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Steel in Sheet Metal Fabrication
Steel is a sheet metal fabrication material with high strength, durability, and other excellent mechanical properties that withstand various environmental conditions. The scope of fabricating steel parts depends on steel sheet metal fabricators, including bending, welding, and forming techniques.
At RapidDirect, we use Spring Steel 1566, Galvanized Steel (SGCC / SECC), and SPCC in steel sheet metal fabrication. Each one has unique properties. For example, Spring Steel 1566 has high yield strength and excellent elasticity, Galvanized Steel (SGCC / SECC) has a zinc coating, which enhances its corrosion resistance, and SPCC has excellent formability.
| Price: | $$$ | Available Aluminum at RapidDirect: | Spring Steel 1566, Galvanized Steel (SGCC / SECC), SPCC |
|---|---|
| Lead Time: | < 5 days |
| Wall Thickness: | 0.3 mm |
| Tolerances: | ISO2768-C |
| Max Part Size: | 200 x 80 x 100 cm |
Spring Steel 1566
Spring Steel 1566 has high yield strength and excellent elasticity, making it suitable for manufacturing springs and high-stress components.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1470-1620 | 620 | 8-12 | 461-534 | 7.85 |
Galvanized Steel (SGCC / SECC)
Galvanized Steel (SGCC / SECC) has a zinc coating, which enhances its corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor and harsh environments.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205-380 | 150-250 | 18-30 | 50-70 | 7.85 |
SPCC
SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial) is a cold-rolled steel with a smooth surface and excellent formability.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 270-410 | 180-250 | 28-44 | 70-90 | 7.85 |
Surface Finishing Options for Steel
Elevate your steel sheet metal parts with RapidDirect’s surface finishes, designed to boost durability and deliver a polished look for any project.
As Machined
Preserves the steel’s natural finish with visible machining marks, ideal for functional components requiring dimensional accuracy over surface aesthetics.
Sand Blasting
Creates a matte texture by removing surface imperfections, improving appearance and adhesion for coatings or further treatments.
Tumbling
Smooths sharp edges and polishes the surface, providing a uniform finish that is suitable for both decorative and functional purposes.
Heat Treatment
Enhances steel’s mechanical properties, such as hardness, strength, or ductility, by altering its internal structure through controlled heating and cooling.
Black Oxidize
Applies a black coating for moderate corrosion resistance and an aesthetic matte finish, often used in industrial and decorative applications.
Electroless Plating
Deposits a uniform metallic layer (e.g., nickel or zinc) for improved corrosion resistance, wear resistance, or conductivity.
Electroplating
Applies a metallic coating (e.g., zinc, nickel, or chrome) to protect steel from corrosion and enhance appearance.
Painting
Provides decorative color options and protects steel against corrosion and wear with a customizable, durable finish.
Powder Coating
Offers a thick, durable, and customizable coating that resists scratches, corrosion, and environmental damage.
Electrophoresis
Creates a smooth, uniform, and corrosion-resistant coating using an electrochemical process, ideal for precise and thin protective finishes.
Brushed
Adds a consistent linear texture to steel surfaces, enhancing appearance and providing a modern, scratch-resistant finish.
Powder Coating
Offers a thick, durable, and customizable coating that resists scratches, corrosion, and environmental damage.
Pros and Cons of Steel Sheet Metal Fabrication
Aluminum offers many benefits that make it suitable for sheet metal fabrication processes. However, there are some downsides to consider before choosing it for any project.
Pros
- High strength and durability.
- Excellent corrosion resistance (especially galvanized steel).
- Versatile and widely available.
- Cost-effective for large-scale production.
Cons
- It is heavier than some other materials, like aluminum.
- Requires specialized equipment for cutting and forming.
- Susceptible to rust if not properly treated or coated
Applications of Steel Sheet Metal Parts
Steel sheet metal parts are widely used across various industries, including:
- Automotive body panels and structural components
- Building frameworks and roofing materials
- Electronic enclosures and brackets
• HVAC ducts and components - Industrial machinery parts and housings
- Appliance casings and components
FAQs
Yes, steel sheet metal has excellent weldability and is compatible with MIG welding, TIG welding, and spot welding. Proper surface preparation and choosing the appropriate welding method based on the steel type and thickness are essential for achieving high-quality welds.
Typical thicknesses of steel sheets used in fabrication range from 0.5 mm to 6 mm. The specific thickness depends on the application and the required strength and formability of the final part. Thinner sheets are ideal for detailed and decorative applications, while thicker sheets provide the necessary strength for structural and industrial components.
Fabricating steel sheets can present challenges, such as controlling the thermal expansion and contraction during welding, leading to warping or distortion. Also, steel is susceptible to rust and corrosion without proper treatment and coating. Hence, the fabrication process requires additional surface finishing steps. The weight of steel is also a consideration, as it may need more robust handling and transportation methods compared to lighter materials.
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