Steel in Sheet Metal Fabrication
Steel has superior structural strength, excellent formability, reliable weldability, and high cost-effectiveness. It remains the first-choice material for custom sheet metal fabrication. Through advanced processes such as laser cutting, precision bending, joining, surface treatment, and sub-component assembly, steel sheet metal parts can be efficiently processed into a variety of durable products. These products include housings, mounting brackets, control panels, structural frames, chassis, and other custom components.
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Low carbon steel (mild steel) is an economical and versatile material that is well-suited for a wide range of custom sheet metal applications. It has excellent ductility, superior weldability, and reliable structural strength. This material is suitable for manufacturing housings, mounting brackets, structural panels, and machine guards. It is the ideal material choice for sheet metal parts that require both cost-effectiveness and robustness.
| Property | Value / Metric | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Material Grade (Common) | AISI 1008 / AISI 1018 / Q235 / A36 | – |
| Density | 7.85 | g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 400 – 550 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 250 – 350 | MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 15 – 25 | % |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 | GPa |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.29 | – |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 120 – 160 | HB |
| Melting Point | 1420 – 1530 | °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 50 – 54 | W/m·K |
Galvanized steel has a protective zinc coating that resists rust and environmental corrosion. In addition, it offers excellent durability. It is often used in outdoor electrical enclosures, HVAC components, ventilation panels, structural supports, and mechanical protective covers. RFS offers custom galvanized steel fabrication services. Your components can remain reliable in harsh environments.
| Property | Value / Metric | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard / Coating Type | Hot-Dip Galvanized (HDG) / Electro-Galvanized (EG) | – |
| Base Metal Density | 7.85 | g/cm³ |
| Zinc Coating Weight (Typical) | Z120 – Z275 (40 – 90) | g/m² |
| Tensile Strength | 270 – 500 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 140 – 300 | MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 20 – 38 | % |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 | GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 50 – 52 | W/m·K |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (Outdoor & Humid Environments) | – |
| Melting Point (Base Metal) | 1420 – 1530 | °C |
Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, a smooth metallic appearance, and outstanding durability. If you want to manufacture control enclosures, specialized panels, heavy-duty cabinets, mounting brackets, and high-precision medical and food processing equipment components, stainless steel is the material of choice. For applications requiring extremely high strength, hygiene, and resistance to harsh environments, RFS offers customized stainless steel sheet metal fabrication services.
| Property | Value / Metric | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Common Grades | AISI 304 / 304L / 316 / 316L | – |
| Density | 7.93 – 8.00 | g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 515 – 620 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 205 – 290 | MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 40 – 60 | % |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 – 200 | GPa |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 70 – 90 | HRB |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.2 (at 100°C) | W/m·K |
| Melting Point | 1398 – 1454 | °C |
| Corrosion Resistance | Exceptional (Rust & Acid Resistant) | – |
Tool steel has excellent hardness, outstanding wear resistance, and high yield strength. It is not commonly used in conventional sheet metal manufacturing. However, this material is suitable for custom fixtures, heavy-duty tooling plates, wear-resistant liners, etc. RFS offers professional tool steel sheet metal fabrication services.
| Property | Value / Metric | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Common Grades | AISI D2 / A2 / O1 / P20 | – |
| Density | 7.80 – 7.85 | g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength (Heat Treated) | 1600 – 2200 | MPa |
| Yield Strength (Heat Treated) | 1300 – 1800 | MPa |
| Hardness (Rockwell C) | 55 – 62 | HRC |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 – 210 | GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 20 – 26 | W/m·K |
| Machinability (Annealed) | 50 – 65 | % (vs. 1% C Steel) |
| Melting Point | 1420 – 1540 | °C |
| Wear Resistance | Exceptional (High Carbon/Chromium Alloys) | – |
Surface Finishing Options for Steel
To enhance the aesthetic appeal, corrosion resistance, and service life of steel sheet metal parts, RFS offers comprehensive, one-stop surface treatment services. For low-carbon steel parts, we offer surface treatments such as powder coating, electro-galvanizing, hot-dip galvanizing, and black oxide. For stainless steel materials, we can remove impurities and maximize rust prevention through pickling, passivation, and polishing. If your product requires a modern metallic finish, you can also choose brushing or polishing. Whether your parts need basic protection, precise tolerance control, or a hygienic finish, RFS can offer the most suitable surface treatment for your requirements.
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Applications of Steel Sheet Metal Fabrication
Steel is a core material in sheet metal manufacturing due to its high strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Whether it’s a simple structural bracket or a complex composite component, RFS can provide precise sheet metal processing services for customers in different industries.
- Industrial Equipment
Equipment frame, mounting base, equipment cover, safety guard, inspection door, support frame.
- Power and Control Systems
Distribution cabinets, control cabinets, control boxes, server racks, electrical control panels, junction boxes.
- Automobiles and Engineering Vehicles
Chassis brackets, mounting brackets, reinforcing plates, protective plates, connectors, and body sheet metal parts.
- Building and HVAC Equipment
Duct components, air conditioning units, ventilation panels, equipment housings, galvanized covers, mounting brackets.
- Medical and Food Equipment
Stainless steel workbenches, equipment casings, sterilization trays, instrument panels, sheet metal parts for food equipment.
- New Energy Equipment
Energy storage cabinets, battery boxes, module brackets, heat dissipation plates, power supply mounting plates.
- Automation Equipment
Robot base, sensor bracket, robotic arm mounting plate, equipment enclosure, control frame.
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