There are several different metals that can be used in metal fabrication projects. Here's a guide on how to choose the right metal for your particular fabrication project.

Aluminum: Versatile for Many Applications

Aluminum is a common metal that's used in everything from foil for food to airplane parts. The metal is so widely used because it has many desirable properties, including that it's:

• Lightweight
• Thermally conductive
• Electrically conductive
• Durable
• Affordable

Additionally, aluminum corrodes but the corrosion isn't anything like the rust that iron forms. Aluminum oxide is pale grey in color, so it's not nearly as noticeable as the orange hue of iron oxide. Additionally, aluminum oxide actually forms a protective layer that prevents further corrosion. Once a piece of iron starts rusting, it will continue to do so.

At high temperatures, aluminum isn't the strongest metal you can use. Unless your fabricated product will be exposed to temperatures of 400 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, though, this shouldn't be an issue.

No matter what your fabricated products will be used for, aluminum should be one metal that you consider for the project. The metal has a lot going for it, and it doesn't have too many drawbacks.

Steel: Versatile and Strong

Like aluminum, steel too is found in many applications. It's in a wide array of buildings and equipment, and it has other uses too.

One reason why steel is a popular choice for metal fabrication is price. While aluminum is affordable, steel is cheap. While exact costs vary from application to application, steel is often one-third of aluminum's price at the raw material stage. Once a product is finished, the final cost for an aluminum product is usually about 20 to 30 percent more than if steel is used.

In addition to being cheap, steel is strong and durable. Steel beams can hold immense weight loads and last for a long time, which is why the metal is in many buildings and pieces of equipment.

The main downside of steel is rust. Because steel is a mixture of iron and carbon, the iron in steel will rust if exposed to moisture.

If you're having a support for a building or a part for a machine built, steel is an excellent choice as long as the visual appearance of the part doesn't matter.

Stainless Steel: Rust-Resistant and Silvery Color

Stainless steel offers the strength of steel and is still quite affordable. It also has aluminum and chromium in it to resist rust, and the corrosion resistance is extremely good.

Stainless steel is a go-to option if you want the strength of steel but can't have a fabricated part that'll rust. For anything from a belt buckle to a car part that's going to be exposed to rain and snow, this metal is a suitable choice. Also, the aluminum and chromium change the metal's appearance to a silvery shine that's better than iron's brown color in some applications.

Copper: Conductive and Colorful

Copper costs more than all of the other metals mentioned so far, and this factor alone limits its applications. In certain situations, however, the premium price that comes with copper is worth paying. Namely, copper is an extremely good conductor -- even better than aluminum -- and has a completely unique look.

Copper's conductivity makes it a good metal for both electrical and cooking applications. Copper is widely used to make electrical components, and it's also used in high-end pots and pans.

Alternatively, you can use copper for its allure. No other metal looks quite the same.

For help deciding which metal to use in your next metal fabrication project, contact Schorr Metals Inc.