Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Parts

What Is Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Parts?

Sheet Metal Parts
Most people think of sheet metal in terms of the thin sheets used to line electrical boxes or house components on appliances and machinery, though other industrial and commercial uses for it include creating building facades or electrical conduits from this versatile material. Sheet metal fabrication requires skilled craftspeople with specific tools to assemble three-dimensional objects from flat pieces of steel or other materials into three-dimensional items.

Beginning the design process involves developing a product or component design. This may take the form of 3D images or drawings which can be converted to 2D blueprints using computer-aided design software, followed by the establishment of specifications and selecting materials accordingly.

Stainless steel is an ideal material choice for these applications as it is non-porous and resists corrosion, eliminating the need for potentially toxic paint or coatings. Furthermore, its ease of cleaning and sterilization make it perfect for food-grade products and medical instruments as well as being durable enough to withstand repeated use or harsh environments.

There are various grades of stainless steel available today, each offering unique properties. While most contain at least 10.5 percent chromium, additional alloying ingredients such as molybdenum, nickel, titanium, aluminum, copper phosphorous, or selenium may be added for specific characteristics - like heat-resistant coatings.

Once raw material has been selected, it undergoes several processes to prepare it for fabrication. Most commonly, stainless steel arrives at its destination in an annealed state which offers an optimal balance between strength and malleability. Sheets may be cut to standard precut sizes to make handling and storage more convenient than larger plate or rod materials.

Once cut to their exact sizes, components are assembled into a finished piece through welding, machining, or other means. This step may prove most challenging as it requires careful consideration of how the parts will interact and their overall aesthetic appeal. A skilled fabricator can help minimize risks of failure by adhering to certain principles such as using welds with low heat intensity or not overtightening fasteners too much.

Before producing large volumes, some completed parts must first be tested in their intended environment to ensure it will perform as designed under all circumstances. This practice is known as "first article testing," and serves to ensure that every component works as it should.


Stainless Steel