Unlocking Performance: How Metal Grades Drive Innovation Across Industries

At A. M. Castle & Co., we believe that the right metal grade is the foundation of progress. For over 130 years, our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer success has positioned us as a global leader in specialty metals and supply chain solutions. Whether you’re building the next generation of aircraft, manufacturing life-saving medical devices, or powering industrial machinery, our extensive inventory and expertise ensure you get the materials engineered for your application. 

What Are Metal Grades and Why Do They Matter? 
Metal grades refer to the specific composition and properties of a metal, dictating its strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, and suitability for demanding environments. At A. M. Castle & Co., we supply a comprehensive range of grades, including: 

• Carbon Steel: Versatile and strong, ideal for industrial manufacturing and heavy equipment. 

• Alloy Steel: Engineered for enhanced toughness and wear resistance, perfect for gears and mining applications. 

• Stainless Steel: Renowned for corrosion resistance, used in medical, food processing, and marine sectors. 

• Nickel Alloys: Built for extreme environments, essential in power generation and chemical processing. 

• Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, powering aerospace, automotive, and construction innovation. 

• Titanium: Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and biocompatibility, trusted in aerospace and medical implants. 

Value-Added Services: Beyond Raw Materials 
Our expertise goes beyond distribution. We offer precision cutting, machining, grinding, heat treating, and non-destructive testing, ensuring every product meets exacting standards. Our advanced processing capabilities—such as bar processing, near-net shape machining, and ultrasonic testing—help customers reduce waste, improve throughput, and achieve tighter tolerances. 

Sectors Served: Aerospace, Industrial, Medical 
A. M. Castle & Co. is organized across three core verticals: 

• Aerospace: Our aerospace division, Castle Metals Aerospace and Supra Alloys supply certified grades like 2024, 7075, and titanium alloys for airframes, hydraulic systems, and critical components. Our ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications guarantee material integrity for flight safety. 

• Industrial: Our industrial brands, Banner Commercial, Banner P&M, Castle Metals Industrial and NKS partner with OEMs in automotive, mining, construction, and heavy machinery with carbon steel, alloy steel, and aluminum. Our just-in-time delivery and inventory management keep production lines moving. 

• Medical: Our medical brands, Banner Medical and Edge Internation, deliver medical-grade stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt alloys for surgical instruments, implants, and robotics. Our materials meet ISO 13485 standards for patient safety and innovation. 

Applications: Where Our Metals Make a Difference 
From precision medical scalpels to large-scale aircraft fabrication, our metals are engineered to perform. Recent innovations include titanium bars for marine and clean-tech, nickel alloys for heat exchangers, and aluminum plate for maritime and manufacturing sectors. 

Choosing the right metal grade is critical to your project’s success. At A. M. Castle & Co., our legacy of excellence, global reach, and value-added services make us the trusted partner for manufacturers worldwide. Request a quote today and discover how our metals can move your business forward.