Most Common Metals Used in Fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication is a complex process of cutting, shaping, and assembling metal to create a product. Aluminum and steel are two of the most common metals used in fabrication. The process of fabricating custom sheet metal products combines methods and techniques of the past with the continually improving technologies of the present.
The results? Quality, cutting-edge products that improve and affect business and life around the globe. The custom metal products fabricated at Midwest Metal Products are important as they benefit industries including aviation, electronics, and medical equipment. From airplanes carrying important supplies to medical equipment that helps scientific discovery, precision, and quality are crucial.
Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication at Midwest Metal Products involves a variety of techniques and specialties that support different metals and industries.
In-House Fabrication Capabilities
Welding
Turret/Laser
Press Brakes
Hardware Insertion
Painting & Finishing
Silk-Screening
Midwest Metal works with both steel and aluminum to create quality, custom metal products.
Aluminum Fabrication
A large number of custom sheet metal fabrication from Midwest Metal Products utilize aluminum. Aluminum is a popular material in metal fabrication processes because it is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. It is a highly malleable metal, which means it is highly adaptable to shaping and extension.
This metal is commonly used in the aviation and performance automobile industry because of its lightweight, but durable characteristics.
Steel and Stainless Steel Fabrication
Steel and stainless steel fabrication is the process of creating a product by cutting, bending, and shaping steel alloy. The Steel alloy is a combination of elements added together consisting of mainly iron, but also other metals including nickel, silicon, boron, and others.
At Midwest Metal Products, high-speed EML turret and laser technology produce extremely smooth and accurate cuts during steel fabrication. With this technology, cutting capabilities are almost unlimited.
Stainless steel products have a higher level of stain, corrosion, and rust resistance than ordinary steel. Stainless steel is commonly used to make medical and surgical instruments, as well as in the aviation and electronics industries. Steel is commonly used in architecture to create beams and frames.
Aluminum vs. Steel
Both are quality metals, however, steel and aluminum differ in many ways, and are used for different reasons.
Cost– The price of all metals constantly fluctuates based on supply and demand across the globe. In general, steel costs less than aluminum.
Strength and Malleability– Aluminum is often used in many different industries because of its malleability and elasticity. Aluminum is much more malleable than steel, meaning it is more easily bent and shaped. Steel, although more difficult to shape, is extremely stronger and harder than aluminum.
Corrosion– A very important quality of aluminum involves its resistance to rust and corrosion. Steel must be painted or coated to prevent rust and corrosion. For more than fifty years, Midwest Metal Products has specialized in powder coating, wet painting, and metal finishing of any custom metal fabrication project.
Midwest Metal Products is constantly developing new methods to improve metal fabrication techniques. Fifty years of precision metal fabrication services prove our commitment to providing customers around the globe with superior products at fair prices. To learn more about our products and services at Midwest Metal Products, visit us online, or call us at (800) 394-6474.