Material Considerations for Sheet Metal Components at KMK
Sheet metal components are a large part of what we do at KMK! We work with several different materials, creating a variety of parts from mild steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, depending on what each customer needs. Today, we’re going to take a look at each of these materials and what applications best suit them.
Mild/Low Carbon Steel
This type of steel is the most common material found in sheet metal components. Though not as strong or durable as, say, stainless steel or aluminum, low carbon steel is easy to shape, relatively inexpensive, and extremely versatile. Mild steel components can be found in structural, functional, and even aesthetic applications where cost is the most important factor for a project.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is always a popular choice for sheet metal components. This metal is naturally corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, making it excellent for indoor and outdoor applications. Stainless steel is more difficult to fabricate compared to other metals, as it has more ‘spring-back’ than other sheet metals when it’s being formed. However, this metal is one of the best in terms of durability against corrosion, chemicals, abrasion, and everyday wear and tear, making this metal a great choice for structural and functional components, especially in the food service industries.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel involves bonding a layer of zinc to steel in order to boost its corrosion resistance. This makes for a more cost-efficient option for corrosion resistance than stainless steel, though joints or cuts in the metal will somewhat compromise the zinc layer. The galvanized layer doesn’t interfere with the steel’s physical properties, so it retains its strength, making it popular in structural applications where keeping costs low is important. KMK has the ability to galvanize steel parts and weldments after fabrication is complete on customer request.
Aluminum
Aluminum is valued for its good strength-to-weight ratio, being lighter than steel though not as comparable in strength. Still, it is strong enough for certain structural applications where weight reduction is crucial, and Aluminum offers significantly high durability and corrosion resistance. Though more expensive than carbon steels, this metal is an excellent choice for applications where strength and lightweight properties are necessary.
Looking for an expert in sheet metal fabrication?
KMK is a metal fabrication company invested in our customers, with experience in sheet metal components, wire forming, and metal tube fabrication. Head over to our website to learn more about what we can do for you!
