Top Materials Used By Machine Shops During Metal Fabrication

by admin | Jun 8, 2021 | CNC Machine Shop, CNC Machining, Metal Fabrication

Every time you do any routine task like driving or using electronic or medical appliances you are looking at the prime example of metal fabrication services.

The metal fabrication market is necessary for plenty of industries such as Aerospace, Construction, Energy, Mining, Ship Building and more. These industries require machining parts of various shapes and sizes that are possible via using certain materials.

On this page

Qualities to look for in fabrication materials
Common materials that are used in metal fabrication
How to choose the right fabrication company?
Why choose MDA for metal fabrication?

Qualities to look for in fabrication materials

Metal fabrication means making the product from scratch using raw materials. The material can depend on the type of product you require. Machine shop experts can fabricate multiple parts from different materials.

Here are some qualities to check before metal fabrication materials:

The material for metal fabrication needs to be durable.
The material needs to be cost-effective.
The finish of the product you can achieve.
The material should suit loose or tight tolerances.

A material can have an impact on the finished product. Choosing the right material takes research and knowing the right material is the first and foremost step. As it’s impossible to recommend any type of fabrication material. This article will explain the most common materials that are necessary for metal fabrication.

Common materials that are used in metal fabrication

Steel

Steel is the most widely used material used for metal fabrication. It’s known for its polished steel alloy silver mirror coating that is helpful during the manufacturing of machined parts.

The chromium present in steel helps the metal to have an amazing resistance against corrosion. The strength factor presented by steel makes it an ideal choice for surgical instruments. Steel is common for machine shops because it’s easier to work with.

Steel can bend easily, making it easier for welding and manufacturing CNC machined parts. There are various versatile options present in the steel. One of them is carbon steel, which has a high carbon content with a lower melting point. It helps to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions making it ideal for CNC steel machining.

Industrial uses of steel

The industrial applications of steel as a material used in metal fabrication are as follows:

Buildings and infrastructure
Mechanical equipment
Automotive
Domestic applications
Electrical equipment

Pros of steel material for metal fabrication

Durability & quality
Design flexibility
Cost efficiency
Recyclability

Aluminum

Aluminum is mostly used for metal fabrication because it’s lightweight, which is necessary for industries that need lightweight machined parts. The aluminum parts are in demand in machine shops as they can be machined in a shorter time.

Aluminum, often used for various applications ranging from window frames to aircraft wing components, showcases the material’s versatility. CNC aluminum machining plays a crucial role in shaping this adaptable material for specific needs. It works well for workplace structures and is a popular alternative to steel. It’s rust-free and has strong thermal and electrical conductive properties. Finally, aluminum is a durable, lightweight, and versatile material with thermal properties.

Industrial uses of aluminum

The industrial applications of aluminum as a material used in metal fabrication as follows:

Consumer electronics
Power lines
Household and industrial appliances
Aircraft components
Window frames

Pros of aluminum material for metal fabrication

Lightweight
Corrosion resistance
Non-magnetic
Thermal efficiency

| Also Read: All About The Metal Machining & Its Benefits

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is the most common material used by metal shops and is the most common in the industry. It is the most versatile material, with applications ranging from construction to machinery.

This material is popular among fabricators because it is simple to work with and can be finished in a variety of ways. Carbon steel presents strength and works in harsh environments making it ideal for metal machining services. This steel has a lower melting point due to the higher carbon content. It’s also more resistant to bending and more malleable.

Industrial uses of carbon steel

The industrial applications of carbon steel as a material used in metal fabrication as follows:

Oil industry
Gas industry
Petrochemical sector

Pros of carbon steel material for metal fabrication

Efficiently Malleable
Lightweight
Easier to fabricate
Cost-effective

Copper

Copper is a common material in metal fabrication for applications that require a high level of conductivity. The material is corrosion resistant therefore being used in building components in the construction industry. Copper responds well to bending and can produce lovely results. Heating and cooling systems, transformers, switches, and telecommunications systems all use copper wiring because of the amazing conductivity offered by copper. Additionally, CNC copper machining enhances the precision and customization of copper components in various applications.

Industrial uses of copper

Electrical industry
Construction industry
Transport industry
Medical sector

Pros of copper material for metal fabrication

High electrical conductivity
Antibacterial properties making it ideal for fabrication
Ductile, soft, and malleable
Resistance to corrosion

How to choose the right metal fabrication company?

Choosing the right fabrication company increases the probability of getting quality materials. Without the proper guidance of the fabrication company, you face design and quality issues. You should hire a machine metal shop that possesses the following qualifications:

A team of engineers with years of experience who are eager to work with you and answer your questions.
Materials of the highest quality are available.
The company must offer prototypes, fabrication systems, and CNC machining.
An understanding of lean manufacturing practices and a focus on low-cost fabrication solutions.
A broad range of fabrication projects.
Assembly, short-run manufacturing, and shipping are all available services.
Customized solutions tailored to your specific product and objectives.

A full-service product fabrication company will assist you at every stage of the process by providing you with a comprehensive set of tools, and quality materials.

Why choose MDA for metal fabrication?

MDA uses the highest quality materials for the metal fabrication process. We help our clients to make the right decision by selecting the best materials for their industry. We are here to bring your designs to life.

Our metal shop support the clients from the design process to finishing and assembly. Here are some reasons to choose us:

Expert metal fabrication services
Fully equipped machine shop
Quality work
Satisfied customers

Materials 101: Entrepreneur’s guide to selecting the Right CNC Machining Material

by admin | Jul 24, 2018 | CNC Machining, CNC Machining Guides

Right materials make the best applications.

Material selection is a crucial step to get your CNC project right. Think of it as assembling a Subway meal based on your diet plan; you add meats if your diet chart asks for more protein, and greens for a vitamin fulfill. Similarly, selected materials must cover your design prerequisites— hardness, rigidity, thermal stability, and chemical resistance just to name a few. And your budget as well, of course.

Material characteristics are especially important when you require high precision CNC machined parts with complex designs. For instance: amorphous materials like metallic glass and polymers generally hold tighter tolerances than, say, aluminum.

In the following article, we will elaborate more on material types, their characteristics, tips and guidelines on choosing the right materials, and more. Let’s start with the basic: the material selection process.

CNC Materials Selection Process
If you’ve decided to jump the CNC machining wagon, have a valid prototype handy and your budget figured out, it’s time to select the best suitable materials for your project. The basic three steps to material selection are:

Step 1. Define your material requirements: Based on your design, make a high-level list of material prerequisites. Do you need a malleability? Or perhaps a sturdier material? Laser polishing for a surface finish? Consider all the mechanical, physical, environmental, and budget factors.

Step 2. Pin down qualified materials: Identify potential candidates that fulfill your material requirements. Notice, we’re are focusing on ‘candidates’ not ‘candidate’. There’s a solid reason behind it. Have a look:

Here’s what Ronald E. Giachetti, of National Institute of Standards and Technology, wrote in his paper on Manufacturing Process and Material Selection During Conceptual Design:

“The material and manufacturing process selection is performed early in the product development process. At this stage, it is inappropriate to select a single material or process without evaluating all the alternatives. The selection of sets of possible candidate materials and processes allow for greater flexibility in the product development process. The more alternatives, the greater the manufacturing flexibility.”

Hack: Make sure you approach readily available materials— it’ll help cut costs and efforts.

Step 3. Now, select the most appropriate material: The third step is the final showdown: choosing the material with maximum functionality in minimum costs. Or, the materials that check most on your prerequisites list.

In the next section, we will talk about the most popular materials and their properties.

CNC Material Selection- Guidelines

Metals
Most common metals in the CNC machining universe are:

1. Aluminum
Most popular of the bunch; used for both mechanical and aspect components.
(a) Physical properties:
● Medium physical strength (<500 MPa) (Note: Aluminium 7075 is one of the strongest metals at >500 MPa; but it’s a bit pricey)
● Corrosion resistance
● Temperature resistance (<400°C)
(b) Mechanical properties:
● High machinability. Can be machined quicker than other metals
● Readily available; inexpensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive ( gears and shafts etc.)
● Aerospace (aircraft fittings etc.)
● Healthcare (medical equipment)
● Consumer electronics (electronic housings)

2. Cold Rolled Steel
(a) Physical properties:
● High physical strength (Increases the strength of the finished product by 20%)
● Provides perfect precision as it creates smaller products
● Can handle tighter tolerances
(b) Mechanical properties:
● Medium machinability.
● Moderately expensive
(c) Industries:
● Manufacturing (Machinery parts)
● Aerospace (aircraft fittings etc.)
● Construction
● Consumer electronics (electronic housings, Jigs & fixtures)

3. Stainless Steel
(a) Physical properties:
● Hardness
● Chemical resistance
● High strength (>500 MPa)
● Temperature resistance ( Very high >500°C)
● Corrosion resistance
(b) Mechanical properties:
● Good machinability
● Inexpensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive
● Aerospace (aircraft fittings etc.)
● Healthcare (surgical equipment)
● Consumer electronics (electronic housings)
● Food Industry
● Marine applications
● Chemical Processing
● Marine applications

4. Brass
Used for high volume applications.
(a) Physical properties:
● Medium strength
● Natural Corrosion resistance
● Low-Temperature resistance (<250°C)
● High tensile strength
(b) Mechanical properties:
● High machinability.
● Readily available; moderately expensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive ( mechanical parts, valves & nozzles)
● Architecture
● Healthcare (medical equipment
● Consumer goods
● Electrical hardware

Exotic alloys

1. Inconel
(a) Physical properties:
● Temperature resistance
● Corrosion resistance
● Medium strength
(b) Mechanical properties:
● Moderate machinability
● Moderately expensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive
● Aerospace
● Healthcare
● Consumer electronics

2. Copper
(a) Physical properties:
● Highest electric conductivity
● High corrosion resistance
● Thermal conductivity
● Low chemical resistance (especially to acids, halogens sulphides, and ammonia solutions)
(b) Mechanical properties:
● High machinability. Can be machined quicker than other metals
● Readily available; moderately expensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive (cooling systems and heat exchanger, valves and radiators etc)
● Aerospace Healthcare (medical equipment)
● Consumer electronics (electronic housings)

Outside of this wide range of metal materials, it’s also possible to use plastics, wood, and even fiberglass and foams with CNC machining technology.

Plastics

1. PVC
(a) Physical properties:
● High strength
● Corrosion resistance
● Temperature resistance
● Chemical resistance
(b) Mechanical properties:
● High machinability
● Readily available; inexpensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive
● Aerospace
● Healthcare
● Consumer electronics
● Food Industry
● Chemical

2. Nylon
(a) Physical properties:
● High physical strength
● Good impact strength
● High corrosion and abrasion strength
(b) Mechanical properties:
● High machinability. Can be machined quicker than other metals
● Readily available; inexpensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive (insulators, bearings)
● Aerospace
● Healthcare
● Consumer electronics

Now that you know about different materials, you can select the ones that best suit your CNC project. We, at Machining Design Associated Ltd., offer exceptional CNC machining parts with desired tolerances. Get in touch to know more!

Selecting the Best Materials for Your Machining Job

by admin | Feb 1, 2017 | CNC Machining, Machine Shop

Selecting the right material for your machining job is crucial for the quality, efficiency, and cost of your project. With so many options, each with unique properties and applications, how do you choose the best one?

In this blog, we’ll guide you through key factors to consider when selecting materials for machining. Whether you’re working on aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or other precision projects, understanding material properties and their impact on machining is essential. Let’s explore how to make informed decisions for optimal results.

Understanding Material Properties

Choosing the right material for your machining job starts with understanding its key properties:

Mechanical Properties:

Strength: Ability to withstand force without breaking.
Hardness: Resistance to deformation and wear.
Toughness: Ability to absorb energy without fracturing.
Ductility: Ability to deform under tensile stress.

Thermal Properties:

Heat Resistance: Ability to withstand high temperatures.
Thermal Expansion: Degree of expansion when heated.
Thermal Conductivity: Efficiency in conducting heat.

Chemical Properties:

Corrosion Resistance: Ability to resist oxidation and chemical reactions.
Chemical Reactivity: Interaction with other substances.

Electrical Properties:

Conductivity: Efficiency in conducting electricity.
Insulation: Ability to resist electrical current.

Commonly Used Materials in Machining

When selecting materials for machining, metals are often the go-to choice due to their versatile properties. Here are some commonly used metals:

#1 Metals

Steel and Stainless Steel:

Steel: High strength and durability, versatile for various applications. At MDA, you’ll find precise CNC machines capable of producing CNC steel parts of the highest quality.
Stainless Steel: Corrosion-resistant, ideal for medical and food processing.

Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys:

Aluminum: Lightweight, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, used in aerospace and automotive. You can trust MDA to bring your projects to life with the utmost precision and efficiency in CNC aluminum machining.
Aluminum Alloys: Enhanced strength, used in structural applications.

Brass and Copper:

Brass: Easy to machine, corrosion-resistant, used in plumbing and decorative items.
Copper: Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, used in electrical components and heat exchangers.

Titanium and Titanium Alloys:

Titanium: High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion-resistant, used in aerospace and medical.
Titanium Alloys: Enhanced properties for high-performance applications.

#2 Plastics

Nylon:

Properties: Strong, lightweight, and wear-resistant. It has good mechanical properties and is known for its toughness.
Applications: Used in gears, bearings, and other components that require high strength and wear resistance.

Polycarbonate:

Properties: Highly durable, impact-resistant, and transparent. It can withstand high temperatures and has good electrical insulation properties.
Applications: Used in medical devices, automotive parts, and protective equipment like safety glasses and shields.

PTFE (Teflon):

Properties: Extremely low friction, high heat resistance, and excellent chemical resistance. It is non-stick and has a high melting point.
Applications: Used in gaskets, seals, and coatings for non-stick cookware, as well as in electrical insulation and chemical processing equipment.

PEEK:

Properties: High strength and stiffness, excellent chemical resistance, and can operate at high temperatures. It maintains its properties in harsh environments.
Applications: Used in aerospace, medical implants, and high-performance engineering applications where durability and resistance to extreme conditions are crucial.

#3 Composites

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers:

Properties: High strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, fatigue resistance.
Applications: Aerospace components, automotive parts, sporting goods.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers:

Properties: Strong, durable, impact-resistant.
Applications: Construction, marine, automotive, and consumer goods (e.g., boat hulls, car panels).

Application-Specific Material Selection

Choosing materials tailored to specific industries is crucial for optimizing performance and meeting stringent requirements:

#1 Aerospace Industry

Requirements: Emphasizes lightweight materials to enhance fuel efficiency and high-strength materials for structural integrity.
Example Materials: Carbon fiber composites, titanium alloys.

#2 Automotive Industry

Requirements: Focuses on durability to withstand harsh environments, cost-effectiveness for mass production, and lightweight materials for fuel efficiency.
Example Materials: Steel, aluminum alloys, and engineered plastics.

#3 Medical Industry

Requirements: Requires biocompatible materials to ensure compatibility with the human body, corrosion-resistant to withstand bodily fluids, and sterilization processes.
Example Materials: Stainless steel, titanium alloys, medical-grade plastics (e.g., PEEK).

#4 Electronics Industry

Requirements: Prioritizes materials with good electrical conductivity or insulation properties depending on the application.
Example Materials: Copper, aluminum, silicon, and various polymers.

Factors Influencing Material Choice

When choosing materials for machining, several critical factors must be considered:

#1 Machining Process Compatibility

Materials must align with specific machining methods like CNC, milling, or turning, impacting tool wear and efficiency.

# 2 Desired Surface Finish

Different materials yield varying surface qualities, influencing aesthetics and functionality of machined parts.

#3 Tolerance Requirements

Materials must meet precise dimensional specifications without compromising performance.

#4 Production Volume

Cost-effectiveness varies between high-volume and low-volume production runs.

#5 Environmental Factors

Material durability under diverse conditions such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to elements is crucial.

Conclusion

Selecting the right material for your CNC machining job is crucial for achieving peak performance and efficiency. By considering factors like material properties, machining compatibility, and environmental conditions, you ensure your final product meets both functional requirements and quality standards.

Consulting with experts, using modern selection tools, and prototyping are key strategies in navigating material complexities. Stay updated with industry trends to leverage advancements effectively.

Ultimately, your material choice impacts project success, balancing technical specifications with production goals and budget constraints. With careful consideration, you can confidently choose the best material for your machining needs.