Do you have questions about custom metal fabrication? We may be able to help answer them at P&D Metal Works. We specialize in custom metal fabrication, laser cutting and laser forming for commercial, industrial and residential projects. Potential customers want to know – what types of metals are used in custom metal fabrication – and we are happy to help.
Most Common Types of Metal Used in Metal Fabrication
Custom metal fabrication is a specialized industry that has an impact on a wide range of economies and industries. Here at P&D Metal Works we create custom metal products and parts for companies AND we are capable of producing metal products on a larger scale as needed. With custom metal fabrication, the processes, specifications and products rely a lot on the type of metal that is used.
The type of metal used will have an impact on how much stress it can endure and what it is used for. There are four common types of metal used in metal fabrication – carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel and copper. Here is a better look at each type of metal used in custom metal fabrication.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is the most common type of steel used in custom metal fabrication in the industrial sector. Carbon steel is ideal for industrial applications because it is easy to work with and you can apply finishes to the steel that make it more resistant to stress in industrial settings. There are four types of carbon steel – high-carbon, mid-carbon, low-carbon and plain-carbon. Carbon steel with carbon content in between 0.16% and 0.29% can be bent, rolled, welded and formed easily – but is susceptible to corrosion and is typically galvanized.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another type of metal that is common in a variety of industries and gets its name due to its resistance to rust and corrosion. Chromium is a key element of stainless steel and typically makes up more than 10.5% of the stainless steel. Stainless steel is another type of metal that is easy to customize and can be bent and welded. Applications for stainless steel include tanks, hoppers, storage containers and more in industries like food processing that require corrosion-resistant properties. When compared to carbon steel, stainless steel is 30% to 60% more expensive in most cases.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal that is a popular option for fabrication in a variety of industries and may be a great alternative to stainless steel. Aluminum is used for a variety of applications that include aerospace, automotive, industrial and military. Aluminum is often used in the fabrication of ladders and platforms for industrial and residential use.
Copper
Did you know that copper is one of the oldest metals to be used by humans? Man has been fabricating tools and products from copper for more than 10,000 years. Copper is a natural occurring metal in the Earth that is soft, easy to manipulate and is used in a lot of residential applications. Copper is most often used for decorative metal work.
READ MORE: What Is the Process to Design and Fabricate Custom Metal Pieces?
If you are interested in custom metal work, you may ask – what types of metals are used in custom metal fabrication? We have the answers here at P&D Metal Works. Contact P&D Metal Works today to learn more about where to order custom metal work in Wisconsin!
