There are countless types of metals and alloys used in sheet metal fabrication, from stainless steel to aluminium and carbon steel. Each metal is selected and fabricated based on its intended purpose.
Key factors include:
- Formability
- Weldability
- Corrosion resistance
- Strength
- Weight
- Cost
Here’s a quick guide to the most common stainless steel and sheet metal types used in custom fabrication.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel comes in many forms. Each alloy has unique properties like tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and melting point. While there are thousands of variations, stainless steels are generally grouped into three main categories:
Austenitic Stainless Steels
Austenitic stainless steels are the most widely used type. They contain high levels of chromium, which gives them excellent corrosion resistance, even better than martensitic and ferritic grades.
Ferritic Stainless Steels
Ferritic stainless steel is magnetic and commonly used in welding applications. It is generally less expensive than other stainless steels due to its lower nickel content.
Martensitic Stainless Steels
Martensitic stainless steel is the least commonly used. While it has lower corrosion resistance, it offers exceptional hardness and is ideal for applications requiring high tensile strength and impact resistance.
Aluminium
Aluminium is widely used in fabrication due to its flexibility and light weight. It has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, strong corrosion resistance, and conducts both heat and electricity effectively.
These properties make it ideal for both structural and decorative applications.
Mild (Low Carbon) Steel
Mild steel contains 0.14% to 0.20% carbon, making it highly malleable and easy to fabricate. It is more ductile than stainless steel and often more affordable.
Mild steel also offers good heat transfer, making it suitable for a wide range of fabrication needs.
High Carbon Steel
High carbon steel contains between 0.60% and 2.5% carbon. This higher carbon content increases the metal’s hardness and durability.
It’s more resistant to warping and deformation than aluminium or stainless steel, making it ideal for applications requiring maximum strength.
Custom Fabrication by St Clair Sheetmetal
At St Clair Sheetmetal, we specialise in stainless steel fabrication for both residential and commercial kitchen projects.
We serve clients throughout Queensland and across Australia with custom kitchen designs, bar and bench work, shelving, exhaust canopies, outdoor BBQ areas, and balustrades for decks.
Call our team today on (07) 5456 2711 or visit us at 327 Mons Rd, Forest Glen QLD 4556, Australia to arrange your free quote and learn more about our custom sheet metal fabrication services.