Semi-finished materials such as sheet, wire and tubing have a variety of properties. The alloy itself also strongly influences parameters such as hardness, density, strength, elongation, etc. This is well known by technicians and goldsmiths. But certain other parameters such as material form, flatness, straightness, surface quality, thickness tolerance, roundness, length and width are not so well known. Buyers and specifiers are often unaware what suppliers are able to offer and thus what standards are realistic expectations when placing orders. This can lead to delivery/quality problems for both customer and supplier, a scenario that depicts the importance of understanding semi-finished products.

Author: Klaus Wiesner