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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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.

Why You Should Recycle Steel Automotive Parts

Posted on June 11, 2021 by gardencity

Recycling junk cars has a huge impact on our environment, economy, and more; an impact that is entirely positive. There are many benefits of junk car recycling, most of which involve steel. Continue reading to learn why it is important to recycle the steel in junk cars, and how you can personally contribute to this wonderful initiative.

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Most Vehicles Contain More Steel Than Any Other Metal

Most vehicles are manufactured with steel because it is a highly durable, strong, and dependable metal. Not only can it protect drivers and passengers, but it can also be recycled and repurposed over and over again. In fact, most steel is made from existing steel materials, which does wonders to preserve our natural resources, conserve energy, and reduce harmful emissions produced by metal refining factories. According to the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI), “recycling a single ton conserves 2500 pounds of iron ore, 1400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone.”

Vehicles, on average, are 60% steel and iron. The shell alone is 25% of the total amount of steel in a car or truck, on average. This includes the quarter panels, trunk, hood, and doors. Additionally, internal parts and metal components are recycled for their steel, such as automotive parts, gaskets, circuit boards, and more.

Tons of Automotive Steel are Recycled Every Year

Motorized vehicles are among the most frequently recycled consumer product in the country. Regardless of who owned them or what happened to them, virtually all cars end up in the recycling process. According to the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI), more than 14 million tons of steel from cars are recycled each year. This can actually be argued as a 100% recycling rate among vehicles no longer suited for the road!

The Auto Salvaging Process

The junk car recycling process, although not too complicated, requires a fleet of highly-specialized equipment and technology. Most metal reprocessing centers will start by draining the vehicle of any remaining fluids to stay within environmentally responsible recycling practices. These fluids include transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid, radiator fluid, battery fluid, and motor oil. Next, they will begin to dismantle the vehicle of all its reusable parts, like wheels, tires, headlights, doors, windows, fenders, bumpers, trunk lids, stereos, and any operational or repairable auto parts.

After a vehicle is finished with the draining and dismantling process, all that’s left are scattered hulks. This is usually shredded in an industrial metal shredder, which is an enormous and innovative machine that can shred large hulks down to fist-sized pieces in less than 45 seconds. These pieces are a compilation of steel, non-steel metals, and fluff (non-recyclable rubber, plastic, glass, etc.). A large magnetic sorter is used to separate the steel and iron pieces from the rest of the shredding material, which are then shipped all across the country to various metal buyers, reprocessed, and steel mills.

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to get started with your contribution to steel recycling initiative. Recycle scrap metal and junk metal commodities in Central and Southern Indiana for cash on the spot!

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The Basic Types of Steel Metal

Posted on January 26, 2021 by gardencity

If you were to ask the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), they would tell you that steel can be categorized into four basic groups according to their individual chemical compositions. These four groups include 1) Carbon steel, 2) Alloy steel, 3) Stainless steel, and 4) Tool steel. All steel is composed of both iron and carbon, but vary in type depending on certain physical, chemical, and environmental properties, all of which are determined by the amount of carbon and any additional alloys.

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about each type of steel, and where you can make fast cash by recycling your scrap steel in Indiana.

Categories of Carbon Steel

Carbon steel can be further categorized into three groups, which are low carbon, medium carbon, and high carbon. Low carbon, also called mild steel, is one of the largest categories of carbon steel, and generally contains anywhere from 0.04% to 0.30% carbon content. Medium carbon generally contains anywhere from 0.31% to 0.60% carbon content, as well as a range of 0.60% to 1.65% of manganese content. High carbon steel is informally known as “carbon tool steel” and contains 0.61% to 1.50% carbon content. It is difficult to manipulate, and becomes very brittle when heat-treated.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel contains added alloys that make is extremely resistant to corrosion in comparison to carbon and alloy steel. This is why it is commonly used in the medical/surgical industries, appliance industry, hardware manufacturing industry, food processing/handling industry, architectural industry, and more. It contains both carbon and iron, as mentioned before, but stainless steel generally contains other alloys as well, such as Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), or Nickel (Ni).

Alloy Steel

Alloy steel also contains carbon, since all steel contains both carbon and iron. But alloy steel also contains a marginal number of additional elements, such as Nickle (Ni), Chromium (Cr), and Manganese (Mn). This type of steel is popular and commonly used due to their wide availability, economical costs, ease of processing, and quality mechanical properties. In comparison to carbon steel, alloy steel is more responsive to mechanical and heat treatments. Heated alloy steel comes in wither annealed or normalized.

Tool Steel

Tool steel is a general term to describe a variety of steels that retain high-hardness and abrasion-resistance properties. Specific applications for tool steel include stamping, extrusion, dies, cutting, mold-making, or impact applications such as hammering.

Where to Recycle Scrap Steel in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 for superior scrap steel recycling services in Indianapolis, or in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as, junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and much more! Request a free estimate for your scrap metal, today.

The Best Corrosion-Resistant Metals

Posted on October 23, 2020 by gardencity

Metals that are resistant to corrosion and oxidation are known as corrosion resistant alloys (CRA’s). They are an essential building material that is used in a wide range of manufacturing, construction, and factory applications. There are many types of corrosion-resistant alloys and metals, but some take the cake as being the best.

Continue reading to learn some of the most popular types of corrosion-resistant metals, and what to do with old, corroded metal that cannot be restored.

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Stainless Steel is the Best Bet to Fending Off Corrosion

Stainless steel metal is something we are seeing more and more these days, everywhere you look. This special metal has a much higher chromium content, as well as a translucent coating that prevents discoloration and, you guessed it, corrosion. Stainless steel comes in many grades and finishes, all of which offer their own unique appeal or performance. Industries all across the nation benefit from stainless steel applications and assets, including food handling, food processing, medical instruments, hardware, appliances, architecture, and much more.

Compared to carbon steel, stainless steel has a much higher chromium content, so when exposed to conditions that would otherwise make it rust or corrode, it instead forms a passive coating of chromium oxide that prevents further deterioration. Not only does it not corrode and does not require a protective coating, it is also easy to clean and sterilize. See our blog, “The Difference Between Mild Steel and Stainless Steel” to learn why stainless steel materials are better for corrosion-resistant applications.

Additional Corrosion Resistant Alloys

Other corrosion-resistant alloys to consider for your building project include 316L austenitic stainless steel, alloy 22, and ZERON® 100. The most common applications for austenitic stainless steel include clad line pipe building, surface piping, and vessel cladding. One downfall is that it will pit of exposed to oxygen. Alloy 22 is typically used for conditions that require resistance to oxidizing acid chlorides, wet chlorine, mixtures containing nitric acid or oxidizing acids with chlorine ions, formic and acetic acids, ferric and cupric chlorides, brine, salt water, and even reducing acids like sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. ZERON® 100 is highly resistant to both pitting and corrosion in the presence of salt water, stress corrosion cracking, and similar elemental conditions.

How to Dispose of Old, Corroded Scrap Metal and Materials

You might think that rusty hunk of sheet metal or car frame is simply junk, but it’s actually worth real cash. Contact a local Indianapolis scrap metal buyer and sell your corroded steel and metal commodities for an instant cash profit! Your junk is their gold! Regardless of age, make, model, or condition, a trusted Indiana metal recycling center will take it off your hands, and pay you the real market value for its weight. If you choose your scrap metal buyer wisely, you won’t even need to travel! They will come to you and haul away your scrap metal, free of charge.

The Scrap Metal Center That Will Pay You the Most in Central Indiana

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal in Indiana. Our Indianapolis metal recycling professionals pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and more. We serve all of Indianapolis and Central Indiana. Request a free estimate for your scrap metal, today.

Is Stainless Steel Magnetic?

Posted on September 11, 2020 by gardencity

You might have magnets stuck to the front of your refrigerator at home, but the truth is, not all stainless steel is magnetic. You see, it depends on the type of steel and the particular alloy constituents. Continue reading to learn more about stainless steel, including its magnetic properties and limitations, as well as, what you can do with scrap stainless steel in Indiana.

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Stainless Steel Components and Properties

Stainless steel, also known as inox or inox steel, is a man-made alloy that has a minimum of 10.5% chromium content and a maximum of 1.2% carbon content. Some of the most admired qualities of stainless steel is its resistance to staining, corrosion, and oxidation (rust). For this reason, it is often used in kitchens and food processing plants, as well as industries like medical, electrical, petrochemical, manufacturing, automotive, and more.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Metal

Stainless steel comes in many grades and finishes, all of which offer their own unique appeal or performance. Compared to carbon steel, stainless steel has a much higher chromium content, so when exposed to conditions that would otherwise make it rust or corrode, it instead forms a passive coating of chromium oxide that prevents further deterioration. Not only does it not corrode and does not require a protective coating, it is also easy to clean and sterilize.

Is Stainless Steel Magnetic or Not?

As mentioned, some types of stainless steel are magnetic, and others are not. Two particular factors must be true in order for stainless steel to be magnetic. First, it must contain iron. Some stainless steels contain iron, while others do not. You see, all metal can be categorized as either ferrous or non-ferrous. Ferrous metals contain iron, while non-ferrous metals do not. You can easily tell the difference between the two by simply using a magnet. If the magnet sticks, it is ferrous and contains iron; if it does not stick, it is non-ferrous and contains no iron. Second, stainless steel must have a crystal composition arranged in a ferritic or martensitic structure.

There are 3 types of magnetic stainless steel: ferritic, martensitic, and duplex. Non-magnetic stainless steel are alloys that have austenitic structures. This means they have higher quantities of austenite in them, which is what makes them non-magnetic. For instance, stainless steel grades like 304 and 316 retain high amounts of iron in their chemical composition, but their austenite structures renders them non-magnetic, or non-ferromagnetic.

How to Sell Scrap Steel in Indianapolis for Instant Cash

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis, or in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as, junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and much more! Get rid of your junk and make some fast cash at the same time.

Common Types of Corrosion Resistant Alloys

Posted on December 30, 2019 by gardencity

If you are looking to earn some money in metal recycling, be sure you are looking for quality metals to sell to your local scrap metal buyers! One of the most highly sought out metals are those that are resistant to corrosion. If you can find corrosion-resistant scrap metal to recycle at a local scrap metal center, you are in for quite the profit.

Continue reading to learn which metals are most resistant to corrosion, and where you might find them at.

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Metals That Resist Corrosion

There are several types of metals and alloys that are resistant to corrosion, including oxidation, or rust. However, the most dependable, and therefore mostly applied, are stainless steel, galvanized steel aluminum, and copper, including bronze and brass.

Stainless Steel

Because stainless steel is made using a combination of nickel, magnesium, chromium copper and iron, it is a very strong and durable alloy that contains several properties that deliver a wide range of benefits. Although its chromium content makes it highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, if the surface is scratched, it can sometimes develop rust. For this reason, the 304 series is the most common version of stainless steel used in industries where rust is forbidden, such as the restaurant and food industry. Ths type of stainless steel is the most resistant to rust and corrosion. You can find it in components like kitchen sinks, food processing equipment, steam table pans, and more.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel is steel that has been treated with an outer layer or coating of zinc. Galvanization is a process that applies a type of sealant on metal to protect it from natural wear and tear, like rust. It involves coating metal with an outer layer of metallic zinc by means of electroplating or hot-dip galvanizing. The zinc stops any substances, like moisture and oxygen, to penetrate the metal. This reduces rust formation and preserves the structural integrity of metal.

Aluminum

Aluminum is found on the periodic table with the symbol “Al” and atomic number 13. It has a silvery white finish, and mostly admired for its magnetic and ductile (good heat conductivity) properties. This makes aluminum a ferrous metal, meaning it contains iron. Compared to stainless steel, aluminum has higher oxidation and corrosion resistance properties, and is very light in weight. You can find aluminum in the form of food and soda cans, rolled foil, kitchen back splashes, counter tops, food preparation surfaces, factory processing equipment, and more.

Copper, Bronze, and Brass

Because copper, bronze and brass retain little to no iron content, they do not rust. They can, however, react with oxygen which can lead to a beneficial type of oxidation. You see, copper oxidizes over time and forms a green patina that shields the copper from further oxidization and corrosion. Bronze is an alloy of copper. A combination of copper and tin makes a copper alloy known as bronze. It, along with small amounts of other elements within, are naturally more resistant to corrosion than copper. The same facts apply to brass, which is also an alloy of copper made from zinc and other elements, and also highly resistant to corrosion.

Where to Recycle Scrap Metal for Cash

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle metal in Indianapolis, or in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as, junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and much more! Get rid of your junk and make some fast cash at the same time.