You’re faced with an essential task: deciding which metal to use for your custom fabrication project. And when it comes to fabrication, you know that there is no substitute for quality materials.
Well, the choices may seem overwhelming at first—from steel and aluminum to more exotic metals—but if you understand the basic properties and applications of each, the decision becomes much easier.
So, don’t get overwhelmed—with some basic knowledge about material properties and what to look for in a fabricator, you can make the right choice for your metal fabrication needs. Keep reading to learn the essentials.
Skip To What You Need To Know
- What Is Custom Fabrication And What Are The Benefits
- What Are The Most Common Materials Used in Custom Fabrications
- How Material Properties Impact Your Custom Fabricated Parts
- How To Choose A Reputable Custom Metal Fabrication Company
- Next Step: Achieving Your Custom Fabrication Goals
What Is Custom Fabrication And What Are The Benefits
Custom fabrication involves cutting, bending, and assembling metal materials to create structures and parts. It offers a wide range of benefits, some of which include:
Strength and Durability
Metal parts are resistant to damage and last a long time. They can withstand high impacts and loads without breaking.
Customization
Metal fabrication allows for a high degree of customization to meet specific needs. Parts can be made in any size, shape or design. This is useful for prototypes or low-volume production runs.
Design Flexibility
There are many metal alloys and grades to choose from, like steel, aluminum, copper or titanium. Each has unique properties suitable for different applications. This allows designers a lot of flexibility.
Weighing the Options:
Custom Metal Fabrication vs. Pre-Made Products
| Feature | Custom Metal Fabrication | Pre-Made Products |
| Strength and Durability | Durable, long-lasting | May not be as strong or durable |
| Customization | Highly customizable | Limited customization |
| Design Flexibility | Wide range of materials and properties | Limited material options |
| Lead Time | Longer lead time | Shorter lead time |
| Quality Control | Close quality monitoring | Quality control may vary |
| Environmental Impact | More environmentally friendly | May have higher environmental impact |
Choosing a metal fabrication company depends on factors like experience, certifications, capabilities, and customer service. The right partner will have expertise in a variety of metal materials and processes to produce high-quality, cost-effective parts and products tailored to your needs.
What Are The Most Common Materials Used in Custom Fabrications
When it comes to custom machine design and fabrication, some materials reign supreme. The most popular options used by metal shops:
Steel
Steel is a versatile, durable metal that’s ideal for industrial equipment and machinery. Its strength and hardness mean it can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions. Steel comes in many alloys, like carbon steel, which is highly malleable, and stainless steel, which resists corrosion.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight alternative to steel that’s often used when weight is a concern. It’s highly conductive and resistant to corrosion, making it good for electrical components and applications where rust is an issue. Aluminum can be machined quickly, keeping costs down.
Copper
Copper also has excellent conductivity, which is why it’s frequently used for wiring, switches, and components in heating/cooling systems. Copper has natural antimicrobial properties, so it’s a hygienic choice for medical equipment and plumbing fixtures. It’s easy to bend and shape, producing beautiful results.
Unique Metals
Steel, aluminum, and copper are the big three, but metal shops may also work with alloys like:
- brass,
- titanium,
- nickel,
- and cobalt chrome
The material used depends on factors like strength, weight, conductivity, corrosion resistance, and how easily it can be machined. Choosing the right metal for your needs requires an in-depth understanding of material properties and how they’ll perform for your intended use.
Working with an experienced custom machine shop is the best way to determine what material will meet your requirements. They can evaluate your needs, specifications and operating conditions to recommend the optimal metal for your equipment or components. Leveraging their materials expertise will ensure you get high-quality, long-lasting results.
How Material Properties Impact Your Custom Fabricated Parts
When selecting materials for your custom metal fabrication project, it’s important to consider how their properties will impact your final product. The physical characteristics of a material determine what it’s best suited for and how it will function.
Strength
The strength of a material refers to how much stress it can withstand before deforming or breaking. Stronger metals like steel are ideal for structural applications or parts that will endure heavy loads or impacts. Weaker metals such as aluminum are better for components where light weight is a priority. For most custom parts, a balance of adequate strength and minimal excess weight is ideal.
Ductility
A material’s ductility refers to how much it can bend or flex before fracturing. Highly ductile metals like copper can be shaped into very complex forms. Less ductile materials are more prone to cracking when bent and are better suited for straight or boxy shapes. Ductility is an important consideration for any part involving bending, curving or forming.
Thermal Properties
The ability of a material to conduct or resist heat impacts its suitability for parts involving temperature extremes or fluctuations. Metals like aluminum, copper and brass are excellent thermal conductors, useful for applications like heat exchangers, radiators or electrical wiring.
Steels and stainless steels can withstand much higher temperatures without deforming, which is important for components exposed to hot gasses or fluids. Thermal properties should be carefully matched to the environment in which the part will operate.
Corrosion Resistance
Some metals are more prone to rusting, oxidizing or other corrosion when exposed to moisture, chemicals or weather. Stainless steels contain chromium and nickel, giving them excellent corrosion resistance for parts exposed to water, chemicals or the elements.
Aluminum also resists corrosion due to a protective oxide layer that forms on its surface. For fabricated parts in harsh, wet or chemically-active environments, corrosion-resistant materials are a must.
With so many metals and alloys available, determining the right material for your custom fabrication needs may seem complex. However, by evaluating factors like strength, ductility, thermal properties and corrosion resistance, you can identify materials suited to your specific applications and operating environments. A knowledgeable fabricator can then help you refine your choice to the optimal material for your project.
How To Choose A Reputable Custom Metal Fabrication Company
Finding a respected metal fabrication company is key to getting the results you want. With so many options out there, it can be hard to determine which shops will deliver. Look for these signs that a company values quality, experience, and customer service.
Relevant Certifications and Quality Standards
Seek out companies with certifications which show a commitment to quality management systems and customer satisfaction. Membership in industry organizations is also a good sign, as it indicates the shop stays up-to-date with the latest equipment, materials, and best practices.
Industry Experience
Look for companies with experience fabricating parts for your specific industry or application. If a shop has a proven track record of success in your field, they’ll understand the unique needs and standards that apply. They’ll also have the right tools, materials, and expertise for the job.
Skilled Staff
The engineers, designers, and fabricators a company employs have a huge impact on the quality of the final product. Look for shops whose staff have certifications, take part in ongoing training, and have years of experience. Skilled, experienced workers will provide guidance on material selection and part design and accurately translate your specifications into the finished product.
Capacity and Responsiveness
Consider the capacity and capabilities of the shop to ensure they can handle your project. Look for signs they value customer service and responsiveness, like offering quotes and feedback in a timely manner and meeting projected deadlines. The right shop will make you and your needs a priority.
Choosing a metal fabrication company is an important decision that can influence cost, quality, and satisfaction with the end product. Do your due diligence to find a shop committed to excellence that will bring your vision to life. The extra effort will be well worth it when you end up with parts that meet or exceed your expectations.
Next Step: Achieving Your Custom Fabrication Goals
So now you’re equipped with the knowledge about different metal fabrication materials and what to consider when choosing a fabrication company. The key is to determine what properties are most important for your specific project or application. Then find a reputable company that has expertise working with those materials and the equipment to properly cut, bend, weld, or machine them.
With the right fabrication partner and materials selected, you’ll be well on your way to completing a high-quality metal project that lasts. The final step is taking action – request quotes, check references, and get started. Your project will surely be in good hands.
Humfrey Industrial Repairs can make your custom metal fabrication ideas a reality. We’re a custom machining and fabrication shop in Alberta with experienced machinists and welders. Contact us today to learn more.