Do you have a question about our Direct Metals® industrial metal and fiberglass products? Chances are that others have asked the same question! Check out the most common specialty metal questions that we encounter and their answers. If your question isn't answered here, please contact us.
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Q: What is an architectural metal supplier?
A: An architectural metal supplier is a company or business that specializes in providing various metal products and solutions specifically for architectural applications. They offer a wide range of metal materials and finishes that are commonly used in building and construction projects.
Q: How quickly can we expect our order to ship?
A: Stock orders entered before noon will ship the same day. After noon, they will ship the next day. Processed or fabricated orders take longer depending on the project specifications.
Q: What is the transit time from your plant to mine?
A: Of course, that depends on where your plant is located, but with the availability of motor carriers and the competitive nature of our business, “next day” can be achieved within several hundred miles of our plants. Second day delivery will usually be the case in other instances.
Q: What are the benefits of using an architectural metal supplier for my construction project?
A: Using an architectural metal supplier can offer several benefits. They can provide high-quality metal materials that are specifically designed for architectural purposes, ensuring durability and longevity. Moreover, they often have a wide selection of finishes and designs, allowing you to choose the perfect metal elements to match your project's aesthetic requirements.
Q: Where are your warehouses located?
A: Direct Metals® carries one of the largest inventories of metal and fiberglass products in the nation. We have warehouse locations in Atlanta, GA and Pleasant Prairie, WI that carry inventory for our wire mesh, perforated metal, expanded metal, bar grating, safety grating, fiberglass grating, and architectural metal products.
Q: Will you cut-to-size?
A: As an architectural metal supplier, we will cut anything in our inventory to your project specifications. In some cases, we have to charge for the entire stock size piece, but we will always ask if we should ship the drops along with the finished part.
Q: Can you carry my special sizes?
A: Yes, we like this kind of business with certain commitments from the customer. This will help ensure quick delivery of your metal or fiberglass order.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: We will take anything back if it originally came from us, is in good condition, and if it is a normally stocked item. There is a minimal charge to cover the expenses to do so. In the event of our error or a quality problem which is not your own, the material can be returned after approval at no cost to the customer.
Q: How can I determine the quantity of metal materials needed for my project?
A: To determine the quantity of metal materials required for your project, you should provide detailed plans and specifications to us, your architectural metal supplier, by requesting a quote. We can use this information to calculate the precise quantities and assist you in ordering the appropriate amount of materials.
Q: What are your cutting tolerances?
A: Depending on the product, from +/- 1/16" to +/- 1/8". Special fabrications may require slightly greater tolerances.
Q: Can you supply drawings?
A: Yes, for more detailed grating fabrication jobs. We often do this for approval and for erection.
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: Our normal hours are 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., E.S.T.
Q: Can you export metal to my foreign based plant?
A: Yes! Direct Metals® exports through all U.S.A. ports.
Q: Is your pricing competitive?
A: Yes! With the volume of our purchases and our attention to operating expenses, our costs are well controlled, and we pass these advantages on to our customers.
Q: Can you assist me with technical questions?
A: Our Direct Metals® team is experienced, knowledgeable, and well trained. While they are not architects or engineers, they can answer many of your metal and fiberglass questions. When questions arise that are outside their area of expertise, they will often be able to help by consulting with others inside or outside of our company. In some instances, they may refer you to another source.
Q: What kind of quality control do you have?
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A: It is very simple - “measure twice and cut once”. Our materials are closely inspected and labeled on arrival in our warehouse and again on shipment to our customers. At least two people are involved in this inspection process, both in and out. As an architectural metal supplier, shipping a quality product to our customers is our highest priority.
Q: How can I provide feedback about my experience with Direct Metals®?
A: We appreciate receiving feedback from our customers. Direct Metals® values the opinions of our customers and use the feedback we receive to continually improve our company, products, and processes. If you would like to share your feedback with us, please take our customer survey.
Q: What fabrication processes do you offer?
A: We offer a complete list of value-added fabrication processes to our line of specialty metals and fiberglass inventory. Our fabrication capabilities include shearing, stamping, drilling, blanking, welding, sawing, punching, rolling, slitting, as well as laser, plasma, and water jet cutting.
Q: Can you help us meet OSHA and ADA standards?
A: Yes! We have extensive experience in producing products to these standards. Our GRIP STRUT™ safety grating is used in many projects to fix slipping problems where OSHA standards are an issue. We sell close spaced gratings that satisfy the ADA requirement. Our large opening wire mesh is used widely as handrail panels which satisfy the OSHA standards.
Q: Where can I find information about projects completed with Direct Metals® products?
A: To learn more about projects that have been completed with our products, visit our Case Studies page! There you can find projects completed with stainless wire mesh, galvanized bar grating, aluminum expanded metal, and more. We have supplied industrial metal and fiberglass materials for countless projects across the nation. As an architectural metal manufacturer, we have supplied products for simple to complex architectural projects. No job is too small or too large for Direct Metals®!
Q: How can I keep up with the latest news about Direct Metals®?
A: Stay connected with Direct Metals® by following us on social media! You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. You can also sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know about company news, events, new products, projects, and more!
Q: How can I request a quote for your specialty metal and fiberglass products?
A: Visit our Request A Quote page to fill out a short form about your project’s specifications and we will respond back with your quote as soon as possible!
Q: What are the advantages of using stainless steel wire mesh?
A: Some of the advantages of stainless steel wire mesh include high strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Stainless wire mesh is also easy to clean and maintain and is available in a wide range of sizes and mesh configurations.
Q: What can I use stainless steel wire mesh for?
A: Stainless steel wire mesh is used in various applications, including filtration, screening, reinforcement, security, and decorative purposes. Stainless wire mesh can be found in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, construction, and aerospace.
Q: What is the difference between woven and welded wire mesh?
A: Woven wire mesh is made by weaving individual strands of wire together in a pattern, while welded wire mesh is made by welding the intersections of the wire strands together. Woven wire mesh can have smaller openings than welded wire mesh. We offer both woven and welded wire mesh in carbon wire mesh, galvanized wire mesh, and stainless wire mesh. Aluminum wire mesh, copper wire mesh, and brass wire mesh are available in woven only.
Q: How is stainless steel wire mesh measured?
A: Stainless steel wire mesh is measured in mesh count, which refers to the number of openings or holes per linear inch. For example, a 100 mesh screen has 100 openings per inch. Wire diameter and aperture size are also important factors in determining the properties and performance of the stainless wire mesh.
Q: How do I select the right stainless steel wire mesh for my application?
A: The selection of the right stainless steel wire mesh depends on several factors, including the intended use, environment, temperature, pressure, and chemical exposure. Consult with us to ensure that the stainless wire mesh selected is appropriate for the specific application.
Q: How do I clean stainless steel mesh?
A: Mild soapy water and a soft brush can be used for the general cleaning of stainless wire mesh. For tougher stains or residues, specific stainless steel cleaners are available. It's crucial to rinse thoroughly and dry to prevent water spots on your stainless steel mesh.
Q: Can stainless steel mesh be cut to size?
A: Yes, we can cut stainless steel mesh to your specifications! In some cases, we have to charge for the entire stock size piece of stainless wire mesh, but we will always ask if we should ship the drops along with the finished part.
Comparing expanded materials to other open area products on the market.
Expanded material can be produced thinner than any other open area materials in the industry, making it the best solution for lightweight applications. The unique “slit & stretch” expansion process produces zero scrap and can achieve open areas up to 95% with very small, accurate, openings. In addition, the expansion process yields more material output than input, thus making it a very cost effective process.
Perforated material is better suited for applications requiring less than 40% open area. The process yields far more scrap than expanding because scrap is directly related to the amount of open area. The tooling is also more complex and costly to produce with higher rebuild costs making this process far more expensive.
Wire mesh and other woven products tend to be stronger than expanded materials but are limited on how thin they can be produced because of the over under aspect of the weaving process. Openings are inconsistent due to moving strands making it a poor choice for applications that require controlled openings. Woven material also has a tendency to fray or unravel during secondary processing making it difficult to cut patterns or shapes.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of expanded metal supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.