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Why Manufacturing Is Still Important

Many people think that manufacturing is dead or that it has all been outsourced to foreign countries. However, that is not the case. In many industrialised countries, manufacturing has actually increased over the last few decades. However, due to improvements in processes, more advanced machinery and even the rise of artificial intelligence, a lot of manufacturing is no longer done by a human. However, it's still critical. If you are a consumer, a product developer, or even someone who works in the industrial and manufacturing industries, check out these posts. They explain and explore a lot of the reasons why manufacturing is still important and arguably more important than it has been in years.

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Why Manufacturing Is Still Important

Material Selection Guide for Your Metal Fabrication Project

by Terra Franklin

When it comes to designing a metal fabrication project, numerous materials are available for you to choose from. To optimise the design of your project, it's imperative that you choose your material wisely.

Several factors come into play when selecting the materials to be used in metal fabrication. Here are some crucial factors to take into account as you look at your material options.

The size and shape of the desired parts

The dimensions and geometry of the parts that require fabrication are crucial considerations when choosing a metal material for your fabrication project. Different metal materials have different physical properties that affect their ability to be turned into parts of the desired shapes and sizes.

Ever wondered why chain-like fences are made from galvanised steel wire and not aluminium wire, for example? Steel has higher ductility than aluminium, meaning it can withstand much higher tensile forces. This explains why it can be drawn into a wire without undergoing permanent deformation.

The level of corrosion resistance required

Corrosion can cause serious problems for metal structures or components. It is a chemical reaction that occurs when the substrate metal is exposed to specific gases that trigger an oxidation reaction. These gases include oxygen, hydrogen oxides, and chlorine. The corrosion can eat away at the metal, compromising its structural integrity.

When choosing a material for a metal fabrication project, it is important to consider the intended use of the final products. If you need metal products for structures to be built or used in marine or coastal environments, consider using metals with high corrosion resistance. Stainless steel and aluminium can be excellent options owing to their high resistance to corrosive elements.

The cost of the material 

Metal fabrication projects cost money. While you don't want to break the bank, you don't want to sacrifice quality by cutting corners either. It's highly unlikely that all metal materials will be suitable for your particular project, but you'll often have several good options to choose from.

The appropriate material for your metal fabrication project should not just make sense for your project specifications, but for your budget as well.

Identifying the right material for your metal fabrication is essential for project success. That said, the material selection process can be a daunting one if you lack in-depth knowledge of how the metal fabrication industry works. For more information, feel free to contact a metal fabricator near you.

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