Mill Selection and Material Sourcing

The problemAn enquiry arrives as a grade and a tonnage, which hides the forming, the finish and the service environment that actually govern the choice.

How we handle itWe ask what the part does, how it is formed and where it lives before we discuss grade, so the specification is built from the part backwards.

The problemGrade is often carried over from an old drawing and the temper is left unstated, which is where inconsistent springback comes from.

How we handle itWe fix grade, temper and surface together as one specification, and where a lower cost family will do the job we say so.

The problemMills differ in rolling practice, gauge capability and how tightly they hold width and flatness at the thin end.

How we handle itWe place the order with the mill whose practice suits that gauge and that grade, rather than with whoever quoted first.

The problemOnce an order goes to a mill, most buyers lose visibility until it ships.

How we handle itWe hold the relationship with the mill and stay the single point of contact through production, so questions get answered in one place.