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Demand Forecast for Platinum Group Metals Revised Following Recent Natural Disasters In Japan

Posted in Industry News on 25th March 2011

The demand forecast for Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) has been revised following the recent natural disasters in Japan.

PGMs such as platinum and palladium are used in automotive catalysts and, following the recent events, car production in Japan could be 5% lower than previously expected.

Rare Bessemer Convertor Finds Home in Sheffield

Posted in The World Of Metal on 21st March 2011

This photograph shows one of only three remaining Bessemer convertors left in the world. It is the Workington No 1 vessel, which, fittingly is on show at and preserved by Sheffield's Kelham Island Industrial Museum, having been gifted to them in 1978 by the British Steel plant in Workington.

Cutlery Patterns

Posted in The World Of Metal on 13th March 2011

Today, quality silver, electro-plated nickel silver and stainless steel cutlery is still produced in and around Sheffield, as cutlery has been since 1297.

Pewter - Roll Out the Red Carpet

Posted in The World Of Metal on 3rd March 2011

At our foundry in the West Midlands of the UK, William Rowland Ltd produce pewter from virgin metals to customer specifications.

Molybdenum Suppliers Increase Export to China

Posted in The World Of Metal on 25th February 2011

China was once a major exporter of molybdenum, peaking at around 74 million lbs in 2004. Since then, exports have declined year on year, and in 2009 it became a net importer of the metal, taking around 65 million lbs more than it exported.

The Popularity of Nickel in Industry

Posted in The World Of Metal on 18th February 2011

Nickel is the fifth most common element, after iron, oxygen, silicon and magnesium, and its extremely high melting point of 1453˚C, combined with its good alloying ability, have made it very popular in forming heat-and-creep-resistant alloys for the chemical and aerospace industries.

Aluminium: The Workhorse of the Kitchen

Posted in The World Of Metal on 8th February 2011

Aluminium is known as "the workhorse of the kitchen" as so many every day products make use of it. In the past lots of pots and pans were made from aluminium, these days stainless steel is more popular, however stainless steel is not as effective a conductor of heat, and so even these have a layer of aluminium sandwiched in the base to assist the heat transfer.

Oil and Gas Exploration Increase is Great News for Noble Alloy Suppliers

Posted in The World Of Metal on 4th February 2011

Molybdenum, vanadium, nickel and chromium are all used in the production of pipeline steels and drill rig castings increasing their corrosion, heat and wear resistant properties. Prices for these metals and their alloys have been increasing in line with demand over the past few months.

Sheffield Cutlery - The Cutting Edge

Posted in Reflections on 1st February 2011

Also know as The Steel City, Sheffield became well-known for its production of steel and was the centre of the cutlery trade.

World's Biggest Aluminium Suppliers Producing 1.8 Million Tons Per Year

Posted in Industry News on 19th January 2011

Aluminium is all around us and is essential to our daily lives, and its versatility means it is used in many products. Aluminium suppliers, including William Rowland Ltd, provide a variety of forms and specifications.