Industrial raw materials are used to make many different products. You can find hundreds of different applications for raw materials used to make steel, plastic and glass products.

Raw materials also come in different forms, from solid raw materials to liquids that can change form when processed. Some raw materials are also recycled, to reduce their environmental impact and reduce a business's costly waste.

The pricing and costs of industrial raw materials will vary widely, depending on the type of materials you need. Other factors that affect raw material pricing are:

1. The amount of raw materials you need to make your product.

2. How abundant the industrial material is.

3. Any extra processing needed to recycle raw materials.

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Find raw material suppliers that can get you glass raw material

As you look for glass raw material, you'll notice that color and shape are big factors in the pricing. Most businesses will look for broken glass because it's easier to shape into a new product. Clear, brown and green glass are the most commonly traded colors, and these can run from $5 to $65 per ton. Prices reflect the current need and availability of the glass.

I recommend: Connecticut Metal Industries provides information on the cost-saving choice of recycled glass material. This type of glass may be suitable for glass raw material or if not, can still be reused in composite products. Seattle Pottery Supply offers decolorized glass in batches from 50 to 1000 pounds.

Choose metal raw materials for manufacturing a variety of metal products

The basic materials for metal products vary widely, because many products are a composite of two or more metal types. You can find raw metal materials such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel and brass. These are often priced based on their strength and how easy they are to manipulate. For example, a one inch, six foot rod of aluminum costs between $20 and $30. The same size and shape of stainless steel will cost between $100 and $200.

I recommend: Aero Specialties Material provides many types of raw metal materials for your business. MFG.com is a marketplace where suppliers are matched up with manufacturers that need a specific type of raw material.

Buy plastic raw materials for manufacturing plastic products

Plastic is one of the most versatile products in the world. It has thousands of uses in the home, commercial office and industrial factory. Different types of plastics can be mixed together so you get the qualities you need. Therefore the prices on vinyl, polymers and PVC compounds will vary greatly. Plastics in recycled pellet form can cost $500 to $2,000 per ton, depending on how dense the plastic is. Flexible vinyl is on the low end, while dense polymers and PVC compounds are more expensive.

I recommend: Deswell provides raw plastic materials for a variety of businesses. Plastemart.com provides pricing information and market trends for polymer plastics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The types of raw materials for industries can vary widely. Before choosing the right color, shape and composition of your raw materials, consult with an expert to find the best material for your products.

Raw materials used in industries are available through a growing number of developing arenas with new and better systems to replace oil-based, environmentally harmful plastic raw materials. By sticking with the same material manufacturers, you may be missing out on new developments made by other raw material suppliers. Consider broadening your vendor relationships to remain on the forefront of new discoveries.

More companies are providing basic materials through global exchanges that were not available in the past. A raw material business overseas may be able to supply your need for industrial raw materials in a more efficient manner, despite transportation issues and costs.

1. Consider a new line of environmentally friendly plastic raw materials

2. Build overseas relationships for obtaining raw materials for glass

3. Keep up with the trends by following industrial material reports regularly

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Try updated versions of basic materials

Every industry, including the raw material business, is looking for ways to limit the environmental impact their products have on the earth. At least check out the raw material pricing for the new products. You will find that some industrial material is still running higher, while other industrial raw materials can save you money.

I recommend: Azo Materials is working on a number of different raw materials for industries that are more in keeping with green initiatives. Codexis is a leader in the emerging raw material business that is being dubbed bioindustrials.

Use a consultant to find raw material suppliers overseas

Rather than reaching out to unknown sources of raw materials used in industries, utilize the services of a global consultant who can pave the way for your trading opportunities. With contacts already in place and systems of delivery developed, a consultant can cut considerable lead-time off your global trading initiatives.

I recommend: Intota has more than 24 years consulting in 38 countries. Their expertise ranges from contract negotiation to project management and turnkey operations. Intota has developed global relationships for raw materials for industries. The Boston Consulting Group is literally writing the book on global markets and include industrial raw materials among their specialties.

Know who is making the progress in your industry through online industrial material groups

You can wait until you hear it on the news, but your competitors will already be on the bandwagon using the next generation of raw materials used in industries by that time. Stay in touch with the rapidly growing green material manufacturers and their emerging technologies.

I recommend: Join the Light Party to stay on the forefront of emerging environmentally friendly raw material suppliers and their products. Business Day offers regular raw material business news that you can use both at home and abroad.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get involved in at least one material manufacturers association to remain in the loop and on the edge of changes within the industry that will affect your business.

Industrial raw materials consist of substances like glass, metal and plastics. Raw materials can be new or scrap, and they are used in industry to create consumer products, such as stainless steel kitchenware, glass panes, and plastics for medical equipment, just to name a few. The availability and raw material pricing is a major factor within the industry, as it dictates what basic materials are used and how they are obtained.

For those who work with raw industrial material, training is essential to do the job well. Whether you need safety training on the floor or pricing analysis, you can find industrial raw materials education and training through:

1. On-site training programs for those that work for raw material suppliers.

2. Chemical and chemistry training for those who design new products from raw materials.

3. Seminars that cover educational topics and the latest trends in raw materials for industries.

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Take chemistry courses to work with raw materials used in industries

Chemistry is a great skill to have when you work with raw materials. For those who help design and create new materials from the combination of raw materials, chemistry is an essential part of this work. You can find training courses that are specific to chemistry for raw materials, or you can choose a broader education.

I recommend: ASD provides chemometrics and field spectroscopy training that is geared toward the production of products from industrial raw materials. The University of Houston provides a broad education in industrial engineering, which does contain courses in chemistry on ecology and biomedical topics.

Explore on-site training for material manufacturers

Training to work with raw materials can get very specific with the courses offered by a raw materials manufacturer. This type of training takes place on-site to teach safety, equipment operation and other essential topics for raw materials handling.

I recommend: Anyone working in an industrial setting must attend training sessions required by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, usually provided through the workplace. These sessions provide practical safety information and guidelines. Ashland, a distributor of raw materials, also provides training services for safety, management and certification.

Attend seminars about raw materials for glass, plastics and metal

Short workshops and seminars are another way to begin the training process for work with raw materials. Seminars also serve as tools for continuing education. Depending on the type of seminar you attend, you can learn specialized skills for working with raw materials, industrial guidelines or an overview of the latest technology.

I recommend: The Institute of Industrial Engineers provides many seminars and workshops that serve to enhance the skills of those who work with industrial raw materials, including industrial engineers. For those in the plastics industry, Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association offers many seminars on the topic of thermoplastic and industrial piping systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are many online resources that can teach you about different types of raw materials used in industry. You can find information on the materials, pricing information, and what tools are needed to turn raw materials into consumer products.