What You Need to Know Before Buying Steel and Other Materials

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Rolls of aluminum

Contractors love building with metal. Not only is it incredibly sturdy and effective, but it is also visually pleasing. If you’re planning your own construction project, you need to pick a material that is best suited for the job. The most used materials for construction include steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

So how do you pick the right material for your project? Well, each material can be used to fulfill different requirements, so understanding the pros and cons of each material will help you choose the most suitable one. Here is what you need to know before deciding to buy steel and other materials.

Shapes of The Metal

First things first, you need to consider the geometric shape of the material you require. Here are a few different shapes that you may need for your project:

Rectangular Bar: this geometric shape is dense and heavy. They are frequently used when construction teams do not require them to be a specific shape. Additionally, if you need to bolt something into a rectangular bar, it is very easy to accomplish.

U-Channel: this geometric shape actually boasts the same bolting capabilities as the flat bar; however, the U-channel gives construction projects more reinforcement alongside the opposing axis.

Angle Bars: Angle bars are typically used to form a rim or a lip on a flat surface. Angle bars possess a 90-degree angle lip, which adds support to the structure. These bars are very easy to cut and manipulate for specific needs.

Square Tubes: Construction workers love square tubes due to their incredible strength and durability. Square tubes are structurally sound and are used in situations where weight support is needed.

Primary Differences Between Materials

Besides the geometric shapes of metal, you also need to consider the properties of the metal. Here is some information to help you choose between steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

Steel Properties

Cost-effective
Readily available
Vulnerable to rusting and corrosion – requires surface coating
Difficult to manipulate (i.e. weld, cut) for specific projects

Stainless Steel Properties

Safe from rust
Bulky/Cumbersome
Easily weldable material
Not easy to cut through – fabrication will reduce stainless properties

Aluminum Properties

Incredibly light material
Safeguarded from rusting and corrosion due to its integrated oxide layer
Easily fabricated
Novice welders may find it difficult to warp the material
Costlier metal to purchase

When it comes time to purchase metal for a construction project, it’s important to know the geometric shapes and physical properties of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys. If you’re looking for detailed information about steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, contact the professionals at Armour Alloys today!

Posted By:

at 2:22 PM

Share and Subscribe: