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There is something to be said about the importance of achieving consistent, stress-free metal. Likewise, it’s hard to ignore the cost and efficiency benefits that come from purchasing metal in standard cut-to-length sizes. But do you know the advantage that comes when these two processes are combined?
Service centers that combine cut-to-length lines with in-house temper mills can provide you with something unique: perfectly cut metal that will hold its form better than the standard cut-to-length product. Here’s a closer look:
Cut: Start with cut-to-length. This process takes uncoiled sections of flat-rolled steel and cuts them to various lengths. These cuts are typically shipped flat stacked.
Press: As we’ve learned, metal has a memory. One process used for helping erase that memory is temper pass. This involves the application of pressure to the metal. Picture two giant rolling pins that apply an extreme amount of pressure as they compress the plate or sheet. This process not only elongates the piece but removes stress as well. The result is a more uniform thickness across the entire width of the material.
Quality assurance is essential throughout this process. Personnel working within the temper mill must pay attention to the material, interpreting the level of inconsistencies to make proper adjustments to the machine.
As opposed to a process like stretcher leveling, which removes bowing and warpage by applying uniform tension between the ends, temper pass adds an enhanced surface finish to the metal.
Cut and Flat: Combining cut-to-length with temper pass is most vital when the project calls for additional processing work to be done. For example, cut-to-length metal that is temper passed tends to hold its flatness better than traditional cut-to-length sheet when subjected to laser cutting, punching, or similar processes. In other words, it starts flat and stays flat throughout the entire process.
In some instances, special depot programs can help you secure ready-to-ship sheet in bulk quantities. The next time you consider the cut of your metal, also give thought to the idea of stress. When combined, cut-to-length and temper press offer you advantages.
