Metal fabrication is the process of creating products or structures by manipulating metal either by cutting, bending or assembling it. Make no mistake about it, not all metal fabricators are created equal. The quality and types of metal they use play an important role in metal fabrication. If you’re thinking about starting a custom metal project, read on to learn the different types of metals and how to choose the right metal for your metal fabrication project.
Choosing the right type of metal for metal fabrication
Before you finalize the materials for your manufacturing process, it’s vital to thoroughly evaluate the specific application requirements and potential environmental challenges your product might encounter. Also, you need to consider the material properties like machinability, weldability, and others for optimal performance and longevity.
Steel
Steel, made from iron and other metals, is a go-to material for construction and structural projects. Raw steel is shaped into various tools, parts, or assets for assembly or building through steel fabrication.
The most widely used type of steel for fabrication is low-carbon steel, containing up to 0.3 percent carbon. It’s affordable and boasts a strong balance of tensile strength and ductility, making it ideal for creating supportive beams in building structures.
Aluminum
Aluminum stands out in metal fabrication for its lightweight nature, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. It can undergo casting, melting, forming, machining, and extrusion to create diverse shapes. Moreover, aluminum’s durability enables it to rival steel, stainless steel, polymers, and timber in various applications.
Copper
Copper is vital in metal fabrication due to its unique properties like malleability, ductility, and corrosion resistance. It also boasts antimicrobial qualities and excellent conductivity of electricity and heat.
Key properties of copper for fabrication
- Copper is easily shaped into desired forms
- It can be stretched into various shapes without breaking
- Copper excels in conducting heat and electricity
- Its molecular structure slows down corrosion
Copper finds application in various fabrication processes, including joining, cutting, and finishing. For instance, copper alloys are easier to join than other engineering materials. Additionally, most copper alloys are relatively soft, allowing them to be cut with common hand tools.
Painted Brass
Brass, made from copper and zinc, varies in type based on zinc content. It boasts a shiny, golden appearance and is highly workable and durable, making it ideal for sturdy components and visually appealing products.
Its versatility extends to musical instruments, machine parts, and ornamental castings. With good mechanical and electrical properties even in low temperatures and non-magnetic nature, brass is favored for electrical and electronic equipment.
Steel vs Brass
Steel is generally stronger than brass, especially low-carbon steel, which can withstand more force without breaking. However, brass is harder than some steel types, making it more scratch-resistant.
- Corrosion Resistance: Steel, aluminum, and brass are all pretty sturdy and protect against rust. Stainless steel, in particular, is better against things like oil and certain acids than brass. In harsh marine settings, some types of stainless steel outperform brass.
- Heat Resistance: Stainless steel naturally resists heat, corrosion, and tarnishing and won’t rust easily
Advantages of Steel for Metal Fabrication
- Steel is generally stronger than other metals, offering higher tensile strength and durability in various applications.
- Steel can be more cost-effective than other metal materials, especially in large-scale manufacturing, due to its abundance and lower production costs.
- Steel is a versatile material that can be used in various applications, from structural components to machinery parts.
- Certain types of steel, such as stainless steel, offer excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for harsh environments.
To sum up
Choosing the perfect metal for your project is super important. Think about what you need, how strong it should be, the look that you want to achieve, and how much it’ll cost. By picking the right metal, you can make sure your project is durable, functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Let the professionals at AGF Custom Metal Concepts create your next metal fabrication project. From custom design to installation, we are with you every step of the way to ensure we exceed your expectations. Contact us for a free quote to get started!
