Loading and Unloading

A lot of copper sheets sustain serious damage during the loading and unloading stages. Copper and copper alloys can be quite heavy, but the large crystal grains that make up these metals make them relatively soft. This characteristic means that the sheets of copper and copper alloys you are sourcing for your fabrication needs can easily be damaged by improper handling.

Damaged materials can compromise the quality and effectiveness of your fabrication processes. Always handle copper sheets individually. Moving multiple sheets during the loading and unloading processes increases the risk that you damage one or more sheets in transit.

The extra time required to load and unload single copper sheets will be recouped by a reduction in the number of reworks you must complete during fabrication as a result of damaged metal.

Anti-Contamination

Copper sheets intended for use in fabrication processes need to be kept clean and protected at all times. Copper can develop a patina when exposed to the elements for an extended period of time. This patina appears as a green outer layer coating the metal.

Patinas develop as a result of chemical reactions between the surface of the copper and the particles in the atmosphere. The patina on copper actually acts to protect the underlying metal from additional damage. Unfortunately, a patina can significant compromise the quality of fabrication.

Contaminated copper can lead to serious fabrication flaws, like cracking or porosity during the heat treatment phase. Ensure that your metal supplier keeps the copper sheets in their protective packaging at all times. This preventative measure will eliminate the risk of contamination. Also, keep your copper sheets fully encased in protective packaging while they are being stored at your fabrication shop.

Storage

Once you have sourced your copper sheets, you must store them carefully until they are required. Copper sheets should always be stored vertically in covered racks while awaiting use in fabrication processes.

Vertical storage helps to prevent the possibility that employees will walk on the copper sheets and cause them to bend or fold. A covered rack will provide separation for each copper sheet. This separation reduces the potential of abrasion between each sheet. Covered racks also provide protection against water, condensation, and soil contamination.

The quality of the raw metals that you utilize during fabrication can have a direct impact on the quality and durability of your fabricated components. At Schorr Metals Inc., we have the knowledge and experience required to maintain the integrity of copper and copper alloys prior to distribution. Contact us today to source high-quality copper for your next project.