5 Types of Bronze Alloys

Posted on April 18, 2022 by gardencity

Bronze is a common metal alloy that we see all around us, in music, manufacturing, electronic technology, construction, art, and more. Many people confuse brass and bronze even though they are different alloys of copper. Although bronze is primarily comprised of copper, but also contains other constituents like aluminum, manganese, tin, and even arsenic. In fact, there are multiple types of bronze alloys.

Continue reading to learn the five types of bronze alloys and what you can do with scrap bronze in Central Indiana.

Bronze Metal Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

Common Bronze Alloys

Bronze is a highly useful alloy, so it is no surprise that it is made in different ways for different applications. Although bronze typically contains mostly copper, it can also contain other types of alloys, depending on the type of bronze alloy it is. The top five most common bronze alloys include aluminum bronze, phosphor bronze, silicone bronze, nickel brass, and copper nickel.

Aluminum Bronze

Aluminum bronze is one of the most common types of bronze alloys. This bronze alloy contains between 6% and 12% aluminum. The remaining alloyed constituents include iron and nickel, usually up to 6% of each, and of course copper. Aluminum bronze is strong and has a high resistance to corrosion. It is commonly used to handle materials that are corrosive, such as toxic fluids, and often used in Marine hardware manufacturing.

Phosphor Bronze

Phosphor bronze is also known as tin bronze, and typically contains between 0.5% and 1% tin. As for phosphorus content, phosphor bronze contains a very small amount, typically between 0.01% and 0.35% phosphorous. However, the phosphorus plays an important part in increasing wear resistance and rigidity. Phosphor bronze is highly applicable in construction and manufacturing because it is strong and has a low coefficient of friction. It is also highly resistant to fatigue and fine grained.

Silicone Bronze

Silicone bronze typically contains around 6% silicone and 20% zinc and is used to coat red bronze and red brass. Red bronze typically contains lower concentrations of zinc but is very similar to red brass. Red brass is strong and highly corrosion resistant.

Nickel Brass

Nickel brass is also referred to as nickel silver because the nickel concentration gives the alloy a bright silver-like color. Nickel brass also contains copper and zinc, and therefore has adequate corrosion resistant properties and moderate tensile strength. For this reason, it is commonly used to make musical instruments, optical equipment, food/beverage equipment containers, and similar items.

Copper Nickel

Copper nickel is also called Cupronickel, which can sometimes be confusing to some. Generally containing between 2 percent and 30 percent nickel, Cupronickel is revered for its high resistance to corrosion and oxidation, as well as its incredible tensile strength and resistance to cracking under stress. This makes it perfect for steamy or moist air environments, which is why it is used heavily in marine equipment manufacturing and ship hulls.

Do you find yourself wanting to get rid of a load of scrap metal like bronze? Sell it all to Garden City Iron and Metal for cash on the spot! Contact us at 1-888-586-5322 to get a free quote from a trusted scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all metals, regardless of condition!

The Similarities and Differences of Noble and Precious Metals

Posted on March 31, 2022 by gardencity

Most people are familiar with precious metals, especially those who love jewelry or collect coins. However, many people have never heard the term, “noble” metals, which happen to be quite similar, but stand out as their own category of metal. Some people often confuse these two categories since most noble metals are also precious ones.

Continue reading to learn more about precious metals and noble metals, including their similarities and differences.

Precious Metal Buyers Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

Precious Metals Versus Noble Metals

Precious Metals

“Precious” metals are rare, naturally-occurring elemental metals that have a high economic value. Throughout history, they were used as currency. Even today, there are still sold and traded as investments, as well as, among private buyers and sellers.

Common examples include gold, platinum, silver, zirconium, palladium, mercury, bismuth, beryllium, germanium, rhodium, cobalt, tungsten, iridium, and osmium. They are often used in jewelry and other ornamental décor since they are extremely corrosion-resistant and acid attack resistant. They are also used for investment purposes, currency, electronics, radiation shielding, thermal insulation, and more.

Noble Metals

Noble metals are a grouping of metals that resist oxidation and corrosion in moist or humid air. Common examples in order of increasing atomic number include ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold. However, there are multiple “lists” for noble metals, as some contain mercury while other may include rhenium. Some lists include gold, silver, and copper, but leave out all others.

Interestingly enough, not all metals that are resistant to corrosion and acid attacks are considered “noble.” For instance, titanium, niobium, and tantalum are all highly resistant to corrosion, yet they are not categorized as noble metals. Although chemists permit a relaxed definition of noble metals, physicists offer a more restrictive definition. According to the science of physics, noble metals are those that have filled electronic d-bands. If you adhere to this definition, only gold, silver and copper are considered noble.

How to Sell Precious Metal

If you have old jewelry, catalytic converters, coin collections, or other versions of valuable metal, you can sell these items to a scrap metal buyer and get paid cash on the spot. Gold, silver, and platinum are currently doing well in the scrap metal market, so take advantage of the current economy and sell your precious metal commodities while their value is still exponential.

Are you wondering which local metal recycling center is the best choice for your high-end, luxury metals? 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.

What’s the Deal With High Carbon Steel?

Posted on March 11, 2022 by gardencity

High carbon steel has many fascinating and useful properties. Continue below to review some of the most important facts about high carbon steel, including what it is, how we use it, and where to drop it off for recycling near you!

Steel Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

High Carbon Steel Composition

As you may have wisely guessed it by now, the two primary constituents in high carbon steel are steel and carbon. Carbon steel is steel that contains carbon elements. Depending on how much carbon it has, steel can be labeled low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, and high carbon steel. Low carbon steel contains less than a quarter percent of carbon, while medium carbon steel usually has between 0.25 percent and 0.55 percent carbon. High carbon steel contains even more carbon than that!

▶ Low Carbon Steel = Less Than 0.25% Carbon

▶ Medium Carbon Steel = 0.25% to 0.55% Carbon

▶ High Carbon Steel = 0.55% Carbon or More

▶ Tool Carbon Steel = More Than 0.8% Carbon

Properties of High Carbon Steel

High carbon steel has several useful properties. Not only is it very hard and strong, but it is also resistant to high levels of heat and resistant to wear and tear. Furthermore, it offers moderate ductility, meaning it can be formed and fashioned, even bent or warped, but still not break. After learning these properties of high carbon steel, you can better understand why we use it the way we do!

Applications

The truth is, because the high carbon level in high carbon steel actually makes it quite brittle, it significantly restricts its possible uses. However, this does not mean we do not use plenty of high carbon steel in our society. High carbon steel is used in a wide range of industries and in various fashions. Some of the most common high carbon steel commodities include cast iron items, like gates, plumbing fixtures, art, and furniture. Additional uses include wood stoves, cookware, cutting tools, and masonry nails.

How to Support Steel Sustainability

All forms of steel, and metal for that matter, are 100% recyclable. To help support steel sustainability and preserve our natural resources, be sure to recycle all of your scrap metal, at work and at home. Many reputable metal recycling companies in Indianapolis will pay you for your scrap metal goods!

Do you have left over metal materials or scrap metal to recycle for cash in Indiana? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis and make the most profit in town. We accept all metal and metal commodities, especially vehicles!

Are Steel Prices Good Right Now?

Posted on February 18, 2022 by gardencity

Steel is an important material used in various applications all over the globe. In fact, it is hard to name an industry that does not use some form of steel in some way or another! With these facts being true, you can surely imagine the importance of recycling and repurposing steel as much as possible. Steel recycling supports a wide range of benefits and delivers a scope of advantages for everyone and the entire planet.

Recycling steel is a great way to preserve our natural resources by decreasing our need to mine for new steel ore, inflate the economy by providing jobs and putting cash in your wallet, and much more. For these reasons, you are encouraged to recycle all your steel and metal scrap. Did you get that part about the cash in your wallet? Scrap metal companies in Indianapolis will pay you cash for your metal scrap based on the current metal prices and similar factors! This might have you wondering how good the steel prices are right now.

Continue reading to learn more about the current scrap steel prices, plus where you can earn top dollar for your metal scrap in Indianapolis.

Steel Recycling for Cash Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

Current Steel Prices for 2022

Last year, the steel supply was down. But this year, steel is in surplus, making the price more normalized than in previous years. It is important to understand that the price of steel, and all scrap metal for that matter, fluctuates on a continuous basis. Prices can change by the day, the hour, and even the minute! It is wise to check the market on a regular basis if you are wishing to be strategic about your scrapping profits.

As of today, February 18^th, 2022, most steel prices are up:

Steel BX =▲$0.26/lb.
Stainless Steel = ▲$0.76/lb.
Nonmagnetic Stainless Steel = ▲$0.71/lb.
Stainless Steel Breakage = ▲$0.71/lb.

Stainless Steel Heat Sinks = ▲$0.69/lb.
Stainless Steel Sinks = ▲$0.28/lb.
Stainless Steel Kegs = ▲$0.48/lb.
PC Board w/Steel = ▲$0.42/lb.

400 Series Stainless Steel = ▲$0.16/lb.
310 Stainless Steel = ▲$1.13/lb.
316 Stainless Steel = ▲$0.93/lb.
321 Stainless Steel = ▲$0.63/lb.

#1 Steel = ▲$251.00/ton
#1 Heavy Melting Steel = ▲$288.00/ton
#2 Heavy Melting Steel = ▲$206.00/ton
#1 Prepared Steel = ▲$284.00/ton

#2 Prepared Steel = ▲$211.00/ton
Steel Shavings = ▲$102.00/ton
Shreddable Steel = ▲$248.00/ton
Plate and Structural Steel = ▲$252.00/ton

Complete Car = ▲$227.00/ton

Some Steel Prices are Down:

17-4 Stainless Steel = ▼$0.28/lb.
High Speed Steel = ▼$0.16/lb.
300 Series Stainless Steel = ▼$0.74/lb.
304 Stainless Steel = ▼$0.70/lb.
*SOURCE

Are you looking for a Central Indiana scrap metal recycling center for steel recycling? Just contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 for the highest standards of professionalism, and the highest payouts for steel metal recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for scrap steel and more!

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

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.

Copper Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

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!

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.

Scrap Metal Buyers Indianapolis 1-888-586-5322

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.

Steel Recycling Center Indianapolis IN 1-888-586-5322

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!

Indianapolis IN Scrap Metal Recycling 1-888-586-5322

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!

You Should Also Read:

What Can Be Recycled in a Junk Car?

Posted on July 30, 2021 by gardencity

If you think about how many parts on your car get replaced over the years, you can see that it is a lot. This includes old tires, depleted car batteries, used engine oil, brake pads, and much more. Although these components were meant to be replaced on a regular basis, they should still be recycled and refurbished a much as possible. There are some common parts of a car that are recycled every day.

Continue reading to learn about what car parts can be recycled, and where to recycle them here in Central Indiana.

Indianapolis Indiana Automotive Recycling 1-888-586-5322

Auto Parts That Can Be Recycled

Motor Oil

One of the most common components in a vehicle that can, and should be, recycled, is oil. Any conventional motor oils are recyclable. You simply take them to your local recycling center, and they clean it up and distribute it for reuse. Your vehicle goes through a lot of oil changes and fluid changes over the years, so be sure to recycle these fluids to help increase sustainability in our environment. If you are having your fluids and oils changed professionally, they are most likely already being saved for recycling.

Automotive Fluids

Besides oil, fluids such as coolant, gasoline, and refrigerant, are reusable. Battery acid can be recycled into sodium sulfate, a white powder used in laundry detergents, glass, and other textiles. Oil filters are also recyclable. You can save these and drop them off at a recycling center as well.

Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal

Anything metal in a car can also be recycled. On average, cars are made of up nearly 70 percent iron and steel. These two metals are always in demand and can be reused over and over again. Vehicles can also contain car parts made of aluminum, copper, zinc, magnesium, and brass. These too can be recycled and reused. From catalytic converters to car batteries, anything made of metal can be recycled in a vehicle.

Plastic and Rubber

Tires are another popular car component to recycle. Rubber can be melted down multiple times to create new products and parts in other industries. Plastic is also found in cars, such as bumpers and interior frames. This can also be recycled. Tires are known to be recycled into new tires, floor mats, splash shields, and even brake pedals.

Do you have old or broken auto parts you would like to recycle? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 for automotive recycling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our scrappers pay cash on the spot for all metal and junk cars!

You Should Also Read:

Frequently Asked Questions About Junk Car Recycling
How to Safely Get Rid of a Used Car Battery
What is This Junk Car Worth?

Top 2 Technologies Used to Determine Metal Composition

Posted on July 21, 2021 by gardencity

The need to ascertain metal composition accurately and expediently is vital to the evolving scrap metal recycling enterprises today. When you take your scrap metal to a local metal recycling center, they will analyze your freight of metal and metal-containing commodities using a wide range of technologies, including XRF analyzers and x-ray radiation technologies like laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

Continue reading to learn more about these two types of metal analyzing technologies, and who to trust with highest payouts for your scrap in Indiana.

Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 1-888-586-5322

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)

XRF metal analyzers, or X-Ray Fluorescence-based technology, one the most commonly-applied metal analyzing process used among modern day scrap yards and metal recycling centers. Not only is an excerpt metal in lesser nondestructive method of confirming a metals composition, but as a handheld device, it is convenient and easy to use by anyone who is trained in the technology. Although these devices have remained a primary and go-to source of metal analyzation in the past few decades, a new metal analyzing technology has emerged in the scrap metal recycling industry known as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, or simply LIBS.

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Recently, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology has been introduced to the metal scrubbing industry. As an innovative x-ray radiation technology, LIBS can help scrap metal recycling centers pinpoint and verify the metal composition within a commodity. The device accomplishes this by using short-pulse low-energy laser beams that trigger laser ablation; as a result, scrappers get a precise sample analysis without the risk of radiation exposure. It is most applied to nonferrous metal analyzation processes, namely aluminum.

Primary Differences Between the Two Metal Analyzing Technologies

LIBS is most suitable for analyzing and sorting nonferrous materials like aluminum, magnesium, and titanium grade metals. As for most other metal analyzing applications, x-ray radiation technologies are still the best option, especially for heavy metals, positive material identification precision requirements, stainless steel, and high temperature alloys.

You Might Also Enjoy:

What To Do With Leftover Construction Scrap
What are Heavy Metals?
Comparing 409, 439, and 430 Stainless Steel Sheet Metal