Fixing Laptop Computers, in a Round-About Way.

Problem Solved
Dec 082009

When a customer contacted Quick Ship Metals customer service staff looking for a solution, he thought it was a “strange request”, but it turns out he is only one of many with this same problem.

Custom cut copper sheet is available in any thickness.

Custom cut copper sheet is available in any thickness.

His email stated, “This may be a strange request but I’m having trouble finding what I need and you seem pretty versatile. Basically, all I need is a square-inch of 12-gauge copper sheet with both surfaces polished (smooth edges would be a nice touch).”

It turns out this individual repairs computers and the HP Laptop Models dv2xxx, dv6xxx, and dv9xxx all have a common design flaw involving the GPU (graphics processing unit), which causes it to overheat and become detached – making the laptop fail completely. These laptops come with a small thermal pad which wears out and doesn’t transfer heat very well. He stated, “It is possible to reflow the solder under the chip, which gets the laptop working again, but it is just a matter of time until it happens again. Replacing the thermal pad with a copper shim as described above greatly improves heat transfer and firmly secures the chip to the logic board which effectively makes the repair permanent.”

Fortunately, a solution was readily available because QSM has been getting numerous requests for this item every day. Copper transfers heat or cold readily, so it didn’t take long for technicians to start calling. Quick Ship Metals can custom fabricate any metal order, large or small, and usually it’s out the door in 24 hours. That’s where the name comes from: Quick Ship Metals!

Log on to the web site for a live chat session to solve your metal needs: quickshipMetals.com

Posted by Frank Ross at 9:28 am Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cleaning Stainless Steel

Simple Solutions
Dec 042009

By Frank Ross

Stainless steel kitchen backsplashLike any material exposed to our environment, stainless steel will need to be cleaned from time to time for aesthetic reasons and to preserve the corrosion resistance of the surface. Accumulated oils, dirt, dust and contaminates can reduce this alloy’s beauty and effectiveness.

Depending on the environment where the stainless steel is installed or used, contaminates will vary greatly as will their impact on appearance, corrosivity and difficulty of cleaning. Most contaminates are easily removed with hot, soapy water. More stubborn contaminates may require specific cleaners for effective removal. A mild non-scratching, abrasive powder, applied with a soft bristle brush, sponge or clean cloth normally remove any offending elements.

Naturally, the finish of the surface will have an impact on the method of cleaning as well as the method of application. Even the finest cleaning powders can scratch or burnish a mill-rolled finish. When cleaning polished finishes always rub or wipe in the direction of the polish lines in the metal’s surface. Where possible, always rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water and wipe dry where streaking occurs.

Ordinary carbon steel brushes or steel wool should never be used when cleaning stainless steel surfaces. They may leave particles embedded on the surface which can lead to rusting. The simplest, safest and least costly method of cleaning is always the best choice; and remember, stainless steel surfaces perform well with frequent cleaning because there is no surface coating to wear off. For more stubborn oils, oxidized fingerprints and grease, the preferred solvent is one that does not contain chlorine, such as acetone, methyl alcohol or mineral spirits.
Household cleaners fall into two categories; detergent (non-abrasive) and abrasive. Both are effective for mild dirt, stain and soil deposits as well as routine removal of light oils such as fingerprints. Abrasive cleaners may produce faster results, but they may also introduce the possibility of scratching the surface. The degree of abrasiveness varies greatly with the many different brands, and they also vary widely with respect to the amount of chloride and acidity they contain. A neutral cleaner, low in chloride is preferred unless the user is certain the surface can be thoroughly rinsed after the cleaning process. A label that states “for stainless steel” is no guarantee the product is not abrasive, not acidic or low in chloride.

As with any cleaner being used for the first time, it is best to do a test spot in an area that is not prominent.

Posted by Frank Ross at 3:24 pm Tagged with: , ,

Wolf Dosch, 3-D Artist Extraordinaire

Copper Curiosities, Metal Art
Dec 042009

By Frank Ross

Dosch used steel, sterling and gold. For four weeks he formed, forged, brazed, oxidized, patinaed and waxed.

Dosch used steel, sterling and gold. For four weeks he formed, forged, brazed, oxidized, patinaed and waxed.

Wolf Dosch is a German-born metal artist who came to this country in 1963. He lives in the oldest city in the nation, St. Augustine, Florida, where he has spent 23 years making jewelry and selling it at shows and galleries up and down the east coast.

In 2006, Dosch decided to stop making jewelry and pursue his dream of becoming a 3-D artist, working in metal, but also incorporating other materials as the muse so inspired. His work is very unusual, spanning the creative horizon from beautiful yet practical pieces for the desktop, to striking wall art that combines shape, color and form into compelling visual art that captures and controls the eye.

This piece of wall art is made of copper, bronze, sterling and gold.

This piece of wall art is made of copper, bronze, sterling and gold.

Dosch utilizes many different metals and techniques, and while his style is readily recognizable from one to another; each has a distinctive flavor. On many you will find he has incorporated stone work, a carry over for his love of jewelry making.

Looking through the many images of his work, it is fascinating to consider that these fine works of three dimensional metal sculpture were once ordinary pieces of flat metal, purchased from quickshipMetals.com. Some say the heart of an artist beats in us all, and the only thing lacking is the courage to take the leap from inspiration to creation.

If you’ve felt that urge to take torch or tool in hand to bend, shape and mold metal into fine art; consider this a gentle push in the right direction. QSM’s customer service staff is friendly, helpful, and has literally tons of potential artwork stacked up and waiting for enthusiastic hands.

View the many photos of Dosch’s work at his web site, expressions-wolfdosch.com.

For all your metal needs, artistic or otherwise, visit quickshipMetals.com.

Posted by Frank Ross at 11:55 am Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Solar Energy, Copper on the Cutting Edge

Copper Curiosities, Simple Solutions
Dec 032009
Solar panel

Solar panels hold great promise for reducing our dependence on fossil fuel.

While there aren’t two experts that agree on what the world’s total fossil fuel reserves might be, one thing they’re sure about is we are definitely using it up!

For some time now, scientists and engineers have been focused on the development of alternative energy, with an emphasis on sources that are renewable, efficient and of course affordable. One of the most promising sources for alternative energy is the sun.

Every two weeks, the sun’s rays falling on the earth delivers the equivalent of the fossil energy stored in all of the earth’s known coal, oil and natural gas reserves! The challenge is harnessing it by developing technologies that dramatically reduce our dependence on non-renewable fossil fuel resources.

From the very beginning, copper has been a key component in efforts to harness solar energy, and continues to be a bright spot of encouragement in the development of these solar renewable energy systems. Back in 1927, a copper-copper oxide metal-semiconductor junction solar cell was first demonstrated, but these early solar cells had very low energy conversion efficiencies. Today, researchers are investigating a copper semiconductor called copper indium selenide, which has demonstrated some success in solar cell applications and shows promise for the future. Another copper compound being investigated is cuprous sulfide.

The single most expensive consumer of electricity in our homes is the hot water heater, so if you can reduce the amount of electricity used in this one area it can be a significant savings. Solar collection systems made with copper, and its alloys brass and bronze are being installed in many parts of the world to provide heat and hot water for homes and businesses. For people living in the Sun Belt, solar heaters can provide up to 91% of a user’s annual hot water requirements. Further away from the equator, in more temperate climates, the percentage drops, but is still a significant portion when you consider the savings of over 40%.

Also, in hot climates, solar water heating systems can also be used to heat swimming pools. Solar panels made of copper are the key component in these energy collection systems. Since copper doesn’t degrade from UV radiation or develop pinholes or flexural stresses that lead to system leakage, copper solar panels often last a lifetime.

Copper’s many positive attributes continue to play an important role in our daily lives, often without our being aware of its importance or presence. You need copper? quickshipMetals.com

Posted by Frank Ross at 12:21 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,
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