When you are working on a project that requires metal of some type, you will need to find a metal distributor to order the material from. The kind of metal you are using and the amount of it that you need can often affect the metal supplier choice, as some suppliers specialize in specific materials. Others have a broader selection for you to choose from.
Scrap Metal Yards
Scrap metal yards are often a good source of metal for small projects that do not require structural steel or engineered materials. Usually, a scrap metal yard will sort the material that comes in and resell the metal to customers who can use it.
Metal suppliers that also operate scrap metal yards make money on reselling material and recycling the material that they can't sell for reuse. If you are working with a metal supplier that handles new and scrap metal, you may find that you can get some of both for your project and save on material costs.
Often old material is still in great shape, and with some cleanup, you can use it to create an entirely new object. Talk to the scrap yard operator about the materials that they are willing to sell and what the current price is for the metal.
Metal Distributors
When you are working on a project that requires structural steel or other metals rated to do specific jobs, you should find a metal distributor. These large distributors often work with steel and other metal producers, so if you need a specific material, they can order it to meet your needs.
It is crucial that if an architect or engineer specifies a specific material, you use the right one. Talk with the metal supplier that you are working with about the specs for the metal and if it is something that they can provide for the job. You may find that the material needs to be sourced from the producer if the metal supplier does not have the material available for you.
While most large metal suppliers have many different metals and alloys in stock, there are so many unique alloy blends available that they can not carry all of them all. Large distributors often have the resources to get the metal you need quickly, but it can add to the cost of the material significantly if it needs to be shipped from a long way away or an overseas distributor.