Interesting Facts About Ferrous and Nonferrous Metal Recycling

Posted on January 18, 2022 by gardencity

Metal recycling is an excellent initiative that can be accomplished by just about anyone and with very few resources. If you are interested in getting started with a scrap metal recycling program, whether at home or for the business, it helps to start with an understanding of ferrous and nonferrous metal materials. After all, these metals will be the basis of everything you select for recycling.

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about ferrous and nonferrous metal recycling, including the types of metals that fit within these categories, where to recycle metal in your town, and the various benefits that come along with the entire endeavor.

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The Difference Between Nonferrous and Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals, or ferric metals, are distinctive from nonferrous metals because they contain iron; nonferrous metals do not contain iron. The word ferrous actually translates to iron, giving you an easy way to remember this difference. Although metals are not immediately distinguishable as ferrous or nonferrous simply by sight, there is a very simple way to make the determination. All you need is a strong magnet!

That’s right; ferrous metals, or metals that contain traces of iron, are magnetic. Iron and steel are not magnetic, and most ferrous metal objects contain both iron and steel. If the magnet sticks, the metal object contains traces of iron. In some cases, the concentration of iron is too weak to attract a magnet, so additional equipment would be necessary in determining its true composition. Look below to learn some examples of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their common applications.

Types of Ferric and Non-Ferric Metals

Ferrous metal contains iron, but they can also contain other metals, making it an alloy. Common ferrous metal alloys include cast iron, wrought iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, and mild steel. Common nonferrous metals are copper, aluminum, lead, chromium, titanium, cobalt, brass, zinc, nickel, and precious metals.

Nonferrous Metal Recycling

Because nonferrous metals are lower in volume than ferrous metals, it may seem like they are worth less, but in fact, they are worth more in most cases. Nonferrous metals generally have a higher value per pound compared to steel and iron metals. For this reason, they tend to make up the majority of the metal recycled in the country.

Here in the United States, on an annual basis, research suggests that nonferrous metal recycling centers process an average of:

▶ 1.3 Million Tons of Lead Scrap
▶ 1.5 Million Tons of Copper Scrap
▶ 2.5 Million Tons of Aluminum Scrap
▶ 300 Tons of Zinc Scrap

Why Recycle Metal?

Whether ferrous or nonferrous, all metal should be recycled. Both categories of metal are 100% recyclable and can be reprocessing over and over again. This has many environmental and economic advantages. Not only does metal recycling help us preserve our planet’s natural resources by reducing our need to mine for new ores, but it also reduces air pollution generated by the metal refining process, decrease waste in landfills, boost our local and global economies, creates employment opportunities, promotes energy savings, and even puts cash in your wallet!

How does metal recycling pay off with real cash? Just choose a responsible and professional metal recycling center in Indiana to sell your scrap metal to! Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including junk cars.

Can I Recycle Stripped Copper Wire at a Scrap Yard?

Posted on December 20, 2021 by gardencity

There are plenty of scrap yards to choose from in Indiana, but not all of them recycle metal. If you have stripped copper wire to dispose of, be sure you find a scrap metal yard that accepts it before hitting the road with your freight. Continue reading to learn more about recycling stripped wire copper, including Indy’s leading choice for scrap metal recycling services.

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The Value of Copper

Copper is one of the Earth’s most valuable natural resources. The metal contains so many beneficial properties, including high thermal and electrical conductivity. These properties make copper a highly applicable material for all sorts of industries and uses, including manufacturing, plumbing, building, construction, electronics, art, and more! The value of copper continues to increase in terms of applications. As for the metal market, the price of copper varies depending on certain factors, such as type, demand, macroeconomics, and more.

Regardless of its current value, copper is always a highly sought-after metal among scrap yards. Copper can be 100% recycled over and over again, without jeopardizing its natural properties. You can expect to get paid for recycling copper, so long as you choose the right scrap yard and prepare your freight accordingly.

How to Recycle Stripped Copper Wiring

When it comes to making the most money from recycling copper, the brighter the color, the better. Additionally, you can stand to make more profit it your copper wiring is already stripped of its insulation. Copper wiring conducts electricity, so it needs to be insulated. Because the insulation does not have any repurposing value, it cannot be recycled, and therefore, many places do not accept it. Some do accept insulated copper wire but pay less for it.

Stripped copper wiring, on the other hand, can be recycled. Here’s how:

► Contact an Indianapolis scrap metal recycling center to request a quote for your copper.

► Accept their offer and schedule a time for drop off.

► Drop your scrap copper off at their designated collection campus.

► Get paid for your scrap copper.

*If you have an substantial load of scrap copper, the scrap yard may provide haul-away service.

Tips for Stripping Copper Wiring

If you are recycling scrap copper wiring for a cash payout, it is in your best interest to strip the wiring of its insulation to maximize your profit. Purchase high quality wire strippers at a home improvement retailer and do it by hand. It is possible to use a blowtorch to melt off copper wire insulation, but this method is not recommended. It can cause noxious fumes in the surrounding communities, which can upset upper respiratory systems, alarm neighbors, and pollute the air. If you are not up for the labor-intensive job of removing insulation from copper wiring, it is recommended to just recycle the wiring as-is.

Are you looking for a local scrap metal recycling yard that will take your copper wiring, with or without insulation? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to get paid cash on the spot for recycling copper in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer FREE junk car and heavy machinery removal, too!

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3 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Scrap Metal Buyer

Posted on December 9, 2021 by gardencity

If you have a freight of scrap metal ready to be recycled and repurposed, you are in a great position. Not only will you be helping the environment by reducing our need to mine for new orders and generate air pollution through the metal refining process, but you are also sitting on a worthy profit. right now, scrap metal prices are good, which means you can make a decent amount of money by selling your scrap metal to a local Indianapolis scrap metal buyer. But beware, not all scrap metal buyers are alike. It is important to choose the right Indiana metal recycling center if you want to bring home the maximum payload for your scrap metal materials.

Continue reading to learn the top three factors to consider before choosing scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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How to Select the Right Scrap Metal Recycling Center

there are certain attributes you should be looking for when researching scrap metal recycling centers in Indiana. These attributes best speak to the overall culture and character of the business. The things you want to focus on include adequate insurance coverage, environmentally-friendly business practices, experience, client testimonials, and customer amenities.

However, the top 3 factors to consider before selecting a scrap metal recycling center in Indianapolis include insurance, experience, and customer support.

Scrap Metal Recycling Businesses Should Be Insured

Sufficient insurance coverage is important for any business that provides a service. Not only should they have full liability insurance, but they should also have insurance coverage that is designed to protect tow truck operators and heavy haulers from accidents caused by heavier shifting cargo loads. Choosing an insured metal recycling business protects both you and the company from any liability in the case of accidents or property damages.

Metal Recycling Centers Should Have a Lot of Experience

Experience is also pretty universal when it comes to choosing a company you can trust. When selecting a metal recycling center in Indianapolis, look for one that has plenty of experience and who is well established within the community. Ample experience indicates that a business is worthy of trust and that customers continue to do business with them because of the integrity and customer support.

Scrap Metal Buyers Should Offer Convenient Amenities

when you begin your search for scrap metal recycling centers, you will notice that there are plenty of options to choose from. But you want to look for a company that has the above to mention attributes, as well as award the list of client amenities. Client amenities are services that make the scrap metal recycling process easier for customers, such as free junk car removal, free haul-away for large scrap metal materials, free estimates, and more.

Would you like to skip the hassle of finding the right scrap metal buyer in Indiana to do business with? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis and bring home the largest payload for your materials. We accept all metal and metal commodities, including junk cars, which we haul away for FREE!

Facts About Steel Pickling

Posted on November 23, 2021 by gardencity

A common, unusable substance that can form on hot-worked steel is known as iron oxide. Iron oxide formation results in a layer of flaky scale that significantly reduces the quality and performance of the metal. In addition to iron oxide scale, several other impurities are also known to degrade hot-worked or hot rolled steel materials, such as rust and similar iron oxide allotropes. To combat iron scale formation and impurity contamination on steel, a special metal dipping process was developed known as steel pickling.

Continue reading to learn some important facts about steel pickling, including how to make the most out of damaged steel materials in Central Indiana.

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What is Steel Pickling?

Steel pickling is a metal decontamination process involving acid bathing science. Hot worked steel is dipped into a substance known as pickle liquor, hence the name, to remove all surface impurities that can increase the rate of iron oxide scale, rust, and similar metal corrosion. Pickle liquor can be either sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. Both substances render equivalent efficacy.

Conventional hot worked steel can be decontaminated with so for occur hydrochloric acid bathing, but any steel material with the carbon content higher than 6% will require an additional dipping into an acid bath of nitric, phosphoric, or hydrofluoric acid. Following the acid bath process, treated steel is rinsed clean with water and ready for further treating. Typically, cold working is the next step following steel pickling.

Smooth Clean Surface (SPS) and Flame Cleaning

Smooth clean surface (SPS) is a common alternative to steel pickling that remove surface impurities by pushing sheet-metal through a series of rollers and mechanical abrasives. It is often chosen in place of steel pickling when dipping is structurally incompatible, or the particular type of metal or impending application is vulnerable to acid bathing. Another common alternative to steel pickling is known as flame cleaning. This steel decontamination process uses an oxyacetylene flame that essentially burns off all surface impurities.

Responsible Scrap Disposal in Indiana

Regardless of your metal applications, it is important to responsibly dispose of all of your scrap steel in order to preserve our natural resources and reduce the need to mine for new orders. Contact your trusted Indianapolis metal recycling center to earn instant cash for all of your scrap steel and metal commodities. Be sure to choose a recycling company that adheres to all local and state regulations, as well as all EPA guidelines for responsible scrap disposal.

Are you ready to recycle your scrap steel for cash on the spot in Indiana? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including cars, construction equipment, and auto parts.

Top 5 Metals to Source From Household Scrap

Posted on November 8, 2021 by gardencity

There are various benefits to metal recycling, which is why it is one of the most esteemed ecological initiatives across the world. All metal can be recycled, repurposed, and refurbished into new commodities. In fact, recycled metal has useful applications in countless industries, including automotive manufacturing, construction and building, and even mechanical engineering.

The best part about metal recycling is that you don’t even have to leave your own house! From the garage to the basement and everywhere in between, household scrap can be turned into valuable trade-ins at your local metal recycling center. Continue reading to learn the top five metals to source from your household scrap!

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Common Scrap Metals Found Right At Home

When you begin your search for scrap metal to recycle, don’t skip any square footage of your house. Scrap metal can be found in all sorts of places, including the garage, basement, attic, shed, kitchen, closets, and much more. Here’s a little guide to help you figure out where you can begin your search for recyclable metal at home:

❶ Stainless Steel

You probably don’t have to look very far to find stainless steel in your house. Refrigerators are one of the most common forms of stainless steel found in home or in an office, but other appliances commonly made with large amounts of stainless steel include washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashing machines, and microwaves. Other types of stainless steel scrap you may find around the house include old lighting elements, plumbing fixtures, and kitchen sinks.

❷ Aluminum

Scrap aluminum can be found in various forms all around the house. The most common type of aluminum scrap metal our food and soda cans. However, these cans can sometimes be made of tin other types of aluminum scrap include old fencing, aluminum siding, downspouts, gutters, and flat sheet metal roofing. If you have it, old aluminum cookware can be recycled too!

❸ Copper

Copper is 100% recyclable, and easily sourced in the average household scrap. Anything with a computer, which includes most electronics, will contain copper wiring, which is a valuable asset to any local Indianapolis metal recycling center. Additional sources of copper include plumbing fixtures, copper gutter systems, metal house to core, and construction materials.

❹ Brass

Brass looks a lot like copper and performs quite similarly too, but it is a completely different metal. Not to worry though, as brass and copper are both valuable metals that can be recycled. Around the house, look for scrap brass in the form of old plumbing fixtures, doorknobs, home décor, statuettes, trophies, and bed frames.

❺ Cast-Iron

If you have some old cast-iron skillets, they are a perfectly recyclable metal. Other forms of cast iron to look for around the house include cast-iron pots, fireplace pokers, radiators, boilers, and even in bathtubs. Plumbing pipes that are very old may also have cast iron components that can be recycled.

Are you looking for a local metal recycling center you can trust to pay you the most money for your household scrap? Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle household scrap metal in Central and Southern Indiana for cash on the spot!

Top 2 Ways to Confirm Ferrous Metal

Posted on October 28, 2021 by gardencity

If you are trying to determine whether an object of metal is ferrous or not, these two quick and simple methods will confirm results in no time.

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What is Ferrous Metal?

Ferrous simply means iron, which means that ferritic metals contain nominal traces of iron. Common examples of ferrous metal include steel, stainless steel (unless it is a high-caliber stainless steel heavily galvanized with nickel), carbon steel, and tin. Nonferrous metals, like aluminum, brass, and copper, do not contain iron.

So, how do you know if something made of metal contains ferritic properties? Try these two fast and easy tests to make your confirmation.

► Magnet Test

Ferrous metals are attracted to magnets. Your refrigerator is donned with a cluster of magnets because it contains iron metal. So, the next time you need to test metal to tell if it is ferrous or nonferrous, simply grab one of your refrigerator magnets and see if it sticks. If the magnet drops off instantly, the object does not contain iron and therefore, is not ferrous, or nonferrous.

► Rust Observation Test

Another test that might be even quicker than the first is the rust observation test. You see, ferrous metal does not rust, which is caused by a process known as oxidation. When the properties of nonferrous metal are exposed to oxygen, rust will begin to form. If you examine your object for rust and find none, you are likely dealing with a ferrous metal. But to be sure, try the magnet test too.

Using X-Ray Metal Analyzers

For some metal objects and commodities, deciphering the metal composition in detail is not so cut and dry. Metal analyzing equipment and technologies, such as XRF analyzers, are used to precisely confirm the metal constituents within an object.

Are you ready to sell your ferrous and nonferrous metals for cash on the spot? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all metals.

What You Can Do With Surplus Steel

Posted on October 15, 2021 by gardencity

Whether you own a construction company or teach a metal fabrication class, having a surplus of leftover steel from a recent project can benefit you greatly in many ways. Continue reading to learn what you can do with surplus steel, including one way that will make you an instant cash profit right here in central Indiana.

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The Advantages of Scrap Steel

One the best attributes of scrap steel is that it is 100% recyclable and can be repurposed into a countless number of commodities applicable in a wide range of industries. From construction and farming to automotive manufacturing, food canning, and much more, steel plays a vital role in our nation’s economy, as well as the global economy.

So, when you have leftover steel that seems to serve no purpose, look to these ideas to make the most out of your scrap metal:

Artwork

Do you have an artist in the family? Scrap metal, especially steel piping and sheet metal, can be used to create magnificent art projects and artworks. From sculptures and statues to abstract figures and more, steel makes the perfect material for molding and welding art of all forms.

Structural Repairs

If you consider yourself a pretty capable handyman, you can use your left over scrap steel to provide certain reinforcements and repairs around your home or business. You can use scrap steel to build handrails and banisters, or to reinforce patios and decking.

Shed Construction

If you are preparing to build a new shed or storage utility barn on your property, your leftover steel scrap can be put to good use. Talk to your general contractor about incorporating your left over scrap in order to reduce the cost of materials.

Steel Recycling

The best thing you could possibly do with your surplus steel is to sell it to a local metal recycling center for cash on the spot. Not all metal recycling centers in Indiana pay cash on the spot, or at all for that matter, so it’s important for you to do your research. Supporting steel recycling is an important initiative that can make you feel good and fatten up your wallet!

Are you looking for a trusted Indiana metal recycling company that will pay you top dollar for your steel? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including scrap steel and construction scrap.

List of Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals That Can Be Recycled

Posted on September 28, 2021 by gardencity

There are various types of metal found all around the world, but all metals can be placed into one of two categories: ferrous or non-ferrous. The most distinguishing difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metal is iron. How can you tell the difference between a ferrous and nonferrous metal? If a magnet sticks to the metal, it contains iron, which would make it ferrous.

You see, iron is a magnetic metal, so if a magnetic sticks, it must contain a sufficient amount of iron content. In some cases, the concentration of iron is too weak to attract a magnet, so additional equipment would be necessary in determining its true composition. Precious metals can also be ferrous or nonferrous. They are rare, naturally-occurring elemental metals that have a high economic value.

Continue below to review a list of the most common ferrous and nonferrous metals that can be recycled, as well as where to recycle your scrap metal in Indianapolis!

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Ferrous Metals that Can Be Recycled

▷ Stainless Steel
▷ Iron
▷ Carbon Steel
▷ Mild Steel
▷ Cast/Wrought Iron
▷ Iron

Non-Ferrous Metals that Can Be Recycled

► Copper
► Aluminum
► Brass
► Lead
► Tin
► Titanium
► Zinc
► Nickel

Non-Ferrous Precious Metals that Can Be Recycled

▷ Gold
▷ Silver
▷ Platinum

Exotic Non-Ferrous Precious Metals that Can Be Recycled

► Cobalt
► Bismuth
► Beryllium
► Zirconium
► Cadmium
► Mercury
► Tungsten

Are you ready to recycle metal and make some fast cash at the same time? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to learn why our scrap metal recycling center in Indianapolis is the leading choice among environmental supporters here in Indiana!

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The Standard Indiana Scrap Metal Recycling Process

Posted on September 15, 2021 by gardencity

Metal recycling is an important part of preserving energy and natural resources, as well as, reducing harmful carbon emissions and the need to mine for new resources. Metal is a highly valuable element because it serves infinite roles in our society and even our health. It can be reused and reprocessed over and over again, making it incredibly valuable and easy to recycle.

Continue reading to learn the basic process of metal recycling so that you can better understand the importance, necessity, and value of the overall enterprise.

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The State Method of Recycling Scrap Metal

There are various ways metal is recycled in Indiana, as it depends mostly on the personal preferences and methods of individual Indianapolis metal recycling centers, as well as various other factors, like available technology, state ordinances, and more. However, the basic process can be broken down into 7 primary steps.

➀ Collection – Metal cannot be recycled unless it is first collected. Scrap metal can be handed over to scrap yards, junk car buyers, metal processing centers, and more. Once collected, the individual center chooses their own method of reprocessing.

➁ Categorization – Once metal is collected, the center must sort and organize the metal into categories. Usually, nonferrous and ferrous metals are separated, and then precious or high-value metals are further separated.

➂ Processing – Once the metal is categorized and sorted, it can be moved into processing. This is when metal is shredded, sheeted, or broken down to size to make the melting process more efficient.

➃ Liquefying – After metal is processed, it can be melting down. The liquefying stage involves various large industrial furnaces that produces intense levels of heat that melt metal quickly. Each furnace is assigned a particular type of metal in order to keep the reprocessed product as pure as possible.

➄ Refinement – Once melted, the metal must be decontaminated and cleaned. The purification process is important because it allows the final product to be higher quality and purer. Electrolysis is generally the typical method used for purifying metal.

➅ Solidifying – Once everything is melted and purified, the products are transferred via conveyor belt to cool and solidify. In most cases, the metal is formed into bars (or sheets) during this step of the process.

➆ Distribution – After metal has completed the process of being recycled, it is ready for redistribution. Recycled metal can be used in infinite applications, including construction, farming, art, education, and more.

How to Recycle Metal in Indianapolis

If you are interested in recycling metal, contact your trusted Indianapolis IN scrap metal recycling center for advice on how to get started. All metal can be recycled, including nonferrous, ferrous, and precious metals. Easy metals to find for recycling include steel, iron, copper, and aluminum, so they are a great starting place for someone new to metal recycling.

Keep in mind that cars, trucks, and all other types of motorized equipment, such as tractors, dozers, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters, and forklifts, all contain high amounts of lucrative metal. Appliances, electronics, jewelry, gym equipment, auto parts, sheet metal, plumbing components, and power tools are more examples of items that contain decent amounts of recyclable metal.

Are you trying to decide which Central Indiana scrap metal recycling center is the most trusted choice? Just contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 for the highest standards of professionalism, and the highest payouts for metal recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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What Does Ferrous Mean?
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The Benefits of Choosing a No-Contract Cell Phone

Posted on August 30, 2021 by gardencity

Who likes the word, “contract”? No one! No person in their right mind wants to be stuck in a contract if they don’t have to, especially when it comes to cell phones. Fortunately, there is an option for those who want a mobile phone but doesn’t want to be locked in a legal agreement. This option is called a pre-paid no-contract cell phone.

There are so many advantages to no-contract cell phones, which is why they are so popular today. There are endless makes, model, options, packages, and accessories available in the no-contract cell phone world, making it easy to find the right one to fit your mobile needs.

Continue reading to learn why these cell phones are so popular, and how you can make instant cash by recycling all of your old or broken phones and electronics in Indianapolis.

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Cell Phones Without Contracts

One of the best benefits of owning a contract-free phone is freedom! If you are not happy with the device, you can simply purchase a new one with no penalty or waiting period. If you are unhappy with the provider, you can change that too without any cancellation fees or penalties.

You simply find a phone on the shelf at your local mobile phone station or super-center, even gas stations have them these days. Then you purchase the minutes or service you require and activate the phone. This takes all of two or three minutes! Packages will vary depending on the provider, some offering a certain number of minutes for purchase, while others simply provide daily, weekly, or monthly packages.

Contract-free cell phones are inexpensive, easy to find, and come in several different varieties. Lost your phone on vacation? Stop by any general store and find a pre-paid cell phone as a backup until you return home. Have a teenager or preteen that desperately wants to text message with friends? Buy them a pre-paid cell phone that allows you to distribute talk and text minutes as you wish and regulate available apps and services.

The Cons to No Contract Phones

The downfall to no-contract cell phones is their overall quality. They are known to break easily, experience malfunctions, or simply stop working after a short amount of time. Because of the cheap, up-front costs, many people are not too concerned about the unpredictable lifespan of a no-contract cell phone. If you begin to compile a heap of old electronics like phones, tablets, and computers, be sure to recycle them responsibly.

Not sure what to do with all your old and broken cell phones and electronics? Well, don’t throw them away! Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal electronics, including mobile phones!

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