Expanded Metal Material Benefits
Expanded metal is a single piece of metal stretched to form a specific shape. This type of material requires less welding and is stronger than wire mesh of the same thickness. Expanded metal baskets also offer more open space and are more economical than perforated sheet metal since very little metal is scrapped in the expanding process. Due to these benefits, baskets made from expanded metal are ideal for environments where strength, durability, resistance to harsh environments, and effective sanitization are important.
Here is an overview of expanded metal’s notable benefits:
- Durability: Expanded metal baskets are made of a single piece of steel, which is a long-lasting, easy-to-clean material that can withstand caustic cleaning chemicals and other extreme conditions. They can also hold heavier items without breaking or bending.
- Versatility: These baskets can be adapted for any heavy-duty material handling application in the food processing, agricultural, manufacturing, or industrial sectors. Casters or handles can be added easily for portability.
- Cost-effectiveness: Because they produce minimal scrap material, expanded steel baskets are less expensive to produce and maintain than wire or plastic baskets.
- Enhanced ventilation and visibility: Designed with diamond-cut patterns, expanded steel baskets allow for excellent visibility and ventilation, which are especially important in food processing. Produce must be washed and dried properly before packaging and shipping. When used for storage, these baskets allow operators to quickly and easily identify contents.
Industrial Applications for Expanded Metal Baskets
Here is an overview of expanded metal’s notable benefits:
Used extensively in the agricultural, industrial, food and beverage processing, and other sectors, expanded metal baskets naturally lend themselves to applications such as:
Heavy Metal Part Storage: Industries like automotive and aerospace frequently need to hold and move heavy metal parts safely between operations, cleaning, and other treatments. Heavy-duty expanded metal baskets offer the strength, chemical resistance, and airflow to make these safer, more efficient processes.
- Shot Peening Parts: Shot peening involves bombarding parts with small, round balls of varying materials at high speeds. It is designed to reduce fatigue and stress damage on fabricated parts. This process is made easier with durable expanded metal baskets, which easily stand up to the repeated impacts of the shot media.
- Shot Blasting Parts: Similar to shot peening, shot blasting can also polish or clean parts. Expanded metal baskets can tolerate prolonged, repeated high-pressure impacts while parts undergo shot blasting.
- Degreasing and Cleaning Components and Brackets: Removing grease, lubricants, and other contaminants from parts is necessary to prepare these surfaces for additional treatments or to improve performance. Degreasing products typically contain caustic chemicals and solvents, so non-reactive, stainless steel expanded metal baskets enable faster, more effective degreasing without compromising results.
- Aircraft Parts Cleaning is one example of a cleaning process involving extremely harsh chemical cleaners. The aerospace industry requires parts washing baskets made of expanded stainless steel, which resists corrosion and facilitates efficient parts cleaning.
- High-Agitation Parts Washing also uses expanded metal baskets to withstand rough agitation cycles.
- Part Organization/Stacking: Managing and tracking parts and components during manufacturing processes can be simplified with sturdy, versatile expanded metal baskets that maintain their shape and strength during transport, stacking, and nesting.
- Fire Safes for Warehouses: Expanded metal baskets can serve as fire safes to hold cases containing valuable materials, documents, or parts by keeping them safely isolated from the worst damage due to fire.
Contact Marlin Steel: Your Source for Quality Expanded Metal Baskets
At Marlin Steel Wire Products, our decades of experience and commitment to excellence in quality and customer service are demonstrated by our ISO 9001:2015 certification and our numerous awards and recognitions. With our Quality Engineered Quick® approach, our 100% made-in-the-USA expanded metal baskets and other products are fabricated efficiently and delivered promptly. We offer in-stock expanded metal baskets and custom metal basket solutions to fit your unique application.
Contact us or request a quote today to see how we can provide a solution for your project.
If you run a warehouse, production facility, or shipping company, then you have come to the right place. Having the right storage vessels to store and transport your goods is imperative. Stackable metal storage bins are an excellent choice, providing a host of benefits, such as versatility, durability, and so much more.
However, they are not without their drawbacks, so comparing the pros and cons is important if you want to make an informed decision.
What Are Stackable Metal Storage Bins?
Before we delve into the advantages and disadvantages, let’s first talk about what metal storage containers are.
These storage vessels are made from metals such as steel and aluminum, therefore earning the name metal bins.
They are widely used in a variety of industries and are lauded for their durability and functionality. Furthermore, they exhibit remarkable resilience to shock, changes in temperature, and moisture, which makes them perfect for shipping.
Because these containers take up less space than other types of vessels, they are easier to stack, which can lower overall shipping costs.
Explore Our Selection of Metal Bins
The Advantages of Metal Storage Bin Usage
The truth is that there are several advantages to using these bins to organize and store your products.
They’re Durable
Perhaps the most significant benefit of using a metal storage container is its durability. Unlike plastic, which is easily damaged upon impact, metals hold their own against impact.
When you secure your shipment in a metal bin, you’ll have complete peace of mind knowing that the robust design will continue to keep the contents safely stored. Just make sure you’re not exceeding the maximum weight capacity of the vessel.
Metal Containers Keep Your Items Safe
Metal containers are also more secure than their plastic counterparts due to their resilience. They are extremely difficult for thieves to break apart. When steel boxes are welded and closed, they are nearly impossible to open with everyday objects such as screwdrivers and hammers.
Green Alternative
The truth is that plastic is a great concern amongst environmentalists around the world. Plastic storage containers end up in landfills and oceans and can cause serious damage to natural ecosystems. Metal, on the other hand, can be reused, making them a more eco-friendly alternative.
Moreover, used metal storage bins can be reused, so if a company no longer needs theirs, they can simply resell them, and another business can enjoy the many benefits they offer.
The Disadvantages of Using Metal Bins
Like all things in life, metal storage containers are not without their disadvantages. Having a good understanding of the good and the bad is important to make informed buying decisions.
They Are Expensive
There’s no doubt that storage vessels can be expensive, especially if you are buying several of them. However, given their longevity and resilience, they offer incredible value for money. What’s more, you can buy them second-hand on Container Exchanger to save money!
Metal Containers Are Heavy and Are Prone to Rusting
These metal storage bins are also heavy when compared with their plastic counterparts. Because they are made from metals, you will likely need machinery to move them. The fact that metal is prone to rusting is another concern for many. Fortunately, they can be treated to make them more rust-resistant!
Ready to Invest in Metal Storage Bins?
There’s no denying the benefits of metal storage containers. They are durable, long-lasting, reusable, and offer great value for the price you pay. The best part is that you can browse our website to find second-hand bins at affordable prices.
We have a wide range of options, too, so whether you are looking for a black metal bin or something small, you have a great chance of finding just that.
Browse our options today to improve your operations with a stackable metal storage bin!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get a quote on metal bins?
Simply use our search and filter features to view the available options in your area. Whether you intend to use these containers for storing linens, kitchen gadgets, office supplies, food, or bathroom products, you will find them in various color options.
Our website allows you to view the length, width, and height of the bins and contact the seller to learn more. Once you have selected the items you would like to order, click “Inquire Now” and add your details to the form for a free quote.
2. Can I track shipping?
Our team will be in touch with you via email or phone to arrange shipping. You can contact us if you have questions.
3. Do you have a desktop or mobile app?
No. We don’t currently have a mobile or desktop app, but you can browse our selection using the browser on just about any device. Contact us if you require more information on how to use our site!