The decision of whether thermoplastic or metal materials are the best choice for your components is dependent on a myriad of elements, which include but not only: the intended use of the components; the method by which they are made as well as your budget and whether the appearance of the material is an important factor. Our technicians are skilled in plastics and metals. However, to aid you in making a decision In this article we’ll discuss custom metal fabrication benefits and disadvantages.
Why do we work with metals?
There are many advantages and disadvantages to be considered while working with metallics. The primary thing to consider is that the production results are contingent on what kind of metals are used in the component.
Each type of manufacturing metal is available in various grades. Our customers typically ask for the following types of metals for their specific fabrication requirements:
Stainless Steel: This is the most popular material for an array of industries due to its excellent corrosion-resistant properties and its capability to endure long-term exposure to a wide range of conditions. Custom steel fabrication is employed for medical device manufacturing as well as various other industries that require caustic chemicals.
Copper: It is among the softest metals that are more malleable and thus is a good candidate for the bending and soldering processes. 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 widely utilized for aerospace applications for creation of components for aircrafts, as well as to design structural components.
Aluminum is also light which makes it an ideal material for the construction of aircraft components and in industries like aerospace. Aluminum is more affordable than titanium, it is easy to weld, and is renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance in addition.
Inconel It is an ideal metal for environments in which extreme temperature and pressure are both in the air due to its corrosion and oxidation-resistant properties. It is typically employed in aerospace applications but it is also beneficial in other industries, too, that require extreme temperatures for example, chemical manufacturing.
The advantages of custom fabrication of metal
For long-term projects or tasks which require lots manufacturing, metallics are likely to be the most economical option for constructing thermoplastics.
Metals are typically heat-resistant and have greater melting points than most plastics and are able to keep their structural integrity even at extreme temperatures for longer than plastics.
Metals can also be said to be tougher, more durable as well as more reliable than plastics making them ideal for keeping the strength of production lines’ structures.
Metals’ fundamental properties permit more design options than plastics. This means that there is more scope to alter the structure and shape of the materials to accommodate the various options. The fabrication of 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 the Horn Metric CNC Tube Bender which can produce bends from 1/4 ” up to 2” in diameter. The utilization with this CNC precision tool bender can significantly reduce time, materials , and costs for our customers , and also provide other advantages, such as:
With a CNC Precision Tool Bending Machine joints, welding joints and costly fixtures are eliminated from an assembly system that is complex.
In removing joints and welding in the system, you will reduce the possibility of leaks that can occur in jointed or welded complicated assembly system. The semiconductor industry specifically, could benefit from the construction of systems that do not suffer walls thinning, which could be seen in the welded system. By bending tubes with precision to ensure the integrity of materials is preserved.
Precision tube bending allows for a smoother appearance. Based on the way in which the system is implemented engineers may choose an option that is more appealing visually.
A system with fewer bends will reduce the flow restrictions of liquids and chemicals
that could get caught which could get stuck in joints or sharp corners.
The disadvantages of using metal fabrication
Although buying metal materials could be cheaper 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 metallic materials are likely require additional finishing procedures after fabrication, like deburring and painting, which could increase the time to production and overall cost.
Metals can also be a challenge to design when designing complicated systems that require special shapes, precise radii or the dimensions of components.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of custom-made metal fabrication?
The benefits of custom-made metal fabrication is that it has a high temperature resistance, and the ability to keep the integrity of its structure even in extreme temperatures. Metals are also known to be tougher, more robust and longer-lasting than other plastics which makes them ideal for use in structural applications. Due to their characteristics they are able to be manufactured in more techniques than plastics. That means greater opportunities to alter the form and shape that the material. They also provide a economical solution for long-term projects or those that require a large quantity of components to be 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 is the process of processing or manufacture of metal, such as stainless steel, starting from its basic form into things like circular tubing.
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