Metal fabrication is a significant component of today’s manufacturing processes. Sheet metal fabricators utilize various metals to design and produce a variety of valuable parts and products. These range from small bolts and cogs to large perforated metal panels. When producing a workpiece, fabricators look to specifications and other factors before selecting the right material for the product.
The Importance of Sheet Material Selection
Choosing the material can and does have a major effect on various aspects of fabrication. It is a critical component as it does influence a wide variety of the entire process including:
* Design integrity
* Product/part effectiveness
* Cost-effectiveness
* Equipment choice
* Technique selection
Failure to take into account how the choice of metal will shape these factors can result in the inability of the fabricator to deliver a high quality, durable, use-appropriate part.
Sheet Material for Sheet Metal Fabricators
Sheet metal fabricators have the option to work with a variety of metals. Some fabrication shops restrict their material choice to one or two specific metals. Others utilize as many different metals as possible. The same applies to techniques. Some fabricators restrict themselves to specific processes e.g. powder coatings, electroplating, welding, punching; others incorporate a variety of services but may specialize in one. These characteristics come together to provide options for manufacturing concerns.
Sheet metal comes in different gauges (thicknesses) and shapes. The metals from fabricators and producers most commonly prefer are:
1. Aluminum Sheet: Chosen for its lightness, ductility and high corrosion resistance
2. Iron Sheet: Black iron has a fine oxide coating
3. Galvanized Sheet Metal: A soft metal, this steel features a zinc coating for further protection
4. Stainless Steel Sheet: With excellent anti-corrosion capabilities, stainless steel is also easy to cut, bend and weld
Stainless steel and aluminum remain the most common material for sheet metal fabricators, however some do use such precious metals as gold and silver as well as copper and magnesium.
