Deciding whether thermoplastic or metallic materials are the best choice for your components is dependent on many elements, which include however, not just the intended use of the components; the method by which they are made in relation to your budget, and whether the appearance of the material is a consideration. Our experts work with plastics and metals, however to aid you in making a decision In this article we’ll examine custom metal fabrication benefits and disadvantages.
Why do we work with metals?
There are a variety of advantages and disadvantages to be considered in working with the metals. The primary thing to consider is that the production results are contingent on what kind of metals are used in the parts.
Every type of metal used for manufacturing is available in various grades. Our clients typically request the following types of metals for their specific fabrication requirements:
Stainless Steel: This is the most popular material for many industries due to its superior corrosion-resistant properties as well as the ability to stand up to prolonged exposure to a range of environmental conditions. Custom steel fabrication is employed in the manufacturing of medical devices and many other fields that require caustic chemicals.
Copper: It is among the softest metals that are more malleable which is why it responds well to stretching and soldering. Copper is also renowned for its electrical conductivity and can be employed to conduct electricity or heat.
Titanium: This metal is extremely durable and is extensively employed by the aerospace sector for design of components for aircrafts and to design structural components.
Aluminum is also light and therefore ideal for aerospace component manufacturing and industries like aerospace. Aluminum is more affordable than titanium, it is easy to weld, and is renowned for its corrosion-resistant qualities in addition.
Inconel It is an ideal metal for extreme environments where temperatures and pressure are in the air due to its corrosion and oxidation-resistant properties. It is typically used in aerospace however, it can be beneficial in other industries that require extreme temperatures like chemical manufacturing.
Benefits of custom metal fabrication
For projects that are long-term or that require a large amount manufacturing, metallics are likely to be a efficient option to make thermoplastics.
Metals are generally resistant to heat and have greater melting points than plastics, and they can keep their structural integrity even at higher temperatures for longer than plastics.
Metals can also be said to be tougher, more durable and longer-lasting than plastics making them ideal for protecting the strength of production lines’ structures.
Metals’ fundamental properties permit more design options than other plastics, which means that there is more scope to alter the structure and shape of the materials to accommodate an array of options. Metal fabrication using tube bending made of stainless steel is a great way to gain multiple advantages, as explained below.
Tube bending fabrication
We make precision tubes with Horn Metric CNC Tube Bender that produces bends that range from 1/4 ” up to 2” in diameter. The utilization the CNC precision tool bender machine lets us significantly reduce time, material and cost for our clients, as well as other advantages, such as:
With a CNC Precision Tool Bending Machine joints, welds and costly fixtures can be removed from an assembly system that is complex.
By removing joints and welds in the system, you will reduce the chance of leaks which can happen in jointed or welded intricate assembly methods. The semiconductor industry specifically, could benefit from building systems that are free of any wall thinning that could be seen in welding systems. By using a precise tube bend to ensure the integrity of materials is ensured.
Precision tube bending can also allow for a smoother surface. The way the system is used engineers may choose the system that appears better visually.
A system with fewer bends can reduce flow restrictions for liquids and chemicals
that could get caught which could get stuck in joints or sharp corners.
The disadvantages of using metal fabrication
While purchasing the metal components themselves might be less costly over the long term than making thermoplastics and buying them, the expense of creating custom metal tooling can be costly and adds to the start-up expenses. Making custom tools also can take time.
Certain metals tend require additional finishing procedures after fabrication, like deburring and painting. This could increase the time to production and overall cost.
Metals also have design limitations when creating complicated systems that require specific shapes, tight radiuses or dimensions of components.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of custom-made metal fabrication?
The benefits of custom-made metal fabrication include metal’s superior resistance to heat and its ability to maintain the structural integrity even at high temperatures. Metals are also known to be more durable, stronger as well as more durable making them more suitable for use in structural applications. Due to their characteristics they are able to be made in a variety of methods than plastics. This gives greater opportunities to alter the design and structure that the material. They also provide a efficient solution to long-term projects, or ones that require a large number of components being fabricated. The disadvantages of custom metal fabrication is the expense of tooling made from metal, which can results in higher initial costs.
What is the term “metal fabrication?
Metal fabrication refers to the process or manufacture of metal, such as stainless steel, starting from its basic form to create something like circular tubing.
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