Fabrication shops provide a wide variety of components for an even wider assortment of industries. They offer both custom and standard products for delivery. It depends upon the specifications of the project. For these parts, metal fabrication shops have the choice of any of several metals. In Cleveland, custom fabrication companies utilize specific metals to achieve designated and exacting goals.
Common Metal Choice
Custom fabrication relies on several factors before selecting a metal. Of particular importance are the function of the component and the environment in which it is to operate. The selected metal or metals must be compatible with these two aspects. Common metals for metal fabrication are:
- Aluminum: It is lightweight, durability and versatile combines with good electrical and thermal conductivity for automotive, aeronautic and refrigeration components
- Brass: Combining zinc and copper, it can be used for musical instruments, nuts and bolts, and pipe fittings
- Bronze: Stronger than copper and heavier than steel, it has a low melting point making it good for producing armor, coins, cookware, turbines, and weaponry
- Copper: This metal is ductile, tough, and an excellent conductor of electricity. It is also corrosion-resistant making it ideal for applications in marine or damp environments.
- Gold: Costly but admired for its malleability, appearance, and conductivity of both heat and electricity
- Magnesium: Light with a low density it provides stiffness to aircraft housings and automotive components.
- Stainless Steel: This metal alloy is highly anti-corrosive, with a pleasing appearance making it ideal for both surgical instruments and cabinet fittings
- Steel: This tough, durable metal is commonplace in many applications, including construction, industrial, and weapons.
Metal Choice and Custom Metal Fabrication
In Cleveland, fabricators know the part must be engineered to suit its application. The metal employed in both custom and standard metal fabrication must reflect its usage and the environment. It can be exotic or common. The choice must always rely on the compatibility of the metal with its purpose.
