fluctuations.

The base period for surcharge calculations will be February 20, 2007, for all sheet products, with the surcharge baseline being $295/st.

Wheeling-Pittsburgh has slab production capacity of 2.8 million st and hot-rolling capacity of 3.4 million st. The company recently agreed to merge with service center operator Esmark, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Essar Group in $527-million steel JV with Vietnam Steel Corporation

2007-02-15T01:31:00.002-08:00

The Essar Group will establish a $527-million joint venture to build a 2 million tonnes hot-rolled steel mill, in a three-way joint venture with State-run Vietnam Steel Corporation (VSC) and rubber group Vietnam General Rubber Corporation (Geruco) in which Essar would hold a majority 65 percent stake.

VSC is Vietnam's largest steel producer and it would hold 20-per cent stake with Geruco holding the remaining 15 per cent.

The mill, due to be completed in 2009, would use billets imported from India. Vietnam relies on the imports of steel and billets, mainly from China.

Esmark teams up with international companies to buy Pa. steel plant

2007-02-15T01:31:00.001-08:00

Esmark Inc., the fast-growing Illinois company that vows to dominate the Midwest steel market, said Monday it has teamed up with international partners to buy the assets of Winner Steel Inc. in Sharon, Pa.

Esmark has formed a joint venture with Russia's Novolipetsk Steel and Switzerland's Duferco Group to buy the galvanized steel operations for an undisclosed price, the companies said in a joint statement. The deal could be completed by the end of the second quarter.

Winner Steel is one of the largest independent producers of galvanized steel producers in the United States, with three lines that can produce some 1.2 million tons a year. Its products are used mainly for construction, appliances and automobiles.

Winner Steel has operated in Sharon since 1995. It has about 200 employees represented by the United Steelworkers.

Winner is located near the former Sharon Steel plant in Farrell, Pa., which was sold to Duferco in 1998. The Farrell facilities already supply cold-rolled steel to Winner, so the new arrangement ensures the long-term stability of that supply.

"Winner Steel is a logical component of our North American growth strategy," said Benedict Sciortino, director of Duferco Group.

Esmark Chairman and CEO James Bouchard said the joint venture will help his 4-year-old company solidify its position as a full-service business that can both convert steel slabs and distribute products through its network of service centers.

Novolipetsk Steel is one of the three largest flat steel producers in Russia, while Duferco Group is involved in production and distribution of a variety of steel products, including raw materials to make steel.

Esmark, based in Chicago Heights, seized control of West Virginia's Wheeling Pittsburgh Corp. in a proxy fight last fall and now aims to buy the Weirton division of Mittal Steel Co. if federal regulators and the Independent Steelworkers Union approve.

Esmark also announced Monday it is proceeding with its long-standing plan to formally merge with Wheeling-Pitt. Existing Wheeling-Pitt shareholders would get one share of stock in the new company for each share currently held.

Esmark has offered $20 a share for up to half of Wheeling-Pitt's 14.7 million shares. It is also offering existing shareholders the right to invest up to $200 million at a price below $20 and continue with the combined company.

Rautaruukki plans Eur6 million steel production capacity scale-up

2007-02-15T01:30:00.000-08:00

Finnish metal producer Rautaruukki is to ramp up its steel frame production capacity in Finland with Eur6 million ($7.8 million) of investments at its manufacturing facilities in Ylivieska and Seinajoki, as demand for bridge and building materials continues to grow apace, the company said Monday.

Over the next 18 months the company plans to employ an additional 30 staff at Ylivieska, which will be enlarged. At the same time improved efficiency and workplace safety measures are to be introduced as the company moves towards becoming a fully-integrated supply operation.

"Our response to the increasing demand in bridge and building construction is to strengthen local production throughout our operating area," said Ruukki Corporation President Saku Sipola in a statement.

"These investments will speed up our growth as a total delivery supplier in the construction business, especially in the Nordic countries," he added.

The company last year undertook a manufacturing scale-up program at its Raahe works in Finland, a hot strip mill that produces high-strength steel grades. It also completed the second stage of an automation scheme at the same location in July. A hot stripped coiler to accommodate the output was installed in September.

The divestment of the Ruukki's reinforcing steel division Ovako in September 2006 signaled its exit from the long steel private sector, and with a decided focus on the infrastructure construction market now apparent, its net sales for 2007 are expected to develop in line with growth targets, stated the company.

Monday's announcement closely follows last week's publication of the company's 2006 full year results, which showed net sales of Eur3.682 billion, up from Eur3.654 billion in 2005, against a drop in operating profit to Eur529 million from Eur618 million the previous year.

China to reduce steel exports in 2007

2007-02-15T01:29:00.004-08:00

China will proceed with the reduction of steel exports in 2007, a China Iron and Steel Association official said.

During a conference last week, Qi Xiangdong, CISA Deputy Secretary, said the net export of steel and billets would decrease by 10 million tonnes in 2007, while steel exports would remain at 17.5 million tonnes.

Steel exports have dropped since the government reduced tax rebates on several products towards the end of last year.

Analyst Gu Yaoqiang of Haitong Securities told Interfax the reduction directly resulted from the Chinese government's concerns over the number of trade disputes.

On Feb. 2, the U.S. government lodged a complaint with the WTO against China's trade allowance being used to boost exports in a number of industries, including iron and steel. This is not the first time China has faced this type of trade dispute.

"The main reason for the reduction can be attributed to government worries over possible future trade disputes if China continues to increase steel exports, the Sino-US steel export dispute is the main reason behind the reduction," Gu said.

He also said that since last year, the government has gradually reduced steel exports.

In 2006, China reported steel product exports of 43 million tonnes, and 9.04 million tonnes of steel billets.

At present, it is mainly low-grade steel products that are exported. Based on this, Gu said that the reduction would have a negative effect on the domestic steel market. If the supply and demand balance is disturbed by reducing the volume of exports, there would be a surplus in domestic steel production.

Gu said that future steel prices would probably decrease, "but there will be little impact if the overseas steel market remains stable".

CISA statistics showed that China's 2006 raw steel output exceeded 400 million tonnes, maintaining China's 11-year global lead.

During the last few years, the Chinese government has implemented a series of stricter policies in order to maintain the domestic steel supply and demand balance. As a result, steel production growth is expected to slow in 2007. Even so, analysts still have concerns over a possible domestic steel market imbalance, with supply exceeding demand.

"In my opinion, the government will ultimately change the export focus from low-grade to high-grade steel products, and steel export will recover due to China's superior global manufacturing industry," Gu said.

Bolivia in El Mutun deadline

2007-02-15T01:29:00.003-08:00

The Bolivian Government has given India-based Jindal Steel and Power Ltd until the end of the month to finalise an agreement to develop the El Mutun iron ore deposit which is believed to contain 40,000 Mt of reserves.

The deadline has been set to try and prevent any further postponement in signing the El Mutun contract.

The Indian company made a provisional agreement in August to mine the deposit, but has since postponed it several times. It pledged to spend over US$2 billion to mine iron ore and produce steel at El Mutun, located in the easten region of Santa Cruz.

The El Mutun investment will be the biggest in the history of Bolivia's mining industry and a political boost for President Evo Morales, who nationalised the energy industry in 2006.

Mining Vice Minister Luis Alberto Echazu told Reuters that the problems with the contract stem from Jindal's reluctance to accept the government's conditions on taxes and the price the company would pay for natural gas.

Mr Echazu added that the next two weeks are going to be crucial. "There is another Indian company interested in this contract, but we are engaged in serious negotiations with Jindal."

In other Bolivian news, the abandoned Corocoro copper mine – located 175 km south of La Paz – may reopen as part of its plans to overhaul the country's mining industry, said Reuters, citing Mr Echazu.

"We're designing the project, doing the feasibility studies, so we don't have an exact figure yet for how much we are going to invest. We don't have a figure for Corocoro's reserves."

He added that the plans to reactivate the mine, also include the construction of a copper smelter.

The mine – the country's largest – was shut down in 1985 after a drop in international metal prices forced state-owned mining company Comibol to close a number of mines across Bolivia, laying off about 35,000 workers.

Brazil's CSN plans to invest 1 billion euros in Portugal

2007-02-15T01:29:00.001-08:00

Lisbon, Portugal, 12 Feb – Brazilian steelmaker Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN) is negotiating investments of 1 billion euros in Portugal, in two projects for its Lusosider subsidiary, the chairman of the company, Benjamin Steinbruch said in Lisbon Saturday.

Speaking to Portuguese news agency Lusa, Steinbruch said that one of the projects being looked at was the investment of 200 million euros to boost production capacity at Lusosider from the current 350,000 tons to 1 million tons of steel.

"The studies have been carried out, the project is well on its way and could be finished within two or three months," said Steinbruch.

The second project is planned investment of 800 million euros to be spent on a hot rolling mill for 3 million tons, in order to supply the Portuguese and Spanish markets as well as the South of France.

"We plan to be in Europe, in these markets, and as we are already in Portugal, with Lusosider, it is totally logical to start from here," he explained.

This investment follows CSN losing out to Tata Steel on buying Corus. Tata Steel offered US$11.3 billion for the company on January 31 this year.

Lusorider is totally owned by CSN, which in May of last year bought 50 percent of the company it did not own from Corus Group for 25 million euros.

The two multinational steelmakers had been partners in Lusosider since 2003 when CSN bought Arcelor's stake in the Portuguese company.

The steelmaker, located in Seixal near Lisbon, in 2006 launched a new production line, in a 6 million euro investment that made it possible to double its production capacity.

Guinea unrest hits BHP, Rio projects

2007-02-15T01:28:00.003-08:00

The multibillion-dollar plans of BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto to secure opportunities in Guinea's resource industry have been temporarily halted because of growing security fears in the West African nation.

BHP has flown out the 20 staff it has working on it taking a lead role in a $US2.3 billion ($A3 billion) bauxite/alumina project. Rio has flown out about 60 staff involved in its Simandou iron ore project, potentially the host of a $US2 billion development.

BHP is due to commit this week to becoming the operator and lead partner in the bauxite/alumina project being promoted by Canada's Global Alumina Corp. Like Rio, BHP has become increasingly adventurous in where it is prepared to invest to secure growth.

Guinea's President Lansana Conte's declaration of martial law to quash violent protests against his 23-year rule has put the projects on hold.

BHP said yesterday it had confidence in the long-term opportunities in Guinea but the safety of its people was paramount.

Responding to reports of more than 80 deaths in the Government crackdown, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, said Guinea's security forces "must abide by international standards on the use of force". She said there had been "serious allegations of gross breaches of those standards".

Operators in Guinea's bauxite/alumina industries, including Alcoa and Alcan, have reduced operations pending an improvement in security.

Despite the dramas in Guinea — it holds a third of the world's bauxite resources — global equity markets continue to be more interested in speculation that BHP and Rio have separate plans to make a $US40 billion takeover of Alcoa.

Melbourne-based Alumina, Alcoa's 40 per cent partner in their Alcoa-managed global alumina alliance, Alcoa World Alumina & Chemicals, has been swept up in the speculation, rising another 11¢ yesterday to $7.34. Alumina told the stock exchange it had no information on the Alcoa takeover speculation and the "possible implications" that would have on its own future.

It also had no information on speculation that it could become the subject of a private equity bid.

Shares in Alcoa, the worst-performed of the major resources groups, rose $US2.10 to $US30.30 in the US market.

Analysts said investors were prepared to bet that Alcoa would be forced to break itself into an upstream business (bauxite, alumina and aluminium) and a downstream business (fabrication and extrusions) should no takeover bid emerge.

That would also be the plan of BHP and Rio, with the downstream operations to be offered up to any number of private equity buyers.

US steel production up slightly versus last week, but down YoY

2007-02-15T01:28:00.001-08:00

US weekly steel production gained just 0.04% to 1.973 million st in the week ending February 10 from 1.965 million st in the week before, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. The most recent capacity utilization rate was 84.5%, up from 84.1% in the week ending February 3.

Compared with last year, the latest week's production represents a 7.1% decline from the same period in 2006. Production was 2.126 million st in the week ending February 10, 2006, and the utilization rate then was 89.5%.

Meanwhile, adjusted year-to-date production in the US through February 10, 2007 was 11.448 million st, at a capacity utilization rate of 81.6%. That represents a 6.6% decrease from the 12.259 million st during the same period last year, when the utilization rate was 87%.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrolyte Raw Materials – Supplier Data by Fuel Cell Materials

2007-02-10T02:06:00.002-08:00

Fuel Cell Materials Fuel Cell Materials offers a wide range of ceria and zirconia based electrolyte materials for a variety of uses in solid oxide fuel cells.
Ceria-based Electrolyte Materials

Ceria-based electrolytes offer many advantages over traditional zirconia-based YSZ electrolytes, notably higher conductivities at lower operating temperatures and compatibility with high performance cathode materials. Fuel Cell Materials offers a full line of ceria-based electrolyte materials for solid oxide fuel cell and ceramic oxygen generators. The incorporation of ceria into SOFC anodes enhances electro-catalytic activity and provides a viable path toward internal reforming and/or direct utilization of hydrocarbon fuels. Two standard ceria electrolyte compositions (doped with gadolinium or samarium) are offered as nanoscale powders for use in colloidal deposition processes, sintering additives, and catalytic elements and supports. Ceramic grade powders tailored for substrate fabrication processes are available as well. Additional ceria formulations can be produced to your specifications.
Zirconia-based Electrolyte Materials

Fuel Cell Materials offers a variety of zirconia-based electrolytes. Yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is the most popular electrolyte material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) because it conducts only oxygen ions over a wide range of oxygen partial pressures. YSZ membrane supported SOFCs are normally operated at temperatures above 800°C to achieve sufficiently high oxygen ion conductivity. Thin-film (10-20 μm) YSZ membranes and scandium-doped zirconia (ScSZ) both provide high oxygen conductivity at much lower operating temperatures. Nanoscale zirconia electrolyte materials are ideal for sintering aids and colloidal deposition processes. YSZ and ScSZ are offered in the form of nanoscale powders. YSZ and partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) are available as tape casting (micron-scale) powders. YSZ also is offered as aqueous engineered spray coating formulation or aqueous suspension. Custom zirconia compositions can be produced to your specifications.
Nanoscale Powders

NexTech's nanoscale powders offer extremely high suface areas, often approaching 200 m2/g, with primary crystallites on the order of 10-20 nm. The powders are softly agglomerated.
Ceramic Grade/Tape Casting (Micron Scale) Powders

The ceramic grade powders are designed for fabricating supports via tape casting, pressing, extrusion, etc., with surface areas on the order of 5-8 m2/g.
Aqueous Suspensions

NexTech has created aqueous suspensions of our GDC/CGO10 and YSZ8 materials. These suspensions are highly stable, with long shelf-lives and are ideal starting points for colloidal deposition experiments. YSZ8 also comes in an engineered coating formulation that can be tailored to match substrate shrinkage and lower firing temperatures.

PVD Materials – Materials Available for Physical Vapour Deposition ( PVD ) from Williams Advanced Materials

2007-02-10T02:06:00.001-08:00

Williams Advanced Materials provides materials in a variety of shapes and forms including Slugs, Starter charges, Crucibles, Targets - all configurations. Wire, Clips, Rod, Splatter, Random Shot, Tube

Other related services include:

· State-of-the-art Bonding Centers located worldwide.

· Refining and recycling of precious metal scrap.

· Complete metallurgical, chemical and functional test lab. Receiving
PVD Materials

Williams Advanced Materials provide a vast range of materials for the production on thin films via physical vapour deposition (PVD). These materials can be broadly classed into the following categories:

· Pure Metals

· Precious Alloys

· Alloys & Cermets

· Borides

· Carbides

· Fluorides

· Nitrides

· Silicides

· Oxides

· Others
Pure Metals

Pure metals PVD materials supplied by Williams Advanced Materials include:

· Aluminum, Al

· Antimony, Sb

· Beryllium, Be

· Bismuth, Bi

· Boron, B

· Cadmium, Cd

· Calcium, Ca

· Carbon, C

· Cerium, Ce

· Chromium, Cr

· Cobalt, Co

· Copper, Cu

· Erbium, Er

· Gadolinium, Gd

· Gallium, Ga

· Germanium, Ge

· Gold, Au

· Hafnium, Hf

· Indium, In

· Iridium, Ir

· Iron, Fe

· Lanthanum, La

· Lead, Pb

· Magnesium, Mg

· Manganese, Mn

· Molybdenum, Mo

· Neodymium, Nd

· Nickel, Ni

· Niobium, Nb

· Osmium, Os

· Palladium, Pd

· Platinum, Pt

· Praseodymium, Pr

· Rhenium, Re

· Rhodium, Rh

· Ruthenium, Ru

· Samarium, Sm

· Selenium, Se

· Silicon, Si

· Silver, Ag

· Tantalum, Ta

· Tellurium, Te

· Terbium, Tb

· Tin, Sn

· Titanium, Ti

· Tungsten, W

· Vanadium, V

· Ytterbium, Yb

· Yttrium, Y

· Zinc, Zn

· Zirconium, Zr
Precious Alloys

Precious alloy PVD materials supplied by Williams Advanced Materials include:

· Gold Antimony, Au/Sb

· Gold Arsenic, Au/As

· Gold Boron, Au/B

· Gold Copper, Au/Cu

· Gold Germanium, Au/Ge

· Gold Nickel, Au/Ni

· Gold Nickel Indium, Au/Ni/In

· Gold Palladium, Au/Pd

· Gold Phosphorus, Au/P

· Gold Silicon, Au/Si

· Gold Silver Platinum, Au/Ag/Pt

· Gold Tantalum, Au/Ta

· Gold Tin, Au/Sn

· Gold Zinc, Au/Zn

· Palladium Lithium, Pd/Li

· Palladium Manganese, Pd/Mn

· Palladium Nickel, Pd/Ni

· Platinum Palladium, Pt/Pd

· Palladium Rhenium, Pd/Re

· Platinum Rhodium, Pt/Rh

· Silver Arsenic, Ag/As

· Silver Copper, Ag/Cu

· Silver Gallium, Ag/Ga

· Silver Gold, Ag/Au

· Silver Palladium, Ag/Pd

· Silver Titanium, Ag/Ti
Alloys and Cermets

Alloy and cermet PVD materials supplied by Williams Advanced Materials include:

· Aluminum Copper, Al/Cu

· Aluminum Silicon, Al/Si

· Aluminum Silicon Copper, Al/Si/Cu

· Aluminum Titanium, Al/Ti

· Chromium Manganese Palladium, Cr/Mn/Pd

· Chromium Manganese Platinum, Cr/Mn/Pt

· Chromium Molybdenum, Cr/Mo

· Chromium Ruthenium, Cr/Ru

· Chromium Silicon Oxide, Cr/SiO

· Chromium Vanadium, Cr/V

· Cobalt Chromium, Co/Cr

· Cobalt Chromium Nickel, Co/Cr/Ni

· Cobalt Chromium Platinum, Co/Cr/Pt

· Cobalt Chromium Tantalum, Co/Cr/Ta

· Cobalt Chromium Tantalum Platinum, Co/Cr/Ta/Pt

· Cobalt Iron, Co/Fe

· Cobalt Iron Boron, Co/Fe/B

· Cobalt Iron Chromium, Co/Fe/Cr

· Cobalt Iron Zirconium, Co/Fe/Zr

· Cobalt Nickel, Co/Ni

· Cobalt Nickel Chromium, Co/Ni/Cr

· Cobalt Nickel Iron, Co/Ni/Fe

· Cobalt Niobium Hafnium, Co/Nb/Hf

· Cobalt Niobium Iron, Co/Nb/Fe

· Cobalt Niobium Titanium, Co/Nb/Ti

· Cobalt Platinum, Co/Pt

· Cobalt Zirconium Niobium, Co/Zr/Nb (CZN)

· Cobalt Zirconium Rhodium, Co/Zr/Rh

· Cobalt Zirconium Tantalum, Co/Zr/Ta (CZT)

· Copper Nickel, Cu/Ni

· Iron Aluminum, Fe/Al

· Iron Cobalt, Fe/Co

· Iron Rhodium, Fe/Rh

· Iron Tantalum, Fe/Ta

· Iron Tantalum Chromium, Fe/Ta/Cr

· Manganese Iridium, Mn/Ir

· Manganese Palladium Platinum, Mn/Pd/Pt

· Manganese Platinum, Mn/Pt

· Manganese Rhodium, Mn/Rh

· Manganese Ruthenium, Mn/Ru

· Nickel Chromium, Ni/Cr

· Nickel Chromium Silicon, Ni/Cr/Si

· Nickel Cobalt Iron, Ni/Co/Fe

· Nickel Iron, Ni/Fe

· Nickel Iron Chromium, Ni/Fe/Cr

· Nickel Iron Rhodium, Ni/Fe/Rh

· Nickel Iron Zirconium, Ni/Fe/Zr

· Nickel Manganese, Ni/Mn

· Nickel Vanadium, Ni/V

· Tungsten Titanium, W/Ti
Borides

Boride PVD materials supplied by Williams Advanced Materials include:

· Chromium Boride, CrB2

· Lanthanum Boride, LaB6

· Molybdenum Boride, Mo2B5

· Niobium Boride, NbB2

· Tantalum Boride, TaB2

· Titanium Boride, TiB2

· Tungsten Boride, W2B

· Vanadium Boride, VB2

· Zirconium Boride, ZrB2
Carbides

Carbide PVD materials supplied by Williams Advanced Materials include:

· Boron Carbide, B4C

· Chromium Carbide, Cr3C2

· Molybdenum Carbide, Mo2C

· Niobium Carbide, NbC

· Silicon Carbide, SiC

· Tantalum Carbide, TaC

· Titanium Carbide, TiC

· Tungsten Carbide, WC

· Vanadium Carbide, VC

· Zirconium Carbide, ZrC
Fluorides

Fluoride PVD materials supplied by Williams Advanced Materials include:

· Aluminum Fluoride, AlF3

· Barium Fluoride, BaF2

· Calcium Fluoride, CaF2

· Cerium Fluoride, CeF2

· Cryolite, Na3AIF6

· Lithium Fluoride, LiF

· Magnesium Fluoride, MgF2

· Potassium Fluoride, KF

· Rare Earth Fluorides

· Sodium Fluoride, NaF
Nitrides

Nitride PVD materials supplied by Williams Advanced Materials include:

· Aluminum Nitride, AlN

· Boron Nitride, BN

· Niobium Nitride, NbN

· Silicon Nitride, Si3N4

· Tantalum Nitride, TaN

· Titanium Nitride, TiN

· Vanadium Nitride, VN

· Zirconium Nitride, ZrN

· Si3N4/TiN
Silicides

Silicide PVD materials supplied by Williams Advanced Materials include:

· Chromium Silicide, CrSi2

· Molybdenum Silicide, MoSi2

· Niobium Silicide, NbSi2

· Platinum Silicide, PtSi

· Tantalum Silicide, TaSi2

· Titanium Silicide, TiSi2

· Tungsten Silicide, WSi2

· Vanadium Silicide, VSi2

· Zirconium Silicide, ZrSi2
Oxides

Oxide PVD materials supplied by Williams Advanced Materials include:

· Aluminum Oxide, Al2O3

· Antimony Oxide, Sb2O3

· Barium Oxide, BaO

· Barium Titanate, BaTiO3

· Bismuth Oxide, Bi2O3

· Bismuth Titanate, Bi4Ti3O12

· Ba Sr Titanate, BST

· Chromium Oxide, Cr2O3

· Copper Oxide, CuO

· Hafnium Oxide, HfO2

· Indium Oxide, In2O3

· Indium Tin Oxide, ITO

· Lanthanum Aluminate, LaAlO3

· Lanthanum Oxide, La2O3

· Lead Titanate, PbTiO3

· Lead Zirconate, PbZrO3

· Lead Zirconate-Titanate, PZT

· Lithium Niobate, LiNbO3

· Magnesium Oxide, MgO

· Molybdenum Oxide, MoO3

· Niobium Pentoxide, Nb2O5

· Rare Earth Oxides, RE2O)

· Silicon Dioxide, SiO2

· Silicon Monoxide, SiO

· Strontium Oxide, SrO

· Strontium Titanate, SrTiO3

· Tantalum Pentoxide, Ta2O5

· Tin Oxide, SnO2

· Titanium Dioxide, TiO2

· Tungsten Oxide, WO3

· Yttrium Oxide, Y2O3

· Zinc Oxide, ZnO

· ZnO/Al2O3

· ZnO/In2O3

· Zirconium Oxide, ZrO2
Others

Other PVD materials supplied by Williams Advanced Materials include:

· Bismuth Telluride, Bi2Te3

· Cadmium Selenide, CdSe

· Cadmium Sulfide, CdS

· Cadmium Telluride, CdTe

· Lead Selenide, PbSe

· Lead Sulfide, PbS

· Lead Telluride, PbTe

· Molybdenum Selenide, MoSe2

· Molybdenum Sulfide, MoS2

· Zinc Selenide, ZnSe

· Zinc Sulfide, ZnS

· Zinc Telluride, ZnTe

· ZnS/SiO2

Nanomaterials and Their Applications

2007-02-10T02:05:00.002-08:00

Nanomaterials (nanocrystalline materials) are materials possessing grain sizes on the order of a billionth of a meter. They manifest extremely fascinating and useful properties, which can be exploited for a variety of structural and non-structural applications.
Applications

Since nanomaterials possess unique, beneficial chemical, physical, and mechanical properties, they can be used for a wide variety of applications. These applications include, but are not limited to, the following:
Next-Generation Computer Chips

The microelectronics industry has been emphasising miniaturisation, whereby the circuits, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, are reduced in size. By achieving a significant reduction in their size, the microprocessors, which contain these components, can run much faster, thereby enabling computations at far greater speeds. However, there are several technological impediments to these advancements, including lack of the ultrafine precursors to manufacture these components; poor dissipation of tremendous amount of heat generated by these microprocessors due to faster speeds; short mean time to failures (poor reliability), etc. Nanomaterials help the industry break these barriers down by providing the manufacturers with nanocrystalline starting materials, ultra-high purity materials, materials with better thermal conductivity, and longer-lasting, durable interconnections (connections between various components in the microprocessors).
Kinetic Energy (KE) Penetrators with Enhanced Lethality

The Department of Defense (DoD) is currently using depleted-uranium (DU) projectiles (penetrators) for its lethality against hardened targets and enemy armoured vehicles. However, DU has residual radioactivity, and hence, it is toxic (carcinogenic), explosive, and lethal to the personnel who use them. However, some of the important reasons for the continued use of DU penetrators are that they possess a unique self-sharpening mechanism on impact with a target, and the lack of suitable non-explosive, non-hazardous replacement for DU. Nanocrystalline tungsten heavy alloys lend themselves to such a self-sharpening mechanisms because of their unique deformation characteristics, such as grain-boundary sliding. Hence, nanocrystalline tungsten heavy alloys and composites are being evaluated as potential candidates to replace DU penetrators.
Better Insulation Materials

Nanocrystalline materials synthesised by the sol-gel technique result in foam like structures called "aerogels." These aerogels are porous and extremely lightweight; yet, they can loads equivalent to 100 times their weight. Aerogels are composed of three-dimensional, continuous networks of particles with air (or any other fluid, such as a gas) trapped at their interstices. Since they are porous and air is trapped at the interstices, aerogels are currently being used for insulation in offices, homes, etc. By using aerogels for insulation, heating and cooling bills are drastically reduced, thereby saving power and reducing the attendant environmental pollution. They are also being used as materials for "smart " windows, which darken when the sun is too bright (just as in changeable lenses in prescription spectacles and sunglasses) and they lighten themselves, when the sun is not shining too brightly.
Phosphors for High-Definition TV

The resolution of a television, or a monitor, depends greatly on the size of the pixel. These pixels are essentially made of materials called "phosphors," which glow when struck by a stream of electrons inside the cathode ray tube (CRT). The resolution improves with a reduction in the size of the pixel, or the phosphors. Nanocrystalline zinc selenide, zinc sulfide, cadmium sulfide, and lead telluride synthesised by the sol-gel techniques are candidates for improving the resolution of monitors. The use of nanophosphors is envisioned to reduce the cost of these displays so as to render high-definition televisions (HDTVs) and personal computers affordable to be purchased by an average household in the U. S.
Low-Cost Flat-Panel Displays

Flat-panel displays represent a huge market in the laptop (portable) computers industry. However, Japan is leading this market, primarily because of its research and development efforts on the materials for such displays. By synthesising nanocrystalline phosphors, the resolution of these display devices can be greatly enhanced, and the manufacturing costs can be significantly reduced. Also, the flat-panel displays constructed out of nanomaterials possess much higher brightness and contrast than the conventional ones owing to their enhanced electrical and magnetic properties.
Tougher and Harder Cutting Tools

Cutting tools made of nanocrystalline materials, such as tungsten carbide, tantalum carbide, and titanium carbide, are much harder, much more wear-resistant, erosion-resistant, and last longer than their conventional (large-grained) counterparts. They also enable the manufacturer to machine various materials much faster, thereby increasing productivity and significantly reducing manufacturing costs. Also, for the miniaturisation of microelectronic circuits, the industry needs microdrills (drill bits with diameter less than the thickness of an average human hair or 100 µm) with enhanced edge retention and far better wear resistance. Since nanocrystalline carbides are much stronger, harder, and wear-resistant, they are currently being used in these microdrills.
Elimination of Pollutants

Nanocrystalline materials possess extremely large grain boundaries relative to their grain size. Hence, nanomaterials are very active in terms of their of chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. Due to their enhanced chemical activity, nanomaterials can be used as catalysts to react with such noxious and toxic gases as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide in automobile catalytic converters and power generation equipment to prevent environmental pollution arising from burning gasoline and coal.
High Energy Density Batteries

Conventional and rechargeable batteries are used in almost all applications that require electric power. These applications include automobiles, laptop computers, electric vehicles, next-generation electric vehicles (NGEV) to reduce environmental pollution, personal stereos, cellular phones, cordless phones, toys, and watches. The energy density (storage capacity) of these batteries is quite low requiring frequent recharging. The life of conventional and rechargeable batteries is also low. Nanocrystalline materials synthesised by sol-gel techniques are candidates for separator plates in batteries because of their foam-like (aerogel) structure, which can hold considerably more energy than their conventional counterparts. Furthermore, nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries made of nanocrystalline nickel and metal hydrides are envisioned to require far less frequent recharging and to last much longer because of their large grain boundary (surface) area and enhanced physical, chemical, and mechanical properties.
High-Power Magnets

The strength of a magnet is measured in terms of coercivity and saturation magnetisation values. These values increase with a decrease in the grain size and an increase in the specific surface area (surface area per unit volume of the grains) of the grains. It has been shown that magnets made of nanocrystalline yttrium-samarium-cobalt grains possess very unusual magnetic properties due to their extremely large surface area. Typical applications for these high-power rare-earth magnets include quieter submarines, automobile alternators, land-based power generators, motors for ships, ultra-sensitive analytical instruments, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in medical diagnostics.
High-Sensitivity Sensors

Sensors employ their sensitivity to the changes in various parameters they are designed to measure. The measured parameters include electrical resistivity, chemical activity, magnetic permeability, thermal conductivity, and capacitance. All of these parameters depend greatly on the microstructure (grain size) of the materials employed in the sensors. A change in the sensor’s environment is manifested by the sensor material’s chemical, physical, or mechanical characteristics, which is exploited for detection. For instance, a carbon monoxide sensor made of zirconium oxide (zirconia) uses its chemical stability to detect the presence of carbon monoxide. In the event of carbon monoxide’s presence, the oxygen atoms in zirconium oxide react with the carbon in carbon monoxide to partially reduce zirconium oxide. This reaction triggers a change in the sensor’s characteristics, such as conductivity (or resistivity) and capacitance. The rate and the extent of this reaction are greatly increased by a decrease in the grain size. Hence, sensors made nanocrystalline materials are extremely sensitive to the change in their environment. Typical applications for sensors made out of nanocrystalline materials are smoke detectors, ice detectors on aircraft wings, automobile engine performance sensor, etc.
Automobiles with Greater Fuel Efficiency

Currently, automobile engines waste considerable amounts of gasoline, thereby contributing to environmental pollution by not completely combusting the fuel. A conventional spark plug is not designed to burn the gasoline completely and efficiently. This problem is compounded by defective, or worn-out, spark plug electrodes. Since nanomaterials are stronger, harder, and much more wear-resistant and erosion-resistant, they are presently being envisioned to be used as spark plugs. These electrodes render the spark plugs longer-lasting and combust fuel far more efficiently and completely. A radically new spark plug design called the "railplug" is also in the prototype stages. This railplug uses the technology derived from the "railgun," which is a spin-off of the popular Star Wars defense program. However, these railplugs generate much more powerful sparks (with an energy density of approximately 1 kJ/mm2). Hence, conventional materials erode and corrode too soon and quite frequently to be of any practical use in automobiles. Nevertheless, railplugs made of nanomaterials last much longer even the conventional spark plugs. Also, automobiles waste significant amounts of energy by losing the thermal energy generated by the engine. This is especially true in the case of diesel engines. Hence, the engine cylinders (liners) are currently being envisioned to be coated with nanocrystalline ceramics, such as zirconia and alumina, so that they retain heat much more efficiently and result in complete and efficient combustion of the fuel.
Aerospace Components with Enhanced Performance Characteristics

Due to the risks involved in flying, aircraft manufacturers strive to make the aerospace components stronger, tougher, and last longer. One of the key properties required of the aircraft components is the fatigue strength, which decreases with the component’s age. By making the components out of stronger materials, the life of the aircraft is greatly increased. The fatigue strength increases with a reduction in the grain size of the material. Nanomaterials provide such a significant reduction in the grain size over conventional materials that the fatigue life is increased by an average of 200-300%. Furthermore, components made of nanomaterials are stronger and can operate at higher temperatures, aircrafts can fly faster and more efficiently (for the same amount of aviation fuel). In spacecrafts, elevated-temperature strength of the material is crucial because the components (such as rocket engines, thrusters, and vectoring nozzles) operate at much higher temperatures than aircrafts and higher speeds. Nanomaterials are perfect candidates for spacecraft applications, as well.
Better and Future Weapons Platforms

Conventional guns, such as cannons, 155 mm howitzers, and multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS), utilise the chemical energy derived by igniting a charge of chemicals (gun powder). The maximum velocity at which the penetrator can be propelled is approximately 1.5-2.0 km/sec. On the other hand, electromagnetic launchers (EML guns), or railguns, use the electrical energy, and the concomitant magnetic field (energy), to propel the penetrators/projectiles at velocities up to 10 km/sec. This increase in velocity results in greater kinetic energy for the same penetrator mass. The greater the energy, the greater is the damage inflicted on the target. For this and other reasons, the DoD (especially, the U. S. Army) has conducted extensive research into the railguns. Since a railgun operates on electrical energy, the rails need to be very good conductors of electricity. Also, they need to be so strong and rigid that the railgun does not sag while firing and buckle under its own weight. The obvious choice for high electrical conductivity is copper. However, the railguns made out of copper wear out much too quickly due to the erosion of the rails by the hypervelocity projectiles and they lack high-temperature strength. The wear and erosion of copper rails necessitate inordinately frequent barrel replacements. In order to satisfy these requirements, a nanocrystalline composite material made of tungsten, copper, and titanium diboride is being evaluated as a potential candidate. This nanocomposite possesses the requisite electrical conductivity, adequate thermal conductivity, excellent high strength, high rigidity, hardness, and wear/erosion resistance. This results in longer-lasting, wear-resistant, and erosion-resistant railguns, which can be fired more frequently and often than their conventional counterparts.
Longer-Lasting Satellites

Satellites are being used for both defence and civilian applications. These satellites utilise thruster rockets to remain in or change their orbits due to a variety of factors including the influence of gravitational forces exerted by the earth. Hence, these satellites are repositioned using these thrusters. The life of these satellites, to a large extent, is determined by the amount of fuel they can carry on board. In fact, more than 1/3 of the fuel carried aboard by the satellites is wasted by these repositioning thrusters due to incomplete and inefficient combustion of the fuel, such as hydrazine. The reason for the incomplete and inefficient combustion is that the onboard ignitors wear out quickly and cease to perform effectively. Nanomaterials, such as nanocrsytalline tungsten-titanium diboride-copper composite, are potential candidates for enhancing these ignitors’ life and performance characteristics.
Longer-Lasting Medical Implants

Currently, medical implants, such as orthopaedic implants and heart valves, are made of titanium and stainless steel alloys. These alloys are primarily used in humans because they are biocompatible, i.e., they do not adversely react with human tissue. In the case of orthopaedic implants (artificial bones for hip, etc.), these materials are relatively non-porous. For an implant to effectively mimic a natural human bone, the surrounding tissue must penetrate the implants, thereby affording the implant with the required strength. Since these materials are relatively impervious, human tissue does not penetrate the implants, thereby reducing their effectiveness. Furthermore, these metal alloys wear out quickly necessitating frequent, and often very expensive, surgeries. However, nanocrystalline zirconia (zirconium oxide) ceramic is hard, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant (biological fluids are corrosive), and biocompatible. Nanoceramics can also be made porous into aerogels (aerogels can withstand up to 100 times their weight), if they are synthesized by sol-gel techniques. This results in far less frequent implant replacements, and hence, a significant reduction in surgical expenses. Nanocrystalline silicon carbide (SiC) is a candidate material for artificial heart valves primarily due to its low weight, high strength, extreme hardness, wear resistance, inertness (SiC does not react with biological fluids), and corrosion resistance.
Ductile, Machinable Ceramics

Ceramics, per se, are very hard, brittle, and hard to machine. These characteristics of ceramics have discouraged the potential users from exploiting their beneficial properties. However, with a reduction in grain size, these ceramics have increasingly been used. Zirconia, a hard, brittle ceramic, has even been rendered superplastic, i.e., it can be deformed to great lengths (up to 300% of its original length). However, these ceramics must possess nanocrystalline grains to be superplastic. In fact, nanocrystalline ceramics, such as silicon nitride (Si3N4) and silicon carbide (SiC), have been used in such automotive applications as high-strength springs, ball bearings, and valve lifters, because they possess good formability and machinabilty combined with excellent physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. They are also used as components in high-temperature furnaces. Nanocrystalline ceramics can be pressed and sintered into various shapes at significantly lower temperatures, whereas it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to press and sinter conventional ceramics even at high temperatures.
Large Electrochromic Display Devices

An electrochromic device consists of materials in which an optical absorption band can be introduced, or an existing band can be altered by the passage of current through the materials, or by the application of an electric field. Nanocrystalline materials, such as tungstic oxide (WO3.xH2O) gel, are used in very large electrochromic display devices. The reaction governing electrochromism (a reversible coloration process under the influence of an electric field) is the double-injection of ions (or protons, H+) and electrons, which combine with the nanocrystalline tungstic acid to form a tungsten bronze. These devices are primarily used in public billboards and ticker boards to convey information. Electrochromic devices are similar to liquid-crystal displays (LCD) commonly used in calculators and watches. However, electrochromic devices display information by changing colour when a voltage is applied. When the polarity is reversed, the colour is bleached. The resolution, brightness, and contrast of these devices greatly depend on the tungstic acid gel’s grain size. Hence, nanomaterials are being explored for this purpose.
Summary

From the above examples, it is quite evident that nanocrystalline materials, synthesised by the sol-gel technique, can be used in a wide variety of new, unique and existing applications. It is also very evident that nanomaterials outperform their conventional counterparts because of their superior chemical, physical, and mechanical properties and of their exceptional formability.

Electrolyte Materials For Use in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) and Fuel Processing - Supplier Data by NexTech Materials

2007-02-10T02:05:00.001-08:00

Ceria – Based Materials for Fuel Cell Applications – Supplier Data by Fuel Cell Materials

2007-02-10T02:04:00.002-08:00

Ceria-based electrolytes offer many advantages over traditional zirconia-based YSZ electrolytes, notably higher conductivities at lower operating temperatures and compatibility with high performance cathode materials. Fuel Cell Materials, offers a full line of ceria-based electrolyte materials for solid oxide fuel cell and ceramic oxygen generators. The incorporation of ceria into SOFC anodes enhances electro-catalytic activity and provides a viable path toward internal reforming and/or direct utilization of hydrocarbon fuels. Two standard ceria electrolyte compositions (doped with gadolinium or samarium) are offered as nanoscale powders for use in colloidal deposition processes and/or electrode additives, and as ceramic grade powders tailored for pellet pressing and/or tape casting processes. The nanoscale ceria electrolyte materials are available as 100 mesh powders or as dispersed aqueous suspensions. Additional doped ceria formulations compositions can be produced to your specifications.
Applications

· SOFC electrolytes (up to 700°C)

· Electrolyte for oxygen generation systems

· Additives for anodes and cathodes

· Interlayers for high performance SOFCs
Benefits

· Higher ionic conductivity than YSZ for better results at lower operating temperature

· Chemical inertness and thermal expansion match with high performance cathode materials such as LSF and LSCF

· Enhanced performance when used in composite electrodes

· High crystalline-phase and chemical purity
Materials Specifications

Material Specifications

Standard Compositions (*)

GDC10: (Ce0.90Gd0.10)O1.95

GDC20: (Ce0.80Gd0.20)O1.9

GDC15: (Ce0.85Gd0.15)O1.925

Crystal Structure

Single Phase Fluorite

Ionic Conductivity

σ > 0.015 S/cm @ 600°C

Thermal Expansion

GDC: α = 13.4 ppm/°C

SDC: α = 12.7 ppm/°C

(*) Custom formulations available
Product Specifications

Specification

Nanoscale Grade

Ceramic Grade

Crystallite Size

5-10 nm

100-200 nm

Particle Size

100 mesh

0.5 μm (d50)

1.25 μm (d90)

Surface Area

160-200 m2/gram

5-8 m2/gram

Sintering Temperature

1200-1250°C

1300-1350°C

Cathode Materials For Use In Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) and Fuel Processing - Supplier Data by Fuel Cell Materials

2007-02-10T02:04:00.001-08:00

Fuel Cell Materials, a wholly-owned division of NexTech Materials, Ltd. commercializes innovative ceramic materials technology and products developed by NexTech. These technologies and products are applicable to the developing solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and fuel processing markets.

Current products include SOFC components, SOFC materials (electrolytes, cathodes, and anodes), as well as catalyst materials used in fuel processors for hydrocarbon fuel cell systems or stand-alone hydrogen generators.
Cathode Materials For Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Table 1. Cathode Materials

Name

Form

Description

Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Iron Oxide Cathode Ink

Ink

Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Iron Oxide La0.60Sr0.40Co0.20Fe0.80O3- Slightly A-site deficient (non-stoichiometric) Cathode ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. LSCF works well at lower temperatures and is normally used with ceria-based or lanthanum gallate electrolytes. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Viscosity: 1-5 Pa-sec at 10 sec-1 shear rates

Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Iron Oxide Cathode Powd

Powder

Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Oxide La0.60 Sr0.40 Co0.20 Fe0.80 O3- Slightly A-site deficient (non-stoichiometric) Cathode powder for non-aqueous processing. LSCF is readily formulated into an ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. Tape casting is possible as well. LSCF works well at lower temperatures and is normally used with ceria-based or lanthanum gallate electrolytes. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns

LSCF-GDC Composite Cathode Ink

Ink

LSCF-GDC Composite Cathode Ink Composite cathode prefabricated ink for screen-printing onto electrolyte layers. Composite cathodes are used for their enhanced catalytic activity. The intimate mixing of cathode and electrolyte materials that create a large amount of triple-phase-boundary region where oxygen is converted to the oxide ion. LSCF-GDC is used with either ceria- or zirconia-based electrolytes and can be used with lanthanum gallates as well. Standard material is LSCF6428 with GDC10. Please specify if you need different materials. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Composition: LSCF/GDC10 70%/30% by volume Viscosity: 1-5 Pa-sec at 10 sec-1 shear rates

LSCF-GDC Composite Cathode Powder

Powder

LSCF-GDC Composite Cathode Powder Composite cathode powder for non-aqueous processing. Composite cathodes are used for their enhanced catalytic activity. The intimate mixing of cathode and electrolyte materials that create a large amount of triple-phase-boundary region where oxygen is converted to the oxide ion. This material is readily mixed into an ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. Tape casting is possible as well. LSCF-GDC is used with either ceria- or zirconia-based electrolytes and can be used with lanthanum gallates as well. Standard material is LSCF6428 with GDC10. Please specify if you need different materials. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Composition: LSCF/GDC10 70%/30% by volume

Lanthanum Strontium Ferrite (20%) Cathode Ink

Ink

Lanthanum Strontium Ferrite La0.80 Sr0.20 Fe O3- Slightly A-site deficient (non-stoichiometric) Cathode ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. LSF works well at lower temperatures and is normally used with ceria-based or lanthanum gallate electrolytes. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Viscosity: 1-5 Pa-sec at 10 sec-1 shear rate

Lanthanum Strontium Ferrite (20%) Cathode Powder

Powder

Lanthanum Strontium Ferrite La0.80 Sr0.20 Fe O3- Slightly A-site deficient (non-stoichiometric) Cathode powder for non-aqueous processing. LSF is readily formulated into an ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. Tape casting is possible as well. LSF works well at lower temperatures and is normally used with ceria-based or lanthanum gallate electrolytes. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns

Lanthanum Strontium Ferrite (40%) Cathode Ink

Ink

Lanthanum Strontium Ferrite La0.60 Sr0.40 Fe O3- Slightly A-site deficient (non-stoichiometric) Cathode ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. LSF works well at lower temperatures and is normally used with ceria-based or lanthanum gallate electrolytes. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Viscosity: 1-5 Pa-sec at 10 sec-1 shear rate

Lanthanum Strontium Ferrite (40%) Cathode Powder

Powder

Lanthanum Strontium Ferrite La0.60 Sr0.40 Fe O3- Slightly A-site deficient (non-stoichiometric) Cathode powder for non-aqueous processing. LSF is readily formulated into an ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. Tape casting is possible as well. LSF works well at lower temperatures and is normally used with ceria-based or lanthanum gallate electrolytes. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns

LSF-GDC Composite Cathode Ink

Ink

LSF-GDC Composite Cathode Ink Composite cathode prefabricated ink for screen-printing onto electrolyte layers. The intimate mixing of cathode and electrolyte materials create a large amount of triple-phase-boundary catalytic region where oxygen is converted to the oxide ion. LSF-GDC is used with either ceria- or zirconia-based electrolytes. Standard material is LSF40 with GDC10. Please specify if you need different materials. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Composition: LSF40/GDC10 70%/30% by volume Viscosity: 1-5 Pa-sec at 10 sec-1 shear rates

LSF-GDC Composite Cathode Powder

Powder

LSF-GDC Composite Cathode Powder Composite cathode powder for non-aqueous processing. The intimate mixing of cathode and electrolyte materials create a large amount of triple-phase-boundary catalytic region where oxygen is converted to the oxide ion. This material is readily mixed into an ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. Tape casting is possible as well. LSF-GDC is used with either ceria- or zirconia-based electrolytes. Standard material is LSF40 with GDC10. Please specify if you need different materials. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Composition: LSF40/GDC10 70%/30% by volume

Lanthanum Strontium Manganite (15%) Cathode Ink

Ink

Lanthanum Strontium Manganite La0.85 Sr0.15 Mn O3- Slightly A-site deficient (non-stoichiometric) Cathode ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. LSM works well at higher temperatures and is normally used with zirconia-based electrolytes. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Viscosity: 1-5 Pa-sec at 10 sec-1 shear rate

Lanthanum Strontium Manganite (15%) Cathode Powder

Powder

Lanthanum Strontium Manganite La0.85 Sr0.15 Mn O3- Slightly A-site deficient (non-stoichiometric) Cathode powder for non-aqueous processing. LSM is readily formulated into an ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. Tape casting is possible as well. LSM works well at higher temperatures and is normally used with zirconia-based electrolytes. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns

Lanthanum Strontium Manganite (20%) Cathode Ink

Ink

Lanthanum Strontium Manganite La0.80 Sr0.20 Mn O3- Slightly A-site deficient (non-stoichiometric) Cathode ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. LSM works well at higher temperatures and is normally used with zirconia-based electrolytes. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Viscosity: 1-5 Pa-sec at 10 sec-1 shear rate

Lanthanum Strontium Manganite (20%) Cathode Powder

Powder

Lanthanum Strontium Manganite La0.80 Sr0.20 Mn O3- Slightly A-site deficient (non-stoichiometric) Cathode powder for non-aqueous processing. LSM is readily formulated into an ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. Tape casting is possible as well. LSM works well at higher temperatures and is normally used with zirconia-based electrolytes. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns

LSM-GDC Composite Cathode Ink

Ink

LSM-GDC Composite Cathode Ink Composite cathode prefabricated ink for screen-printing onto electrolyte layers. The intimate mixing of cathode and electrolyte materials create a large amount of triple-phase-boundary catalytic region where oxygen is converted to the oxide ion. LSM-GDC is used with either ceria- or zirconia-based electrolytes. Standard material is LSM20 with GDC10. Please specify if you need different materials. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Composition: LSM20/GDC10 70%/30% by volume Viscosity: 1-5 Pa-sec at 10 sec-1 shear rates

LSM-GDC Composite Cathode Powder

Powder

LSM-GDC Composite Cathode Powder Composite cathode powder for non-aqueous processing. The intimate mixing of cathode and electrolyte materials create a large amount of triple-phase-boundary catalytic region where oxygen is converted to the oxide ion. This material is readily mixed into an ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. Tape casting is possible as well. LSM-GDC is used with either ceria- or zirconia-based electrolytes. Standard material is LSM20 with GDC10. Please specify if you need different materials. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Composition: LSM20/GDC10 70%/30% by volume

LSM-YSZ Composite Cathode Ink

Ink

LSM-YSZ Composite Cathode Ink Composite cathode prefabricated ink for screen-printing onto electrolyte layers. The intimate mixing of cathode and electrolyte materials create a large amount of triple-phase-boundary catalytic region where oxygen is converted to the oxide ion. LSM-YSZ is normally used with zirconia-based electrolytes. Standard material is LSM20 with YSZ8. Please specify if you need different materials. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Composition: LSM/YSZ 70%/30% by volume Viscosity: 1-5 Pa-sec at 10 sec-1 shear rates

LSM-YSZ Composite Cathode Powder

Powder

LSM-YSZ Composite Cathode Powder Composite cathode powder for non-aqueous processing. The intimate mixing of cathode and electrolyte materials create a large amount of triple-phase-boundary catalytic region where oxygen is converted to the oxide ion. This material is readily mixed into an ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. Tape casting is possible as well. LSM-YSZ is normally used with zirconia-based electrolytes. Standard material is LSM20 with YSZ8. Please specify if you need different materials. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns Composition: LSM20/YSZ8 70%/30% by volume

Samarium Strontium Cobaltite Cathode Powder

Powder

Samarium Strontium Cobaltite Sm0.50 Sr0.50 Co O3- Stoichiometric composition Cathode powder for non-aqueous processing. SSC is readily formulated into an ink for coating onto electrolyte substrates. Tape casting is possible as well. SSC works well at lower temperatures and is normally used with ceria-based or lanthanum gallate electrolytes. Surface area: 4-8 m2/g Particle size: d50 0.3 to 0.5 microns

Ink Vehicle

Ink

Ink Vehicle is used to dilute anode and cathode inks for use in spraying or other lower viscosity depositions.

Surface Area Determination of Magnesium Stearate for use in Pharmaceuticals using a Micromeritics Gemini Surface Area Analyzer

2007-02-10T02:03:00.001-08:00

Magnesium stearate is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient in tableted drugs. The physical properties of the magnesium stearate influence the tableting characteristics of the formulation as well as the in vivo degradation and dissolution of the solid drug. The United States Pharmacopia, which has already established a standard for the particle size distribution of magnesium stearate, may adopt surface area standards for this material in the near future. To assist in this endeavor, Micromeritics obtained four samples of commercially available magnesium stearate and measured the BET surface area using the Micromeritics Gemini Surface Area Analyzer.
Sample Preparation (Degas)

Before a sample can be analyzed, it is necessary to remove gas and vapors which may have adsorbed onto the surface from the ambient air. If this is not done, the surface area result can be low and non-reproducible since an indeterminate amount of the surface will be covered with these materials. This step must be done with caution; every effort must be made not to change the original surface of the sample. This sample preconditioning is usually accomplished by either applying a vacuum or purging the sample with an inert flowing gas.
The Effect of Temperature on Degassing

Both methods usually make use of elevated temperatures to hasten the rate at which the contaminants leave the surface. Caution must be used when heating magnesium stearate because melting, dehydration, sintering, and decomposition are processes that can drastically alter the surface properties of the sample. A test protocol used to establish that excessive sample preparation temperatures have not been used is to determine the surface area of the sample at successively higher preparation temperatures. Duplication of the results at different temperatures indicates that the initial preparation conditions were satisfactory unless both analyses were performed on a completely degraded sample.

An example of this sample preparation protocol is seen below. One sample was prepared or degassed for four hours at the temperatures indicated in Table 1. The resulting surface areas are listed to the right of the degassing temperatures. These data are shown in graphical format below the table.

Table 1. Magnesium stearate multipoint surface area as a function of degas (preparation) temperatures

Degas Temperature (°C)

Surface Area (m2/g)

35

5.138

50

5.106

65

4.834

80

4.542

100

3.651

125

1.581

As shown in the above data, magnesium stearate should not be degassed at temperatures above 35°C because melting and sintering, which lower the measured surface area, occur at higher temperatures.
Analysis of Commercial Magnesium Stearates

Once the sample preparation protocol for magnesium stearate was established, the surface area of four commercially available magnesium stearates was determined. They were degassed for four hours at 35°C, then analyzed using two methods of analysis for comparison. First the more rigorous multipoint analysis was performed and then, for comparison purposes, a single-point analysis of the same samples, under the same testing conditions, was performed. These results are shown in Table 2. The middle column labeled BET C is indicative of surface energetics.
Results and Discussions

Table 2. Magnesium Stearate BET surface area

Sample

Multipoint (m2/g)

BET C

Single-Point (m2/g)

Difference (%)

1

4.923

14.4

4.241

13.9

2

4.286

14.1

3.664

14.5

3

8.056

13.4

6.867

14.8

4

5.957

10.4

5.194

12.8

The multipoint surface area values were calculated from data taken at six relative pressure points (P/P0) equal to 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30. The single-point data were calculated at P/P0 equal to 0.30. The regression value for the multipoint BET data yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.9998 or greater for all samples. Also, all multipoint analyses were completed in less than 25 minutes.

The Difference column in the table above was calculated by subtracting the single-point value from the multipoint value and determining its percentage of the multipoint value. It illustrates the magnitude of the error associated with estimating the surface area by using the single-point technique. This magnitude of error is expected for BET C values as low as determined here. In general, BET C values are between 5 and 20 for organic materials. The error in the single-point analysis of these materials is too large for accurate surface data comparison to be made between laboratories or investigators.

One form of the well-known BET equation that describes the adsorption of a gas upon a solid surface is:

where

V = volume (at standard temperature and pressure, STP) of gas adsorbed at pressure P

P0 = saturation pressure which is the vapor pressure of liquified gas at the adsorbing temperature

Vm = volume of gas (STP) required to form an adsorbed monomolecular layer

C = a constant related to the energy of adsorption

The BET single-point model is derived by assuming the BET intercept equals zero. This approximation becomes valid as the BET C constant approaches infinity. As C → ∞ the BET equation reduces to:

and the total surface area as measured by the single-point method becomes:

where

St = total surface area

N = Avogadro number

V = volume adsorbed

A = nitrogen cross-sectional area

V = molar volume at STP

The magnitude of the error introduced by the single-point assumption can be calculated by:

The single-point assumption produces small errors only for high BET C materials, but causes large errors for low BET C materials such as magnesium stearate. The slight gain in analysis speed is thus not justified, especially when the speed and accuracy of the Gemini system is taken into account.

Supplier Data – Lithium (Li) (Goodfellow)

2007-02-10T02:02:00.004-08:00

Discovered in 1817 by J.A. Arfvedson in Stockholm, Sweden, and isolated by W.T. Brande in 1821.

Lithium is a soft, silver metal, and is the first member of the alkali group of metals. It is the lightest of all metals and, whilst resembling sodium chemically, it is less active.
Abundance and Production

As is the case for other alkali group elements, it is obtained by the electrolysis of the fused halides. The abundance of lithium in the earth's crust is 20 ppm.

Lithium reacts slowly in water and in air where it eventually forms a black coating of oxide. This means that this metal tends to be stored under oil to prevent deterioration.
Applications

Lithium is used as an alloying agent with aluminium and magnesium, and in the manufacture of batteries. Compounds of lithium are used in various applications; for example, lithium 12-hydroxy stearate is used in high performance greases as it provides good water resistance and good low temperature performance; lithium hydride is a strong reducing agent and is used as a source of hydrogen, and lithium carbonate is used as a tranquiliser and in the treatment of some mental illnesses. Lithium and its compounds also find applications in the manufacture of glass and ceramics.
Key Properties

Atomic Properties

Atomic number

3

Atomic radius - Goldschmidt ( nm )

0.157

Atomic weight ( amu )

6.941

Crystal structure

Body centred cubic

Electronic structure

He 2s1

Photo-electric work function ( eV )

2.4

Thermal neutron absorption cross-section ( Barns )

63

Valences shown

1

Ionisation potential

No.

eV

1

5.39

2

75.6

3

122.4

Natural isotope distribution

Mass No.

%

6

7.5

7

92.5

Electrical Properties

Electrical resistivity @20°C ( µOhm.cm )

9.29

Temperature coefficient @0-100°C ( K-1 )

0.00435

Thermal emf against Pt (cold 0°C - hot 100°C) ( mV )

+1.82

Mechanical Properties

Material condition

Polycrystalline

Bulk modulus ( GPa )

11.1

Hardness – Vickers

<5

Poisson’s ratio

0.36

Tensile modulus ( GPa )

4.91

Physical Properties

Boiling point (°C )

1342

Density @20°C ( g.cm-3 )

0.534

Melting point (°C )

180.5

Thermal Properties

Coefficient of thermal expansion @0-100°C ( x10-6 K-1 )

56

Latent heat of evaporation ( J.g-1 )

19600

Latent heat of fusion ( J.g-1 )

422

Specific heat @25°C ( J.K-1.kg-1 )

3560

Powder Metallurgy - Processing

2007-02-10T02:02:00.003-08:00

The majority of the structural components produced by fixed die pressing are iron based. The powders are elemental, pre-alloyed, or partially alloyed. Elemental powders, such as iron and copper, are easy to compress to relatively high densities, produce pressed compacts with adequate strength for handling during sintering, but do not produce very high strength sintered parts.

Pre-alloyed powders are harder, less compressible and hence require higher pressing loads to produce high density compacts. However, they are capable of producing high strength sintered materials. Pre-alloying is also used when the production of a homogeneous material from elemental powders requires very high temperatures and long sintering times. The best examples are the stainless steels, whose chromium and nickel contents have to be pre-alloyed to allow economic production by powder metallurgy.

Partially alloyed powders are a compromise approach. Elemental powders, e.g. Iron with 2 wt.% Copper, are mixed to produce an homogeneous blend which is then partially sintered to attach the copper particles to the iron particles without producing a fully diffused powder but retaining the powder form. In this way the compressibilities of the separate powders in the blend are maintained and the blend will not segregate during transportation and use.

A similar technique is to ‘glue’ the small percentage of alloying element onto the iron powder. This ‘glueing’ technique is successfully used to introduce carbon into the blends, a technique which prevents carbon segregation and dusting, producing so-called ‘clean’ powders.
Powder Consolidation

Components or articles are produced by forming a mass of powder into a shape, then consolidating to form inter-particle metallurgical bonds. An elevated temperature diffusion process referred to as sintering, sometimes assisted by external pressure, accomplishes this. The material is never fully molten, although there might be a small volume fraction of liquid present during the sintering process. Sintering can be regarded as welding the particles present in the initial useful shape.

As a general rule both mechanical and physical properties improve with increasing density. Therefore the method selected for the fabrication of a component by powder metallurgy will depend on the level of performance required from the part. Many components are adequate when produced at 85-90% of theoretical full density (T.D.) whilst others require full density for satisfactory performance.

Some components, in particular bush type bearings often made from copper and its alloys, are produced with significant and controlled levels of porosity, the porosity being subsequently filled with a lubricant.

Fortunately there is a wide choice of consolidation techniques available.
Cold Uniaxial Pressing

Elemental metal, or an atomised prealloyed, powder is mixed with a lubricant, typically lithium stearate (0.75 wt.%), and pressed at pressures of say, 600 MPa (87,000 lb/in2) in metal dies. Cold compaction ensures that the as-compacted, or ‘green’, component is dimensionally very accurate, as it is moulded precisely to the size and shape of the die.

Irregularly shaped particles are required to ensure that the as-pressed component has a high green strength from the interlocking and plastic deformation of individual particles with their neighbours.

One disadvantage of this technique is the differences in pressed density that can occur in different parts of the component due to particle/particle and die wall/particle frictional effects. Typical as-pressed densities for soft iron components would be 7.0 g/cc, i.e. about 90% of theoretical density. Compaction pressure rises significantly if higher as-pressed densities are required, and this practice becomes uneconomic due to higher costs for the larger presses and stronger tools to withstand the higher pressures.
Cold Isostatic Pressing

Metal powders are contained in an enclosure e.g. a rubber membrane or a metallic can that is subjected to isostatic, that is uniform in all directions, external pressure. As the pressure is isostatic the as-pressed component is of uniform density. Irregularly shaped powder particles must be used to provide adequate green strength in the as-pressed component. This will then be sintered in a suitable atmosphere to yield the required product.

Normally this technique is only used for semi-fabricated products such as bars, billets, sheet, and roughly shaped components, all of which require considerable secondary operations to produce the final, accurately dimensioned component. Again, at economical working pressures, products are not fully dense and usually need additional working such as hot extrusion, hot rolling or forging to fully density the material.
Sintering

Sintering is the process whereby powder compacts are heated so that adjacent particles fuse together, thus resulting in a solid article with improved mechanical strength compared to the powder compact. This “fusing” of particles results in an increase in the density of the part and hence the process is sometimes called densification. There are some processes such as hot isostatic pressing which combine the compaction and sintering processes into a single step.

After compaction the components pass through a sintering furnace. This typically has two heating zones, the first removes the lubricant, and the second higher temperature zone allows diffusion and bonding between powder particles. A range of atmospheres, including vacuum, are used to sinter different materials depending on their chemical compositions. As an example, precise atmosphere control allows iron/carbon materials to be produced with specific carbon compositions and mechanical properties.

The density of the component can also change during sintering, depending on the materials and the sintering temperature. These dimensional changes can be controlled by an understanding and control of the pressing and sintering parameters, and components can be produced with dimensions that need little or no rectification to meet the dimensional tolerances. Note that in many cases all of the powder used is present in the finished product, scrap losses will only occur when secondary machining operations are necessary.
Hot Isostatic Pressing

Powders are usually encapsulated in a metallic container but sometimes in glass. The container is evacuated, the powder out-gassed to avoid contamination of the materials by any residual gas during the consolidation stage and sealed-off. It is then heated and subjected to isostatic pressure sufficient to plastically deform both the container and the powder.

The rate of densification of the powder depends upon the yield strength of the powder at the temperatures and pressures chosen. At moderate temperature the yield strength of the powder can still be high and require high pressure to produce densification in an economic time. Typical values might be 1120°C and 100 MPa for ferrous alloys. By pressing at very much higher temperatures lower pressures are required as the yield strength of the material is lower. Using a glass enclosure atmospheric pressure (15 psi) is used to consolidate bars and larger billets.

The technique requires considerable financial investment as the pressure vessel has to withstand the internal gas pressure and allow the powder to be heated to high temperatures.

As with cold isostatic pressing only semifinished products are produced, either for subsequent working to smaller sizes, or for machining to finished dimensions.
Hot Forging (Powder Forging)

Cold pressed and sintered components have the great advantage of being close to final shape (near-nett shape), but are not fully dense. Where densification is essential to provide adequate mechanical properties, the technique of hot forging, or powder forging, can be used.

In powder forging an as-pressed component is usually heated to a forging temperature significantly below the usual sintering temperature of the material and then forged in a closed die. This produces a fully dense component with the shape of the forging die and appropriate mechanical properties.

Powder forged parts generally are not as close to final size or shape as cold pressed and sintered parts. This results from the allowances made for thermal expansion effects and the need for draft angles on the forging tools. Further, minimal, machining is required but when all things are considered this route is often very cost effective.
Metal Injection Moulding (MIM)

Injection moulding is very widely used to produce precisely shaped plastic components in complex dies. As injection pressures are low it is possible to manufacture complex components, even some with internal screw threads, by the use of side cores and split tools.

By mixing fine, typically less than 20 mm diameter, spherical metal powders with thermoplastic binders, metal filled plastic components can be produced with many of the features available in injection moulded plastics. After injection moulding, the plastic binder material is removed to leave a metal skeleton which is then sintered at high temperature.

Dimensional control can be exercised on the as-sintered component as the injected density is sensibly uniform so shrinkage on sintering is also uniform.

Shrinkage can be large, due to both the fine particle size of the powders and the substantial proportion of polymer binder used.

Magnesium Stearate - Solving the Surface Area Problem – Supplier Data By Quantachrome Instruments

2007-02-10T02:02:00.001-08:00

Magnesium stearate (MgSt), a waxy, lamellar (platey) solid, is the most widely used solid excipient in pharmaceutical technology. Primarily, MgSt is added to a formulation in order to lubricate powder flow and compaction, but it also imparts certain hardness, disintegration and dissolution characteristics to tablets. This excipient's performance depends, at least to some extent, on chemical purity, density, particle size, particle shape, and surface area.

The least understood of these properties, and exactly how to measure it, is surface area -despite it being required in the USP MgSt monograph. The established USP method for Specific Surface Area includes a specified pass/fail criterion (strangely perhaps, it is not an actual surface area value). That method is General Chapter 846 based on low-temperature gas adsorption and the BET calculation. Specific experimental conditions, including those for pretreatment, appear in the MgSt monograph.
Meeting Surface Area Specifications

Wide variability in surface area (3-54m2/g) is not surprising given that MgSt may exist as a number of hydrates! Further variability (in measured surface area values) can be imparted by different outgassing, or pretreatment conditions, particularly that of temperature.

40°C was formally adopted in the monograph since there was evidence that (cf 30°C) it improved the BET correlation coefficient for some commercial samples. The correlation coefficient (goodness of fit of the BET adsorption model to experimental data) was recently given greater importance, more than both outgassing conditions and experimental data range. USP28/NF23 allows the analyst to adjust both said variables in order to achieve a correlation coefficient greater than 0.9975, i.e. that which is required to "pass" 846 . Perhaps then, the appropriate relative pressure (P/Po) range might have to be determined for each sample analyzed, since data at 0.05 < P/Po < 0.15, per the original monograph's strict requirements may not always be valid. It is recommended therefore, that at least 5-7 data points be acquired in the relative pressure range 0.03 to 0.23. A need for unique data point selection is evidenced by a gradual decrease in slope in the BET plot. This may or may not be accompanied by a short linear region at lower relative pressures… if it is, use that linear range.

Those higher P/Po values that clearly do not lie on the straight line can be safely discarded from the multipoint surface area calculation.
Good Scientific Practice (GSP)

Be careful, however. The correctness of the BET model is not proven if a plot of the data according to the BET equation merely gives a straight line. It is also necessary that the other evaluated constant, the so-called BET C value, should be reasonable. The average value of C is about 14; A straight line which meets the correlation coefficient requirement (>0.9975) of USP 846 but which yields a C value outside a range say from 10 to 18 for practical purposes should still be considered suspicious.

If there is no truly linear region, then it can be said that the BET model is invalid for that particular sample. However, this does not necessarily mean that the sample would prove to be problematical in manufacture, even though it would fail USP grade. On the contrary, this behavior could be a desirable attribute.

Furthermore, there is some evidence that certain grades of metal stearates undergo a morphological change when cooled to liquid nitrogen temperature, which results in a distinct change in measured surface area.
Summary

The BET equation is the most widely adopted for the calculation of surface area, most commonly using data from nitrogen adsorption at liquid N2 temperature.

Analysis of Tissue Paper Using Surface Analysis Techniques Such as Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry ( SIMS ) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy ( XPS

2007-02-10T02:01:00.001-08:00

The paper industry produces a multitude of household consumer products e.g. tissues, packaging, graphic papers as well as advanced products for fine art, inkjet and security applications. Maintaining a leading edge in these market sectors depends critically on in-house product development, process optimisation and close monitoring of competitor products. Surface analysis techniques, such as Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy have a key role in supporting these activities as shown in the case studies below.
Case Study One: Surface Additive Identification

The purpose of this analysis is to identify the surface treatment additives on a commercial tissue paper product. XPS analysis detects and quantifies the level of C, O, N, Ca, Si and Cl. The positive ion ToFSIMS spectra of the paper surface show clear evidence for :

· A quaternary ammonium group

· Glyceride - type pattern

· Principal masses at 372, 398,400 and 610, 636, 638, 664, 666 i.e. an odd number of N atoms present.

AZoM - Metals, Ceramics, Polymer and Composites : ToFSIMS analysis reveals surface treatment additives on commercial tissue paper – Supplier Data by CSMA Ltd

Figure 1. ToFSIMS analysis reveals surface treatment additives on commercial tissue paper.

The negative ion ToFSIMS spectrum (below) confirms the presence of palmitate, oleate and stearate functionality. There is also no evidence for species containing two or more N atoms.

AZoM - Metals, Ceramics, Polymer and Composites : Analysis of Tissue Paper Using Surface Analysis Techniques Such as Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry ( SIMS ) showing the presence of palmitate, oleate and stearate functionality groups – Supplier Data by CSMA Ltd

Figure 2. ToFSIMS spectra show the presence of palmitate, oleate and stearate functionality

Detailed interpretation of the ToFSIMS spectra, using a combination of library data, fragmentation rules and accurate mass analysis leads to the identification of the additive as a mixture of mono and di-basic esters with the structures :

CxHyC(=O)O-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-N+(CH3)3

and

CxHyC(=O)O-CH2-CH(O(O=)CCxHy)-CH2-N+(CH3)3

where x is a mixture of C15 (palmitate) and C17 (stearate). These compounds are used commercially as softening agents.
Case Study Two: Location of Wet Strength Additive on Tissue Paper

The purpose of this work was to monitor the uptake and identify the location of a poly-aminoamide (PAE) wet-strength additive on a series of laboratory-prepared tissue papers using a combination of surface analytical methods. XPS and ToFSIMS were used to characterise the degree of uptake of the PAE on the tissue surface. A quantitative comparison of three PAE loadings, monitored by ToFSIMS, is shown below compared with a treated commercial paper.

AZoM - Metals, Ceramics, Polymer and Composites : Analysis of Tissue Paper Using Time of Flight Surface Analysis Techniques Such as Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry ( ToFSIMS ) showing poly-aminoamide (PAE) loadings – Supplier Data by CSMA Ltd

Figure 3. ToFSIMS analysis of a commercial tissue paper shows the loadings of poly-aminoamide (PAE) wet-strength additive.

The presence of the PAE on the paper surface is established by the detection of N in the XPS spectrum and CN- using ToFSIMS. However the exact location of the wet-strength additive, with respect to the paper structure, can only be obtained by Imaging SIMS analysis. Prior to this analysis the theoretical studies had predicted that wet-strength additives act by accumulating at cross-over points in the tissue structure - thereby aiding adhesion between paper fibres. The SIMS image overlay below shows the CN- (from PAE) in red and the paper fibre structure, monitored as C2H-, in cyan.

AZoM - Metals, Ceramics, Polymer and Composites : Analysis of Tissue Paper Using Surface Analysis Techniques Such as Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry ( SIMS ) showing PAE location in the paper fibre structure – Supplier Data by CSMA Ltd

Figure 4. SIMS overlay shows the exact location PAE in paper fibre structure.

It is evident that the PAE accumulates in regions between fibres (cross-over points) providing clear confirmation of the theory of wet-strength additive location.

Further analysis by Retrospective SIMS Profiling of discrete areas of the fibre structure, marked as F1, F2, Cr1 and Cr2 below, confirmed that there is a three-fold increase in wet-strength additive concentration in cross-over point areas.

AZoM - Metals, Ceramics, Polymer and Composites : Analysis of Tissue Paper Using Surface Analysis Techniques Such as Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry ( SIMS ) profiling showing that PAE additive is most concentrated at points where the fibres cross over – Supplier Data by CSMA Ltd

Figure 5. Retrospective SIMS profiling shows that there is a three-fold increase in the PAE wet strength additive at the points where the fibres cross over.

Particle Shape Characterization Providing More Information in the Production of Abrasives – Supplier Data by Malvern

2007-01-04T01:35:00.001-08:00

Abrasive grains are any hard, sharp material that can be used to wear away another material when one or the other is moved in pressure contact. Abrasive grains are produced from a variety of different: alumina (Al2O3), silicon carbide (SiC), carbon boron nitride (CBN), Diamond, etc. It is the hardness and sharp particle shape of these materials that makes them abrasive.
Grit Numbers for Abrasives

The Grit number is the designation of abrasive grain size, reflecting the number of the smallest openings per linear inch in the screen through which the grain will pass; these can range from No.4 to No. 2500. The particle size (Dv ) can vary from several millimeters to less than 2 microns.
Applications of Abrasives

These materials are used in a variety of different applications when incorporated into a suitable matrix; for example as sandpaper, in grinding wheels, for lapping, for wire-sawing, as honing sticks, for sandblasting etc.

Different applications may demand different grain shapes and this has a significant influence on the abrasives performance.
Manufacture of Abrasive Grains

The main grain crushing techniques are impact crushing, crushing by pressure, crushing by abrasion or a combination of all three.
Influencing Grain Shape During Manufacture

Manufacturers of abrasive grains can influence the grain shape by employing different crushing methods, but controlling the shape has so far been more difficult.

Depending on customer preferences, and end use, grain shape requirements differ widely.
Traditional Quality Control Parameters

The International Standards for manufacturing of abrasive grains describe methods for measuring bulk density. Bulk density gives an indication of grain shape, but several other product characteristics also influence the bulk density, i.e. Particle Size Distribution, flow ability and surface condition.
Shape Characterization Of Abrasives

A new instrument (Sysmex FPIA- 2100) for the rapid particle size and shape characterization has recently become available. Measurements from this instrument have enabled a more precise way of characterizing different grain shapes and differences in grain shape between otherwise similar products.
Operation of the Sysmex FPIA-2100

The Sysmex FPIA-2100 uses sheath flow and patented high speed image analysis for rapid particle size and shape characterization, typically generating data within 5 minutes. Traditionally, shape characterization was performed using conventional microscopy with image analysis and this can take up to 2-3 hours per sample.

Morgan Technical Ceramics Incorporating Morgan Advanced Ceramic and Morgan Electro Ceramics – Supplier Profile

2007-01-03T01:34:00.000-08:00

Morgan Technical Ceramics was formed in 2003 following the integration of two Morgan Global Business Units (GBU) - Morgan Advanced Ceramics and Morgan Electro Ceramics.

Morgan Technical Ceramics manufactures products from a comprehensive range of ceramic, glass, precious metal, piezoelectric and dielectric materials.

Morgan Technical Ceramics has a reputation for providing value-added solutions through world-class research and development, innovative design and, application engineering. It has manufacturing locations in North America, Europe and Asia.
Product Range

Their extensive range of products includes:

· Ceramic components

· Braze alloys

· Metallised ceramics

· Ceramic/metal assemblies

· Metal injection moulded components

· Engineered coatings
Morgan Advanced Ceramics

Morgan Advanced Ceramics have established an enviable reputation for providing value-added solutions through world-class research and development, innovative design and, perhaps most important of all, application engineering.
Morgan Advanced Ceramics Materials

Morgan Advanced Ceramics (MAC) has a comprehensive range of materials, from which its products are manufactured. These materials range from porcelains to high performance materials of the highest purity. Examples include but are not restricted to:

· Aluminium nitride

· Alumina and zirconia toughened alumina

· Aluminium silicate (including lava)

· Cordierite

· CVD diamond and diamond like carbon coatings

· Glass ceramics including Macor (machinable glass ceramic)

· Magnesia

· Pyrolytic boron nitride

· Silicon carbide

· Silicon nitride

· Steatite

· Titania

· Zirconia
Markets Supplied

Their extensive range of products are supplied into the medical, telecommunications, semiconductor, aerospace, thermal management, laser and power tube, domestic product and processing equipment industries. Other markets supplied by Morgan Advanced Ceramics include the automotive, lighting, power distribution, metal casting, production tooling, scientific equipment and defence. But their experience and expertise is by no means limited to these markets alone.
Products

Morgan Advanced Ceramics manufactures products that are derived from one of the widest ranges of materials in the technical ceramics industry. Their products are characterised by their outstanding physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties.

Metal and Alloy Nanopowders Available from Alfa Aesar – Characteristics and Materials

2007-01-02T01:33:00.000-08:00

Alfa Aesar, has recently introduced a new line of metal and alloy nanopowders. This new product family consists of the following categories:

· Elemental, metallic and semi metallic NanoMetals

· NanoAlloys

· Nitride nanopowders

· Ceramic nanopowders
Nanopowder Characteristics

Some of the characteristics of these products that differentiate them from the competition are:

· Smaller Particle Sizes (typically < 50nm)

· Tighter Particle Size Distribution (typically ± 10nm)

· No, or soft agglomeration

· Large Surface Area (typically > 30 m²/g)

· Controlled Surface Layer Formation (oxide or no oxide)

· Available for virtually any inorganic element

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