Sheet metal fabrication requires a combination of professional skills, appropriate equipment, and suitable material selection to produce effective results. Each sheet metal material’s characteristics influence its functional performance, durability, cost, and aesthetic appearance. Knowing more about common materials helps inform your decisions when selecting materials for your exhaust, muffler, or related components.
Mild Steel
Among steels commonly used for sheet metal forming, mild steel, also called low carbon steel, is one of the most popular choices. Versatile and cost-effective, it is typically used in construction and in manufacturing metal products as varied as vehicles, ships, furniture, wire products, storage tanks, and piping systems. Unlike stainless steel, mild steel is alloyed with carbon, which affects its performance and suitable applications. Characteristics of mild steel include the following:
- Easily formed (including cold forming), welded, and machined
- Typically more affordable than stainless or other steel varieties
- Available in a range of strengths for an extended variety of applications
- May rust if not coated or treated
At Cone Engineering, our facilities are prepared to laser cut, form, and weld mild steel in thicknesses up to 1″.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is well known for its excellent resistance to rust and corrosion due to chromium and nickel alloying elements. Various formulations of stainless steel may incorporate additional elements and varying percentages of chromium to create varieties of stainless steel that meet specific application requirements. Stainless steel’s unique combination of characteristics makes it ideal for healthcare, industrial, food and beverage, and other applications. While stainless steel parts generally cost more due to increased material and labor costs, qualities which make it an ideal choice for many applications include:
- Durability
- Resistance to corrosion and rust
- Non-reactive nature
- Excellent strength and hardness
- Magnetic and non-magnetic formulations
- Attractive appearance
We are capable of laser cutting, forming, and welding stainless steel up to ½” thick.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a natural element which is typically smelted from bauxite ore. It is frequently used in electrical applications, household goods, vehicle manufacturing, packaging, windows and doors, and aircraft. Available in a range of formulations to improve strength and other characteristics, aluminum is chosen for such qualities as the following:
- Light in weight
- High malleability and ductility
- Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
- Great resistance to corrosion
- Virtually rustproof
- Low cost
Our forming, laser cutting, and welding facilities accommodate aluminum up to ½” thick.
Copper
With its easily recognized color, both in its natural state and its patinated look, copper is most familiar from its use in wiring, plumbing, coins, construction elements, jewelry, and housewares. While many of those applications employ copper for its classic appearance, copper offers numerous additional advantages, such as the following:
- Easily formed
- Superior electrical and thermal tolerance and conductivity
- Durability and resilience
- Reliable corrosion resistance
- Excellent strength
At Cone Engineering, we can weld, form, and laser-cut copper as thick as ¼”.
Sheet Metal Materials From Cone Engineering
At Cone Engineering, our fabrication capabilities include sheet metal forming, welding, and laser cutting with our most common materials being mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Whether you prefer our stock materials or choose to supply your own, our expert team and extensive facilities are prepared to fabricate the parts and components you need with them. In addition to our in-house sheet metal work, we partner with a trusted tubing supplier for custom tubing components to complete your project. We also offer laser cutting from your pre-nested layouts or nesting files as well as finishing and post-processing operations.
From our extensive stock inventory to custom designs and styles, our goal is to provide you with top-quality parts whether you need a single component or a full, high-volume product run. We are happy to work with you to determine the best materials for your project to meet your functional, appearance, and budget requirements. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your project and how our products and facilities can bring it to life. Contact us to learn more about our full capabilities.