1. Look for a metal full service center that works with a variety of types and shapes of metals.
2. Find a specialty metal service center that best addresses your particular needs.
3. Take advantage of value-added services offered by many metal service centers.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Work with a metal service center that services a wide range of metals

If your business works with different types of metals, then look for a metal service center that can cut, shape and form a variety of metals. Many centers have the ability to work with everything from aluminum to zirconium, in everything from bars and sheets to plates and tiles.

I recommend: Mechanical Metals works with perforated and corrugated metals, metal wire, sheets, mesh and tiles in stainless steel, copper, brass, zinc and even textured metals. Central Steel & Wire Company can work with stainless steel in many styles including tubing, plates and sheets, as well as brass, copper and aluminum.

Let a specialty metal service center satisfy your specific metal needs

While most metal service centers work with a wide list of metals for all types of industries, from stainless steel alloys to aluminum and nickel alloys, others might specialize in supplying metals for specific manufacturers. If you're producing one type of product for a certain kind of industry, then working with a specialty metal service center might be best for you.

I recommend: Skorr Steel specializes in working with specialty and unusual grades of stainless steel, and has experience in the aerospace, medical, pharmaceutical, refining and tool manufacturing industries. Metal Specialty is a specialty metal service center that works with alloys specific to the aircraft and aerospace industries.

Utilize value-added services offered by metal service centers

Some metal service centers offer value-added services, which can range from cutting and finishing to customer service programs. These metal service centers will go the extra mile to ensure that you're getting exactly what you need.

I recommend: The value-added services offered by Macsteel Service Centers USA include technical assistance, inventory programs and logistics support. All Metals & Forge has value-added services like various types of cutting, heat treating and machining, as well as extrusions and polishing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a specialty metal service center for custom orders

Get top notch customer service from a quality metal service center that offers specialty steel products. You can receive same day service on custom orders without sacrificing superior quality when you rely on a specialty metal service center to supply a product that meets your specifications.

I recommend: Skorr Steel is an ISO 9001 certified distributor with a solid reputation in customer relations. This company specializes in providing clients with unusual grades of stainless steel and offers same-day service. Mead Metals also maintains an ISO certification that delivers fast service, superior quality and a fair price. Narrow width slitting of light-gauge steel coils is this company's specialty.

Order different grades of steel from stainless steel service centers

Custom manufacturers of stainless steel products offer quality at an affordable price. Contact a full service stainless steel distributor when you need specialty stainless steel products in a hurry.

I recommend: Penn Stainless Products is a full line service center that delivers the highest quality of stainless steel products and accepts emergency orders around the clock. Atlantic Stainless is a stainless steel service center with an expert sales staff that can help solve any problem. This company can meet military specifications as well as special fabrications requests.

Rely on a metal shop in a crisis

Metal service centers and metal shops work hard to help clients resolve issues and meet deadlines. These metal service center companies lend a helping hand when you find yourself in a bind and need assistance.

I recommend: All Metals & Forge is an ISO9001:2000/AS9100 and EN9100 certified company with custom operations that include forgings, custom hand-rolled bars and custom melting. Request a quote for urgent repairs, rush orders and difficult deadlines, or simply download a free catalog to see what they have to offer. Paragon Steel is metal service center and custom manufacturer of metal products, offering value-added services that include material testing and JIT delivery.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Metal service centers strive to meet the needs of customers in every way possible. Work closely with a representative in customer service or sales to ensure you're making the most of what the company has to offer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find publications and associations which cover quality metal service center news

There are several publications and a few industry organizations which cover the business of everything from metal repair shops, to metal service centers to metal processing service companies. Information releases by these publications regarding the news and trends of the industry can be obtained for free on their respective websites.

I recommend: Visit the website for Metal Center News. They are an online publication which specialize in the news and trends of metal distribution and supplies centers. Also, the Metal Service Center Institute releases comprehensive news articles and publications about the industry.

Find a quality metal service center which releases articles about the latest news and trends

Many metal service center companies release articles, pamphlets, newsletters and financial reports about the state of their business. Go to the host website of reputable metal service center companies for the latest news and trends.

I recommend: Check out the website for Dennen Steel. They are a metal services center specializing in many different metal products. They have a news release section of their website. Also visit the website for All Metals & Forge. Another metal service center, they have a business development and press releases section.

Check out forums which discuss the trends of metal service centers

There are many reputable forums online which discuss the business of metal. Whether you're looking for sheet metal, or a specific alloy, you can find news and trends by scouring the boards of these forums. Just make sure that you are speaking and interacting with reputable sources when obtaining news.

I recommend: Visit the website for TMCNet.com. They are an online publication with a discussion forum as well which boasts the world's largest communications and technology community. The Sheet Metal Shop also has an excellent forum discussing metal service centers and more. It is found by scrolling to the bottom of the home page.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hot rolled

Metal workers heat hot rolled metal until it's pliable, then they run it through rollers. The process molds the metal into the shape and thickness dictated by the rollers. After going through this treatment, the metal is rough, with an oxidized scale on its surface.

I recommend: Read about the qualities of hot rolled steel at Metal Reference.

Cold rolling and cold drawing

Cold rolling runs metal through rollers, but uses room temperature to complete the process rather than high heat. This process provides a bright surface without oxidation. Cold drawing creates a final shape from rolled metals by pulling it through dies.

I recommend: Find out more about the processes of cold rolling and cold drawing at Profiles.

Electro galvanized

Electro galvanized metal undergoes treatment through electrodeposition, a process that coats the surface with a thin layer of another metal, such as zinc, which significantly reduces corrosion.

I recommend: Review the definition of electro galvanized metal at Rolled Steel Products and learn about its limitations.

Plasma cutting

Plasma cutting is an economical way to create unusual and custom shapes. The process utilizes a plasma torch to make intricate cuts in metal. The torch also blows away the molten metal to help finish the cuts.

I recommend: See samples of metal cut with a plasma torch at Applied Robotics.

CAD/CAM processing

CAD/CAM processing uses specialized software to quickly take drawings and plans to a finished piece of metal. The benefit of CAD/CAM processing is that a prototype isn't required to create specialized shapes and parts.

I recommend: The Warren Company offers CAD/CAM processing, as well as a number of other metal services.

Embossing

For a decorative touch, you can choose embossed metals. To create embossing, metal goes through rollers that feature a design which is then stamped onto the metal sheet. The most common embossing patterns for metal are stucco and diamond, but you can also find natural patterns like wood grain and stone.

I recommend: Review metal embossing options offered by American Douglas Metals.