When it comes to metal fabrication projects</span>, choosing the right materials matters. Regardless of your industry or ensuing product, selecting the right metal for the job is the first step of any successful venture.
Steelway Laser Cuttingspan> is your best resource for metal fabrication in Pennsylvania and beyond. With expert laser cutting services that save time and money, Steelway can help you navigate the most difficult fabrication processes and materials with exceptional results time after time.
However, before we get started, it is helpful to understand the different metals used in many manufacturing operations and industries. In addition, the fabrication process may pose challenges or benefits depending on the raw material.
What is Metal Fabrication?
Metal fabrication is a broad term, but it generally refers to creating parts, products, or structures by cutting, bending, welding, and assembling entity/metal”>metal materials. This process is achieved through various tools and techniques. These techniques include laser cutting, engraving, welding, and/or machining until the final part or product is complete.
Choosing the Right Type of Material for Metal Fabrication – Factors to Consider
auto”>Before selecting the sheet metals, you will need for your manufacturing or production processes, you’ll want to consider the different attributes of various metals and how they may enhance or complicate your project.
Here are a few factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best materials for metal fabrication:
Machinery
a-contrast=”auto”>Machinery refers to how easy it is for the /metal”>metal to be cut by a specified machine. Some metals may be more challenging to work with, depending on reflectivity, toughness, thickness, thinness, or other factors. For more challenging tasks, such as stainless steel sheet metal fabrication, an advanced laser cutting machine may be necessary to efficiently complete a production run without errors.
Weldability
uto”>As the name suggests, weldability refers to how easy it is to weld a certain metal to similar metals to craft a finished product. This may not be a concern, but if you are binding together multiple metal parts or pieces, then it is an attribute you’ll want to pay close attention to in your raw entity/metal”>metal materials.
Ductility
a-contrast=”auto”>Ductility refers to a metal’s ability to be manipulated into other shapes without fracturing or breaking. A metal is considered ductile if it can be pressed and altered without developing fractures. Most metals are (malleable or ductile) with the right tools and techniques, such as using a cutting-edge laser cutting machine.
Corrosion resistant
“auto”>If you are creating products that are expected to spend a lifetime outdoors or will be subject to wear and tear, then corrosion resistance is another factor to take into consideration. All metals tend to rust over time. However, some metals las longer than others or can be bolstered with a finishing step like a powder coating application.
Tensile strength
ast=”auto”>Tensile strength refers to the maximum tension or stress entity/metal”>metal can withstand before it becomes severely and permanently damaged. You’ll need to consider tensile strength to ensure the safety and usability of virtually any entity/metal”>metal product, from vehicles to electronics to metaln> buildings and structures.
Cost
Cost is obviously an important factor for any company, and some metals are certainly more cost-effective than others but may be harder to fabricate unless you have advanced technology behind the scenes. This is one of the reasons laser cutting services are renowned for saving costs over time because high-powered laser machines can work with virtually every type of metal, including less expensive varieties.
The Most Common Metal Materials Used in Fabrication
Here is a look at the most popular metals in metal fabrication projects of all sizes, and across all manufacturing sectors.
Steel
Made of carbon and iron, with carbon as the primary alloy material, steel is widely used in the machinery and construction industries. When it comes to metal fabrication, stainless steelpan> is an extremely common material in various projects. However, because stainless steel is tough and challenging to work with, advanced technology like laser cutting is recommended to ensure the best results.
Aluminum
Aluminum is lightweight and durable and is commonly found in home appliances, consumer goods, electrical products, and more. Moreover, aluminum sheet metal fabrication is common for numerous uses. However, /aluminum”>aluminum can be difficult to work with because of its reflectivity and thin or delicate nature. Again, this is where laser technology can make a project easier by easily navigating this tricky raw material.
Copper, brass, and other metals
While aluminum and different varieties of steel are arguably the most common metals found in metal fabricationpan> processes, top- rated metal cutting and fabrication service providers like Steelway ting”>Laser Cuttingn> can also work with less common or more difficult raw materials, such as copper and brass.
Every Metal Fabrication Project Can Be a Success When Steelway Laser Cutting Guides the Way
Regardless of whether you need a small production run of intricate ts”>metal partsan> for electronics or home décor items or need a partner to help with large manufacturing operations, Steelway Laser Cuttingspan> is your best resource.
At Steelway Laser Cutting, we rely on advanced laser cutting machinesn> to power the fabrication process, with cutting-edge technology guiding every step.
<span data-contrast=”auto”>Each project begins with a concrete and detailed design generated with computer-aided design software and continues with computer numerical control (CNC) laser cutters<!–span> to ensure that every cut, engraving or marking is made to exact specifications. The result is that all of your parts and products are fabricated to perfect precision in a fast and efficient process that fits within your budget. </span
Don’t just Google “metal fabrication near me” and hope for the best. Start with an expert service provider that can provide ample guidance and assistance from the ground up. Our expert team can help you choose on the best metals for your distinctive metal fabrication needs.
Reach out to our team at Steelway Laser Cutting today. Learn more about how metal fabrication processes can be easy when you have a team of experts and the best technology possible.
Unlock the potential of your next project with the right materials.
“>Contact us today for expert guidance and start creating with confidence.