Metals such as steel and aluminum are foundational to industrial fabrication, offering a range of properties that cater to specific needs across diverse sectors. From the robust frameworks of infrastructure to the precision components in aerospace and energy sectors, the versatility of these materials underpins countless engineering and manufacturing processes.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of various metals including carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, along with specialized alloys like Inconel and Duplex stainless steel. Each metal type presents unique characteristics designed to withstand environmental challenges, fulfill complex performance requirements, and comply with strict industry standards. Understanding the distinctions and applications of these metals is crucial for engineers and designers aiming to optimize the functionality and longevity of fabricated products.
Types of Steel Used in Metal Fabrication
- Carbon Steel: Carbon steel, characterized by its carbon content as the primary alloying element, offers versatility in strength and applications. It's extensively used in structural engineering, automotive parts, and in the oil and gas industry for pipes, tubing, and piping supports and accessories. Carbon steel is classified based on carbon content:
Low Carbon Steel
- ASTM A36: This is one of the most widely used carbon steels for construction, structural applications, and pipe supports. It has excellent formability and is capable of being securely welded. It generally contains less than 0.29% carbon. It is one of the most inexpensive among carbon steel types.
- ASTM A283: Used for general structural purposes, this grade offers good formability and weldability with a slightly lower strength than A36.
Medium Carbon Steel
- ASTM A572 Grade 50: This is a high-strength, low-alloy steel that offers an optimum combination of strength, weldability, and notch toughness. It typically contains around 0.20% carbon but also includes small amounts of a variety of elements to enhance its structural capacities.
- ASTM A830: Steel grades here vary in carbon content from 0.18% to 0.50%, making them suitable for both structural and mechanical applications depending on the specific grade.
High Carbon Steel
- ASTM A516 Grade 70: A high carbon steel that is primarily used in welded pressure vessels where improved notch toughness is required. It is generally used in oil and gas and power generation industries.
- ASTM A684: This specification covers high-carbon spring steel strip in various grades, used for heat-treated components and springs.
- Stainless Steel: Known for its corrosion resistance, stainless steel contains chromium (at least 10.5%) and other alloying elements which enhance its mechanical properties and fabricability. It is crucial in environments where rust and corrosion resistance is needed, such as in petrochemical plants and marine applications. Key types include:
- Austenitic Stainless Steel: Non-magnetic steels like 304 and 316, with superior corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties.
- Ferritic Stainless Steel: Magnetic steels with lower carbon content and reduced corrosion resistance, used in automotive and industrial applications.
- Martensitic Stainless Steel: Hardenable by heat treatments with higher carbon levels, used for cutlery and other tools.
- Aluminum: Aluminum stands out for its lightweight, strength, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and construction applications. It is commonly alloyed with elements such as silicon, manganese, or copper to improve its strength and formability.
- Alloy Steel: Composed of iron with varying amounts of other elements such as manganese, chromium, nickel, and vanadium, alloy steel is known for its high strength and toughness. It's used in everything from pipelines and auto parts to power generation and mining equipment.
- Tool Steel: Tool steel is renowned for its hardness and abrasion resistance. It is commonly used to manufacture cutting tools, dies, and molds. Subcategories include water-hardening, cold-work, shock-resisting, high-speed, and hot-work.
- Chrome: Chromium is used primarily as a plating material to add corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal to steel. It enhances the durability and life cycle of parts exposed to harsh environments.
- Inconel: This superalloy is notable for its extreme heat and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for severe service environments found in the aerospace, chemical processing, and power industries. Inconel retains strength over a wide temperature range, appealing for high-temperature applications.
- Duplex Stainless Steel: This type combines the qualities of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel. It provides increased strength and excellent resistance to corrosion, particularly stress corrosion cracking, making it ideal for oil and gas exploration and processing environments.
Steel’s adaptability across various industries owes to its diverse range capable of withstanding environmental challenges, enhancing functionality, and ensuring safety in critical applications. For metal fabrication, selecting the appropriate type of steel is crucial to optimizing the performance and longevity of the final products, especially in high-demand environments such as those found in petrochemical and marine industries. Each steel type offers unique properties that designers and engineers must consider when planning and fabricating pipe supports and accessories.
For more information about Cogbill’s custom steel fabrication capabilities, including plate fabrication, sheet metal fabrication, structural fabrication and pipe spool fabrication, please email us.
