“Pacific Iron” refers to businesses specializing in the metal industry. These companies process and supply metal products, transforming discarded metals into raw materials and fabricating new steel components. They support resource management and infrastructure development.
Scrap Metal Recycling
Scrap metal recycling converts discarded metal items into valuable raw materials. The process begins with collecting scrap metals from sources like construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and households. These materials are then transported to recycling facilities for sorting.
At the facility, scrap metals are separated into ferrous and non-ferrous categories. Ferrous metals, which contain iron and are magnetic, are separated using large electromagnets. Non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum, copper, and brass, do not contain iron and are sorted manually or with advanced sensor-based systems.
After sorting, larger pieces of scrap metal are processed through shredders or hammer mills, breaking them into smaller, more manageable chunks. This size reduction makes the metal easier to handle and transport, and helps separate non-metallic components like plastics or rubber. The shredded metal is then cleaned to remove contaminants such as dirt, oil, or paint, ensuring the purity of the recycled material.
The cleaned scrap metal is melted in furnaces at high temperatures, often exceeding 1,500°C (2,732°F). During this melting phase, impurities are removed through techniques like oxidation or chemical treatments. The purified molten metal is cast into ingots or other shapes, ready to be sold to manufacturers for producing new products across industries like automotive, construction, and electronics. This recycling process reduces energy consumption, conserves natural resources, and minimizes landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing new metals from raw ore.
Steel Fabrication and Reinforcing Services
Steel fabrication transforms raw steel into custom components or structures through various techniques. This involves cutting, bending, welding, and assembling steel to create products like frames, platforms, ladders, and other structural elements. Modern fabrication utilizes advanced technologies such as laser cutting, plasma cutting, and waterjet cutting for precise cuts, followed by bending with press brakes to achieve specific shapes without compromising the steel’s integrity.
The assembly phase involves welding, where different steel sections are joined using techniques like MIG (Metal Inert Gas) or TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, along with bolts and rivets. This process ensures the creation of strong, durable, and reliable components used across various industries, including construction, energy, agriculture, and automotive. Structural steel fabrication is applied in projects such as industrial and residential buildings, parking garages, and bridges, providing the necessary strength and durability for these large structures.
Reinforcing Services
Reinforcing services involve installing rebar, or reinforcing bars, into concrete structures to enhance their tensile strength and prevent cracking. Concrete is strong under compression but weak under tension, and rebar, typically made of steel, compensates for this weakness. Rebar surfaces feature ribs or indentations to promote a strong bond with the concrete, reducing the risk of slippage once the concrete sets.
The installation process begins with planning and design by structural engineers, who determine rebar placement based on anticipated loads and stresses. Steel bars are cut to specific lengths and bent into required shapes before being positioned within the concrete formwork. Rebar chairs or spacers elevate the bars, ensuring they are embedded within the concrete pour. Once rebar is tied in place, concrete is poured, encasing the steel bars and creating a durable structure.