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The trials and tribulations of the mariner are many and varied. History and mythology alike have created a long list of hazards: attacks by whales, apocalyptic weather, mystical triangles near Bermuda, icebergs and the dangers of misnavigation. Yet for well over a thousand years, arguably the greatest threat to marine commerce wasn’t colossal or dramatic […]

There are many different ways of hardening a piece of metal. The most common of these is work hardening (also known as strain hardening), a process by which cold working a metal makes it stronger and harder at the expense of ductility. For designers and engineers, this phenomenon opens up new possibilities. Alloys that don’t […]

When we talk about the strength of a metal, one of the most common ways to describe it is by its hardness. This refers to its ability to resist being dented, scratched or permanently deformed. While it’s not the only way to measure mechanical properties, hardness testing is quick, reliable and commonly used. What Is […]

“Today we’re doing copper.” It can be hard to keep up with Donald Trump’s intentions on import tariffs, but this was the off-the-cuff remark he made before a cabinet meeting earlier this week. His plans are to introduce a 50% import tax on copper entering the US from other countries. The effect of this announcement […]

Cupronickels are a group of copper-nickel alloys known for their superior resistance to corrosion, especially in seawater and challenging environments. These alloys combine the best properties of copper and nickel in varying compositions. Two of the most commonly used cupronickel alloys are 70/30 and 90/10. At Columbia Metals, we stock both, and here’s what you […]

In the world of precision engineering, the need for reliable, high-integrity materials is paramount. For applications where safety and performance are critical, understanding the characteristics of metal alloys is essential. This includes testing their chemical composition, mechanical properties, and – crucially – the absence of internal defects. Why Detecting Internal Defects Matters Internal flaws such […]

Copper alloys have long been valued for their corrosion resistance and excellent friction characteristics, particularly in marine applications and bearing components. However, they often lack the mechanical strength required for high-stress environments. Over time, alloy development has bridged this gap, leading to the introduction of advanced copper alloys capable of delivering high strength alongside copper’s […]

In earlier posts, we explored how alloying elements and microstructure affect the mechanical strength and corrosion resistance of various alloys. In this post, we’ll focus on a key process that enhances these properties: precipitation hardening. Also known as age hardening, this is a thermal treatment used to increase the strength and yield strength of certain […]