Selecting the right metal fabrication materials is crucial for ensuring durability, cost-effectiveness, and peak performance in your finished products. At Metal Fabrication Professionals, we work with a variety of materials to meet different needs.
Two of the most common materials we handle in our Louisville metal fabrication shop are mild steel and stainless steel. Each has unique properties that make it ideal for specific projects. Let’s dive into these distinctions to determine which metal fabrication materials are right for your next project.
Mild Steel: A Versatile Choice for General Fabrication
Mild steel serves as a go-to, catch-all material for many general fabrication needs. Due to its desirable properties, A36 mild steel is one of the most commonly requested and widely used materials in our metal fabrication shop.
Properties and Benefits of Mild Steel
- Excellent machinability and weldability: A36 is considered to be a low-carbon steel, a category of materials that have less than 0.3% carbon by weight. Its low carbon content means this material can be easily formed, machined, and welded.
- Heat resistance: In addition to its machinability, low carbon steels like A36 mild steel maintain structural integrity even when exposed to moderate temperatures.
- Cost-effectiveness: Mild steel is one of the most budget-friendly options available for our welding and fabrication services.
- Wide availability: At MFP, we stock mild steel from 22 gauge up to 3 ½” in thickness.
Considerations for Mild Steel Fabrication
One downside of low-carbon materials like A36 mild steel is that it will rust when left untreated. To combat this, we offer several metal finishing options:
- Metal blasting and painting, a common solution to prevent rust and enhance aesthetics
- Galvanization or clear sealers, which add an extra layer of corrosion resistance
- Powder coating, handled by our trusted vendors to ensure the highest quality finish
Overall, mild steel is an excellent choice for applications where cost-effectiveness and easy fabrication are priorities. However, if the part’s end application requires corrosion resistance, stainless steel may be a better option.
Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance and Durability
For applications requiring durability and resistance to corrosion, stainless steel is an excellent choice. At MFP, we stock large quantities of 304L and 316L stainless steel, ranging from 16 gauge to ¾” in thickness.
Why Choose Stainless Steel?
- High heat resistance: Even standard grades of stainless steel can withstand higher temperatures than mild steel, making them suitable for parts that are exposed to heat.
- Aesthetic and finishing options: Stainless steel can be polished to a mirror finish, bead blasted for uniformity, or selectively ground to meet specific design needs.
- Superior corrosion resistance: Stainless steel contains chromium. When exposed to oxygen, chromium forms a thin, invisible layer of chromium oxide on the surface of the metal, which acts as a protective barrier against moisture and other corrosive elements. Unlike mild steel, which can rust when exposed to moisture and air, stainless steel’s chromium oxide layer self-repairs if damaged, making this material ideal for applications in harsh environments.
Ideal Applications for Stainless Steel
- Food-grade equipment: Due to its easy-to-clean properties, stainless steel is commonly used in the food and beverage industry.
- Outdoor use: The material’s corrosion resistance makes it ideal for outdoor applications, where it may be exposed to the elements.
Considerations for Stainless Steel Fabrication
When fabricating stainless steel, it’s important to use the right cutting process. MFP’s laser cutting services provide precise cuts without excessive heat input, which helps maintain the material’s integrity. Plasma cutting, on the other hand, is not ideal for thicker stainless steel due to its high-heat process.
How Our On-Hand Inventory Benefits You
At MFP, we prioritize efficiency by maintaining a large on-hand steel inventory. This benefits our customers in several ways:
- Shorter lead times: With no need to wait for material orders, we can begin producing parts immediately. We even offer expedited lead times on steel parts.
- Consistent availability: Our inventory includes common and specialty materials, ensuring we can meet a wide range of fabrication needs.
- Material expertise: Our team has extensive experience working with various steel grades, guaranteeing the best possible results every time.
Partner with a Trusted Metal Fabrication Shop
No matter your choice of metal fabrication materials, Metal Fabrication Professionals has the expertise and resources to deliver top-notch results. Our Kentucky metal fabrication facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, so we can handle projects of all sizes.
Need expert guidance on choosing the right metal fabrication materials? Contact us today to discuss your needs!