Introduction to where shipping containers are made
You may be wondering where are shipping containers made. Here are some facts.
Shipping containers are made of steel, aluminum, fiber-reinforced polymer, and corten steel.
Which is the best choice for you? We’ve outlined the best materials and processes for shipping containers.
Then, we’ll discuss the differences between these materials and what they have to offer.
After you understand what these materials are, you’ll be better equipped to choose the best type of shipping container for your business.
Corten steel
Many custom storage containers are constructed using Corten steel, a material known for its resistance to corrosion. This type of steel can withstand harsh environmental conditions and is, therefore, the material of choice for shipping containers.
Shipping containers made from this material are remarkably durable and can last for decades. Listed below are some of the reasons why corten steel is so popular in shipping containers. Read on to find out more.
*Why it is better than traditional steel
– A high tensile and yield strength: Corden steel is the perfect choice for shipping containers.
Using a shipping container made from this material is more environmentally friendly than using purpose-built storage containers.
Moreover, you can re-use the container for another purpose. Its steel structure is also recyclable, which makes it an ideal material for upcycling and re-using.
Corten steel containers are also much more affordable than purpose-built storage containers.
Steel
Shipping containers are made of steel material, often weathering steel. This type of steel is used to make shipping containers extremely strong.
The containers have reinforced corner castings for twist-lock connections, which enable them to be linked to other shipping containers and anchor points.
These containers are so sturdy, that they can be lifted by crane rigs. Here’s a look at how these containers work. Read on to learn more about steel’s benefits and use in shipping.
Corten steel is a steel alloy that rusts slowly. While steel is notoriously strong, it's also quite vulnerable to corrosion, especially when exposed to the elements.
Luckily, Corten steel is a better material for shipping containers than storage containers. This material will keep the shipping container’s interiors from corroding, making it a great storage option.
Corten steel containers can last for over 20 years before any repairs or replacements are needed.
Aluminum
One of the most common uses for aluminum is in shipping containers. Shipping containers are used to store almost any type of object, from food to clothing. The material is also used in air cargo.
This lightweight material has numerous advantages over other materials for shipping containers. Besides being lightweight, it has a high degree of corrosion resistance and durability, two important characteristics in shipping containers.
The lightweight properties of aluminum also help increase payload capacity and decrease transportation costs.
Aluminum is a natural material that produces a protective oxide cover. It is durable and ductile, allowing it to be formed into any shape without damage.
It is air-tight and water-tight and is non-toxic. It does not emit smells or gases.
Many businesses find that aluminum shipping containers are ideal for storing cosmetic products and other goods. But there are many other advantages to aluminum packaging.
Fiber-reinforced polymer
Despite their lightweight nature, fiber-reinforced polymer shipping containers are highly durable. They can withstand a considerable beating and have a long service life.
Malcolm McLean invented these containers back in 1956. Researchers from the European Commission Joint Research Centre in Ispra, Italy, recently presented their work in an abstract presented at the AAAS meeting in Chicago. They also cite their own findings to support the validity of their work.
The tensile strength of fiber-reinforced polymers has increased by up to 20 percent compared to newly-produced polymers. However, the tensile strength of composite products has been reduced by ten to twenty percent.
These issues may be overcome through the use of carbon dioxide and water vapor during recycling. However, recycling is a difficult process, as the CF used in shipping containers may be incompatible with various chemicals.
Carbon-fibre reinforced polymers can be difficult to dispose of in conventional ways. The high organic carbon content of fiber-reinforced polymers may limit their deposition without prior treatment.
The cost of production makes fiber-reinforced polymers highly attractive for downcycling and use. Some of these plastics are already in use for other applications, such as sports and infrastructure.
However, they are often too fragile for general-purpose use.
Corner castings
There are two types of corner castings in shipping containers. One type is the ISO corner casting, which is located on the end of the container. The other type is found on the door face of the container.
In determining which type of corner casting you need, you must consider the shape and location of the cargo door. The following are some common questions about corner castings.
To find out more, contact Industrial Wheels. They can answer all of your questions and provide you with a quotation. You can also visit some of its locations and other companies in Illinois, California, and New York.
Corner castings are an integral part of the shipping container’s structure. They are structural components that allow for horizontal and vertical connections and are compatible with different connector types.
They are also fully weldable and manufactured in left and right-handed versions, making them easy to install and use. Corner castings are available across Australia and at discount prices in most major cities.
There are four common types of corner castings. Listed below are some examples of how these components work.
Security seals
To prevent tampering with cargo, shipping containers should be equipped with security seals. These seals can be easily tampered with by using different methods.
Counterfeit seals are available, and they contain the same identification. Criminals can break a shipping container’s original seal and replace it with a copy. However, it’s not impossible to cut security seals.
This article will discuss some common methods of tampering, as well as how to avoid them.
One common method is cutting the rivet at the door hasp, which can open the container without disturbing the seal. However, some shipping containers are equipped with locking bars. These bars and cables require two cuts to breach them.
Furthermore, they provide additional evidence to prove that tampering has occurred. This method is not always effective.
In cases where an unauthorized person manages to break the seal, it’s best to implement security practices that can prevent unauthorized entry into a container.
Another method is installing a security seal on the shipping container. These security seals are attached to the container and contain a barcode or unique number. They are applied by terminal staff, who may then decide to embargo the container or inspect the cargo inside.
These extra measures will require additional costs and will be passed on to the client or shipping agent. They may also be useful in cases of theft. So what should you do if you suspect your shipment of goods has been stolen?
Flexi-bags
Flexi-bags are a type of bulk liquid container that can be filled with liquid, air, or a combination of both.
Flexibags are made from custom-formulated, blended polyethylene and have been approved by stringent international and US government bodies. This makes them a safe and effective packaging medium for liquids.
In addition, they are also an environmentally friendly packaging medium. They are one-use and provide a dynamic solution for bulk liquid transport.
When using Flexi-bags, the container must be less than 5 years old and carry a valid CSC plate. The Flexi-bags must be fitted according to the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions.
A visual inspection of the container must be conducted to ensure its structural integrity, is free of cracks or other markings, and has two operational locking bars on each door.
Ensure that a qualified operator places the Flexi-bag in the correct position in the shipping container.
Typical practices for using Flexi-bags in shipping containers involve attaching a warning label to the container door panel. This label instructs the shipper not to open the left-hand door until the entire liquid is discharged.
The container door will also be protected by a bulkhead and a sturdy frame. Flexi-bags should be fully loaded when using securing bands. Otherwise, the flexible bags could exert pressure on the lashing eyes of the container.
Twist locks
There are two different types of twist locks used on shipping containers. The first type is called the horizontal twist lock. It can be inserted the right way up or wrong.
The latter type is the most popular option because it allows for tilt tray delivery. Its unique design prevents it from being accidentally lowered or raised.
Another type is the weldable twist lock. These twist locks can be welded directly into the shipping container and are perfect for connecting it to other structures. Both types are compatible with most standard shipping containers.
Unlike the former, these shipping container locks are designed to keep the units in place. A special rod is used to unlock them. The twist locks are commonly used on cargo ships. These ships are equipped with cargo holding cells.
These cells are made up of long, metal rails that hold units in place. As they travel across the ocean, they become heavily worn. That is why it’s important to buy replacement parts for your shipping containers.