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Metal fabrication is an intricate process that requires a deep understanding of the procedures involved and the types of metal appropriate for every undertaking. With countless types of metals, knowing which one is right for your project can be challenging.
Learn more about metal fabrication, the importance of choosing the right kind of metal, common types used in metal fabrication, and selecting the perfect metal for your fabrication needs.
Understanding Metal Fabrication
Metal fabrication is the process of transforming metal into end products by cutting, bending, welding, machining, and assembling components. The type of metal fabrication process used depends on the type of metal, desired end product, production volume, production rate, and cost.
Common metal fabrication processes include:
- Cutting – Using saws, shears, laser, or waterjet to cut metal into shapes
- Forming – Bending or shaping metal using brake presses, rolls, or hammers
- Machining – Removing material using lathes, mills, drills, etc. to achieve precise dimensions
- Joining – Welding, brazing, soldering, riveting, or fastening metal components together
- Finishing – Polishing, blasting, cleaning, coating, and painting to achieve desired surface properties
Metal fabrication aims to produce metal components and products like building facades, bridges, automobile parts, ship hulls, storage tanks, and more.
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals, primarily composed of iron and carbon with varying proportions of other elements, exhibit magnetic properties. They are widely utilized in metal fabrication for their strength, durability, and malleability, making them essential for constructing structures, machinery, and various industrial applications. These include:
- Carbon Steel – The most widely used ferrous metal, carbon steel contains varying amounts of carbon (up to 2.1%) and is known for its strength and versatility.
- Alloy Steel – Combining iron with other elements such as manganese, chromium, or nickel, alloy steels are engineered to exhibit specific properties like increased hardness, toughness, or corrosion resistance.
- Stainless Steel – Alloyed with 10-20% chromium and often nickel, stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and has excellent mechanical properties, making it suitable for various applications.
- Tool Steel – Designed for tool manufacturing, tool steels are high-carbon and alloy steels known for their hardness, abrasion resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for cutting and shaping tools.
- Cast Iron – Known for its excellent castability, cast iron is a strong and brittle alloy with a high carbon content, commonly used in construction and automotive applications. It is classified into gray, white, malleable, and ductile cast iron types and is widely used for pipes, valves, pumps, motors, and machinery parts.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum, copper, and brass, are characterized by their absence of iron and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for various applications in metal fabrication, including lightweight structural components, electrical wiring, and decorative elements.
- Aluminum – Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly conductive. It is one of the most commonly used metals in fabrication due to its versatility and low cost. Aluminum is used in everything, from aircraft parts to cookware.
- Copper – Copper has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. It is commonly used in electrical wiring as well as heat exchangers. Copper develops a patina as it oxidizes, which provides some corrosion resistance.
- Brass – Comprising copper and tin, bronze is admired for its strength and corrosion resistance.
- Zinc – Zinc has a very low corrosion rate and is used to galvanize steel. This process involves applying a thin zinc coating to steel to prevent rusting.
Special Types of Metals
- Titanium – Titanium has an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio. It is as strong as steel but much less dense. Titanium is corrosion-resistant and is used in aircraft, spacecraft, medical implants, and sports equipment.
- Nickel –Nickel alloys are highly corrosion-resistant. Nickel is often alloyed with chromium and other metals to make stainless steel. Nickel alloys retain strength at high temperatures, making them useful in turbochargers and heat exchangers.
- Tungsten – Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals. It also has high density and strength. These properties make it useful for high-temperature applications, like light bulb filaments and rocket nozzles.
Do you need help understanding which metal works best for your needs? Connect with Rainville-Carlson today.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Type of Metal for Fabrication
When designing a metal fabrication project, selecting the optimal metal material is crucial for meeting performance, durability, appearance, and cost requirements.
Key factors to consider when selecting a metal include:
- Strength – The strength of the metal impacts how it will perform under load. High-strength metals like steel alloys are used when structural integrity is critical.
- Malleability – Malleable metals like aluminum and copper can be formed into complex shapes by bending, stamping, and drawing.
- Corrosion Resistance – Metals like stainless steel and titanium that resist corrosion are used in applications exposed to weather, water, and chemicals.
- Cost – The cost of metal fabrication can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of your project. For example, More expensive metals like stainless steel and aluminum are naturally more costly than steel.
Key Takeaways
- Metal fabrication involves various processes like cutting, forming, machining, joining, and finishing to transform metals, with the choice depending on factors like metal type and project requirements.
- Common ferrous metals, including carbon and stainless steel, offer strength and durability, while non-ferrous metals like Aluminum and Copper provide corrosion resistance in fabrication.
- When selecting a metal for fabrication, factors such as strength, malleability, corrosion resistance, and cost must be considered to meet performance, durability, and budgetary requirements.
Choose Rainville-Carlson for Your Custom Metal Fabrication Solutions
Secure quick and affordable custom metal fabrication services with Rainville-Carlson! We specialize in creating personalized sheet metal products according to your specific requirements, ensuring top-notch quality and fast turnaround times every time.
From and machining to fabrication and more, Rainville-Carlson is a one-stop shop for all your metal fabrication needs. .
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