Whether it’s your first time to do a project that involves the use of metal or you’ve been working with metals for a long time, proper guidance on material choice is still critical. Using a metal or form that does not suit your needs can spell disaster and put all your hard work to waste. Below is a guide to selecting the right metal for your project.
Choose a Metal Type
There are numerous kinds of metal available on the market. Each has a unique set of characteristics that work well on certain project types. If you narrow down the choices to a handful that most builders and manufacturers use, you’ll get bronze, brass, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. Opt for bronze if you need a material that is harder than copper and has a higher resistance to corrosion. Meanwhile, if it is machinability and prestigious appearance you want, brass is the best bet.
Determine the Right Geometry
Metal supplies come in a variety of geometries and structural shapes. Depending on your need, you can choose among flat bars, C-channels, box/round tubes, and I-beams. Each shape is designed for specific set of purposes, as they provide different kinds of support to a structure. Brass angle bars, for instance, are designed to resist tension, which is why they are perfect for areas that require tensile strength, such as beams and girders.
Learn Their Properties
Different metals have different properties. Some are more ductile and malleable than others, and there are those that have extra beneficial features. Brass, for instance, is extremely workable; meaning it can be bent into almost any shape. It’s no wonder manufacturers prefer this metal for making pipe fittings, gears, bearings, and other small yet crucial machine parts.
Other properties that you need to look at include corrosion resistance, weldability, and tensile strength. All of these can have a huge impact on the quality of the structure you are building, be it a pre-fabricated home or a small storage rack. The structure’s performance and longevity will depend greatly on the combined properties the metal you choose have.
Choose the Best Supplier
It all boils down to where you will get the metal supplies from. Like with any other product, the highest quality metal supplies are most likely provided by a reputable supplier like Rotax Metals. Don’t compromise quality for price if you want your project to succeed.
Source:
Metal Basics: A Beginner’s Intro to Choosing the Right Material, Makezine.com
