While the use of lead may be decreasing over time as new materials become more cost effective and safer to use, there is still a demand for lead as shielding for radioactivity, in plumbing and roofing, as well as in ballast and counterweight production.
When powder coated or painted, lead can be extremely safe to use, and its density, structure, and workability with makes it critical in many industries. For many types of applications, including creating custom ballasts, lead casting operations, and in the manufacturing of ammunition, lead bar is an ideal option.
Finding lead bar suppliers in the United States is becoming increasingly difficult. This has created a market for imported lead bar and other lead products, but there are significant quality control issues and purity concerns with this type of supply. Choosing a top American company completing their own manufacturer services for lead in any form will always ensure the purity required.
Tips For Finding US Based Suppliers
There are still well-known, industry-leading lead bar suppliers located in the United States. These companies have multiple locations across the country, which is a benefit to buyers as orders can be shipped from the nearest warehouse, decreasing the freight costs on orders.
When reviewing the US-based lead bar suppliers, always consider the on-hand inventory they offer and the ability to create custom alloys if required. This involves a slightly longer turnaround time for orders, but for most orders, this is extremely short, particularly with the nationally recognized companies.
While a company may originally start searching for a supplier for lead bars, if other types of lead are used, it is a good idea to combine all orders with one supplier. The larger the company, the more capable they are in supplying bars, ingots, casting and even extruded lead parts and components made to your specifications.