Titanium
Learn MoreNickel Alloys
Learn MoreCarbon & Alloy Steel
Learn MoreStainless Steel
Learn MoreAluminium
Learn MoreCopper, Brass and Bronze
Learn MoreWant To See The Full Range of Products ? View The Full Catalog
What Are Metal Standards and Why Are They Important?
When sourcing metals, it is of critical importance to have a uniform and consistent means of assuring metal properties meet the desired performance characteristics. Learn more about metal standards in our informative eBook.
Get Your Copy Today
Estimate Your Shipping Weight
Need help estimating your product order weight for shipping your next order? Use our free material weight calculator and request a quote today.
View Our Metals CalculatorIndustries We Serve
The Aerospace Industry
Continental Steel provides our partners in the aerospace industry with the necessary titanium, nickel, and aluminum grades to meet their strict project requirements.
Explore Aerospace Metals
Our Services
From the Blog
Continental Steel & Tube Achieves AS9120:2016 Certification
Continental Steel is happy to announce that we have earned our AS9120:2016 certification, making us an ideal provider of manufacturing services for the aerospace sector. This blog post will inform our customers of some of the insights we’ve gained about the requirements of the AS9120B standard during our certification process. Suppliers to the aerospace sector must operate in accordance with very stringent quality practices and industry standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of mission-critical parts. The AS9100 series of standards has long been used to define the parameters of quality management systems used in aerospace and defense manufacturing environments. The most recent version, AS9120:2016 or AS9120B, incorporates ISO 9001:2015 quality management practices and lays out additional guidelines specific to aerospace and defense products. Holding AS9120:2016 certification demonstrates a distributor’s ability to provide services and products consistent with regulatory standards. It also showcases the organization’s dedication to continuous improvement and high levels of customer service. AS9120 Requirements AS9120:2016 is designated for organizations responsible for acquiring and reselling components, assemblies, and materials to companies in the defense, space, and aviation industries. This includes distributors of all sizes, including those that procure products and divide them into smaller amounts for resale. Of note, the AS9120B standard does not apply to organizations that perform repairs or maintenance on products or organizations that perform any type of work that impacts the characteristics or conformity of a product. The many changes that occurred between ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2015 necessitated an update to the AS9100 series of standards, at which point regulators took the opportunity to modernize the various aerospace- and defense-specific standards found in the series. The AS9120:2016/AS9120B standard includes the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and also specifies certain other requirements, notes, and definitions for parts and equipment distributed to the defense, aviation, and space applications. Based on the fundamentals of ISO 9001:2015, the updated AS9120:2016 included specific requirements around: Planning Operation Context of the organization Leadership Improvement Performance evaluation Support Benefits of AS9120 There are several key advantages associated with the AS9120 standard. By following this standard, distributors benefit from improved efficiency, higher quality, and an ability to align products more effectively with customer needs. As a result, distributors will find it easier to meet and exceed the expectations of their customer base. In this way, AS9120B will help distributors outperform competitors and win over more customers due to the advanced quality of products and services offered. Some other specific benefits gained through adherence to AS9120:2016 standards include: More effective process performance Improved ability to understand and consistently adhere to requirements in place Efficient document and record handling Added value considerations for processes The mitigation and elimination of business risks Better evaluation of information and data to further improve processes The ability to identify clear opportunities for cost reduction and improvement of operations These benefits make following AS9120:2016 standards in the best interests of distributors serving the defense, space, and aviation industries. About Continental Steel As an AS9120B/ISO 9001:2015-certified distributor, Continental Steel can supply and distribute numerous types of high-quality specialty metals for use in aviation, defense, and space applications. We also offer a host of value-added services, including anodizing, grinding, and polishing. These products and services enable us to serve as your one-stop shop for AS9120-compliant metal materials. To learn more about our broad selection of materials for aerospace and defense applications, please contact us today. We're ready to discuss your specific needs and help you find what you require for your business.
Applications of Aluminum 5086
Aluminum 5086 is a structural alloy that offers high electrical conductivity, malleability, good corrosion and heat resistance, and greater strength than aluminum 5052 and 5083. This cost-effective alloy can undergo cold working and strain hardening to enhance its strength, and it can be welded using arc welding and other conventional methods. Aluminum 5086’s many beneficial properties make it suitable for various applications. Aluminum 5086 Properties Aluminum 5086's chemical composition primarily includes aluminum and up to 4.5% magnesium. Other elements include: Manganese: 0.2-0.7% Chromium: 0.5-0.25% Iron: 0.5% Silicon: 0.4% Copper: 0.1% Zinc: 0.25% Titanium: 0.15% Other elements: 0.15% The alloy has a tensile strength measuring between 275 and 350 MPa, with its highest tensile strength being achievable in cryogenic conditions. Its elongation is 12%, and its minimum stress-proof is 125 MPa. Aluminum 5086 can meet a wide range of regulations and industry standards, including MIL, SAE, ASTM, UNS, and QQ. Use Cases for Aluminum 5086 Aluminum 5086 is an ideal material for various applications. Its corrosion resistance delivers remarkable saltwater performance, making it an ideal material for shipyards, marine components, and hulls in small boats, yachts, workboats, and patrol boats. The alloy's strength also makes it beneficial for military and defense applications, such as armor plating, tanks, missile components, and armored personnel carriers. It is a popular material in transportation and superstructures, but its susceptibility to stress corrosion and cracking makes it less favorable for aircraft. Other applications include TV towers, drilling rigs, and cryogenics. Forms of Aluminum 5086 Continental Steel offers a number of different shapes and sizes of Aluminum 5086 that include: Sheet Coil Plate Pipe Bar Tube Special extrusions Contact Continental Steel Today for Aluminum 5086 Aluminum 5086 delivers a wide range of beneficial properties that make it suitable for various marine and defense applications, among others. Continental Steel is an ISO 9001:2015 certified supplier of aluminum 5086 tubes, bars, plates, pipes, coils, sheets, and special extrusions to meet varying project needs. For more information, or to start your order, request a quote today.
Nickel 625 a Superalloy for Extreme Environments
Nickel 625, commonly referred to as Inconel 625, is a superalloy that can be used in extreme applications and environments like those in the aerospace and marine industries. This austenitic alloy has exceptional resistance to oxidation, corrosion, and fatigue, and it has excellent toughness and strength at extreme temperatures. Nickel 625 derives its strength and corrosion resistance from its molybdenum and columbium content, making it suitable for a variety of oxidizing and non-oxidizing environments. Features of Nickel Alloy 625 Nickel 625 possesses a unique combination of features that makes it ideal for extreme environments. These features include: Resistance to Chloride Pitting Chloride pitting is a type of pitting corrosion that can degrade metals through small weak points. If the external surface layer of an oxidized or treated material is scratched or the underlying material is otherwise exposed, pitting can occur. Nickel 625 is resistant to this form of corrosion. Resistance to Crevice Corrosion Cracking Components constructed from nickel 625 are resistant to crevice corrosion. This type of corrosion is caused in stagnant fluids like seawater, which can penetrate small cracks and pits to create a high-pH environment that degrades the metal. Immunity to Chloride Ion Stress Corrosion Cracking When tensile stress and corrosive chloride ions combine, they can cause cracks to appear in impacted metal surfaces. Nickel 625 contains enough nickel to resist this form of corrosion, making it a superior choice to stainless steel. Resistance to Caustic Materials Nickel 625's high nickel content protects it from damage in alkaline solutions and exposure to hydrogen ions. Resistance to Flowing and Stagnant Seawater Damage Because of its unique resistance to pitting and other forms of corrosion, nickel 625 can withstand seawater moving at different speeds without the risk of wearing away or degrading the surface of the metal. Using Nickel 625 in the Aerospace Industry Due to its strength and resistance to damage in extreme environments, Inconel 625 is an excellent material for fabricating aerospace parts, equipment, and hardware. Applications include: ● Aerospace Turbines. Nickel 625 has superior strength and creep resistance. This protects turbines from deformations caused by the high temperatures generated during turbine operation. ● Turbine Shroud Rings. Turbine inlet nozzles are set in inner and outer shrouds. Inconel 625 shroud rings provide protection from thermal stress, add strength to support the shrouds and vanes, and accommodate movement from thermal expansion. ● Engine Thrust-Reverser Systems. These safety systems assist jets in slowing down after touchdown to protect the brakes and give jets more flexible landing distances. Inconel 625 components can withstand the stress and forces of this operation. ● Jet Engine Exhaust Systems. Exhaust systems manage the flow of hot exhaust gases so they don't interfere with the jet's performance. Components made from nickel 625 ensure that the systems can withstand extreme temperatures from gases and heat radiation. ● Aircraft Ducting Systems. Aircraft ducting systems are high-pressure systems that include functionalities like anti-icing, engine bleed air, and more. Inconel parts can resist damage from both extreme heat and extreme cold for reliable performance. Contact Continental Steel & Tube Today for Nickel 625 At Continental Steel & Tube, we specialize in supplying high-quality nickels, steels, and other metals. As a proud supplier to some of the biggest names in the aerospace and military industries, we ensure that our partners have the necessary metals and alloys to meet strict project specifications and requirements. We have different forms of options: Sheet (ASTM B443 ASME SB443 AMS 5599) Plate (ASTM B443 ASME SB443 AMS 5599) Bar (ASTM B446 ASME SB446 AMS 5666) / (AMS 5666, ASTM-B-446, ASME-SB-446) Pipe & Tube (welded & seamless) (ASTM B444 / ASTM B704 AMS 5581 ) Wire (AMS 5837) Fittings & Flanges (ASTM B366 ) For more information, or to get started on your order, request a quote today.
