Whether a metalworker is working on a personal art project or forming metal parts for a client, they are not going to get far without the right tools and equipment. Specialized machines and tools—including various saws and cutting shears—are what people who work with metal use to create the pieces that will fit together to make strong structures, like bridges, catwalks, staircases and commercial grate systems. So, if a professional metal fabricator possesses the knowledge of how to use this kind of equipment, then it would only make sense that they would be in the know when it comes to the metals used in such projects.
With that in mind, here are some of the most common types of metals you might find being used in a machine shop in Phoenix, AZ:
- Steel: Steel is one of the most common metal materials used by metal fabricators, but it’s actually made with other elements added in to contribute material strength and appearance. When it comes to steel beams, metal sheets and parts, there will be a mixture of iron as well as a selection of other elements to enhance important characteristics, like hardness and durability—this includes stainless steel and galvanized steel. Since steel is strong, it’s used in the construction of vehicles, work machines, commercial buildings, ships and large appliances.
- Copper: Because pure copper is soft and it has the ability to conduct electricity, this metal is used in architecture for making parts like cables, wiring, circuit boards and other electrical equipment. For harder copper, some metalworkers look for copper with particular metal alloys added for strength, such as bronze and brass. But largely due to copper’s resistance to corrosion and the fact that it’s weatherproof, metal fabricators use it to form roofing materials, rooftop flashing, home and business building gutters and they even decorative building embellishments.
- Iron: Although quick to oxidize, and therefore prone to rusting, iron is used often because it is widely available in large quantities, as it’s inexpensive to produce. However, like copper, pure iron is a rather soft material, which is why it’s not uncommonly combined with other metal elements to make it stronger. On the one hand, strengthened iron is popular for construction building work. On the other, some people use wrought iron to create outdoor furniture and all sorts of sculptures, while galvanized iron is likely to be worked into the construction of large buildings and various types of ships.
Professionals who work with metal—whether fabricating metal machine parts, shaping sheets of metal or designing metal artwork—are likely to keep a good collection of metalworking tools, supplies and machinery that suit the types of metal they most often work with. In short, they are well prepared. Ask any questions you may have before hiring for help with a metal project.
When you go to a professional and highly trained machine shop in Phoenix, AZ for help with your metal project, you can rest assured you will be pleased with the outcome. Contact the team at Metal Pro Inc. today.