Interesting Facts to Increase Your Understanding About American Steel

Interesting Facts to Increase Your Understanding About American Steel

Steel is one of the most widely used materials in the construction sector. It offers several benefits that perhaps no other metal offers in terms of cost-effectiveness and versatility. In the past, steel was primarily used for the development of American railroads, factories, bridges, and cities.

 

Today, you can find steel in appliances, architecture, construction products, surgical equipment, automobiles, and even toys. Here are some interesting facts about steel.

Elastic

Some materials return to their initial shape and size even after getting stretched or contorted. This ability to bounce back is called elasticity. When you think of the word “elastic”, your thoughts may immediately go to items made from rubber. However, steel is more elastic than rubber. That’s right! While steel is heavier and seemingly more solid than rubber, its ability to return to its original shape is higher than that of rubber.

Recyclable

Steel is one of the most recycled materials around the world and one of the easiest to process. More than 80 million tons of steel get recycled each year which is more than the weight of all the cars in California combined. Recycled steel is better for the environment because it means less mining and energy consumption.

 

Additionally, you can recycle steel multiple times. Its magnetic nature allows for easy separation from other metals it was mixed with. Also, note that steel does not break down or lose strength like materials such as paper or glass.

Strong

The Empire State Building was constructed in 1931, is one of the most iconic buildings in New York. This architectural masterpiece is composed of around 60,000 tons of steel. It is anchored in place with 210 steel columns and horizontal steel beams that provide the building with its structural soundness. Steel can last for years and resist a range of damages from rust, mold, insects, and water.

 

It also stands a better chance at surviving extreme conditions like fires, tornados, and hurricanes without toppling than wood or most other metals. You can boost your project's structural integrity even further by choosing a reliable steel erector like American Aerial Services. We can handle projects of all complexity levels without compromising on quality.

Versatile

If you are searching for the perfect gift to celebrate a wedding anniversary, then give steel a try. It is the traditional choice of material to honor 11-year marriage anniversaries. It symbolizes strength and endurance due to its ability to resist rust, corrosion, and scratches.

 

You can gift your partner any article made of steel including utensils, serving dishes, kitchenware, jewelry, and more. 

 

Steel is a highly versatile metal that comes with several interesting qualities. Regardless of whether you want to use it for a construction project or use it for something less complex, it’s vital to choose high-quality steel. It is also essential to ensure that steel is erected properly.

 

 

 

 

Contact American Aerial Services, in Falmouth, ME if you need steel erection and installation services.  We serve the entire Portland, Maine, New Hampshire and the Massachusetts  Interstate 495 corridor. Our reasonable prices and quality craftmanship will definitely make your investment worthwhile!

5 Differences Between American and Imported Steel

 5 Differences Between American and Imported Steel

Steel is among the most sought-after metals in the construction industry. Imported steel is becoming a major driving force in the U.S. steel market, with the U.S. ranking as the biggest steel importer in 2019. However, imported steel has affected the U.S. steel market because it’s unable to compete, especially when it comes to prices. In 2018, the U.S. government imposed a 25% tariff on all foreign steel imports to minimize the disparity between domestic and foreign prices and enhance conditions for all domestic steel producers.

 

Despite the imposed tariff, steel remains quite competitive, particularly in cost. As a result, every buyer needs to consider other important factors before making their purchase. So, should you go with imported steel or American-made steel? The variables discussed below will help you make an informed decision when undertaking your next construction project in Maine.

1. Manufacturing Standards

One of the major differences between imported steel and American-made steel is that American steel is held to a defined set of standards created by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and other U.S. organizations. These standards determine the proper chemistry combinations for the various types of steel. They also act as a safety precaution that ensures steel producers use the appropriate metals in the manufacturing process.

2. Thickness

On average, American-made steel is eight times thicker than China-manufactured steel. This disparity means that products you make from American steel will be heavier and more durable. Furthermore, high-quality steel structures and products are thick and difficult to penetrate or breach.

3. Quality

American-made steel goes through rigorous testing before producers can take it to the market. Like the manufacturing standards, the tests ensure that the steel is strong enough to prevent brittleness and cracks during welding. They also ensure the steel is of high quality to keep your buildings and other steel structures in Maine standing after earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.

4. Strength

American steel is undoubtedly stronger than foreign steel because it is thicker, is of better quality, and has low oxidation levels. The inferior quality of imported steel means that items you make using the metal will break or fail faster than those you build with American-made steel.

5. Environmental Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) controls emissions and any other environmental impact for American manufacturing. It sets the emission standards for harmful air pollutants and enforces them to safeguard the environment. Some steel importers’ standards are very lenient in this area. Therefore, depending on their steel products or steel will only contribute to global warming and adverse health effects.

 

The type of steel you use in a building can break or make your construction projects. When purchasing steel for your construction projects, go with American steel when possible. According to the EPA, this type of steel is more environmentally friendly, durable, thicker, and stronger than imported steel because of rigorous testing and stricter guidelines.

 

 

 

For professional help with your next construction project in Maine, contact American Aerial Services. Our vibrant team of NCCCO-certified crane operators and AISC certified steel assemblers can handle any construction project regardless of its size, shape, and degree of complexity, thanks to our knowledge and state-of-the-art equipment.