Metal is one of the toughest materials around. It doesn’t matter how thin they are…or does it?

Thin metal strips are used for some of today’s most incredible technological feats. They protect the hull of vehicles against pressure and temperature differences. They give hobbyists a flexible resource to work with in the comfort of their garage. When it comes to your business, only the very best will do. This means diving into the world of combined metals and figuring out which one compliments your industry best.

Medical devices or aerospace parts? Brass and copper or stainless steel? You’ll know which one you’ll need to order after looking below.

What Does The Metal Fabrication Industry Look Like?

The United States remains a world power for a reason. According to recent data by the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the metal fabrication industry is expected to grow by 10% or so from 2016 to 2026 — this is on top of a $30 billion yearly revenue. This has opened up a bevy of new jobs, projected to add a solid 12,000 new positions to the sector over the course of a decade. On a more global scale, the sheet metal market is expanding at a continuous average rate of 4% (continuing from 2018 to 2022). Trust you won’t be led astry when setting an order for your ASTM A666.

Why Is Stainless Steel Such A Commonly Used Material?

This is a good question, particularly since it’s easy to take such a popular resource for granted. Stainless steel is beloved by many for its flexibility and extreme durability. Not only that, it’s one of the most easy to recycle — according to recent studies, nearly 70% of all steel is recycled throughout North America. That’s over 80 million tons every year! You can find stainless steel in everyday appliances, transportation technology, and the medical field, just to name a few.

What Makes Aluminum And Copper Stand Out?

Stainless steel isn’t the only champion worth heralding. It’s been found the primary metals most often purchased by consumers include aluminum and steel. The former frequently comes in bar, tube, and plate forms. The latter can be found in hot, cold rolled, and stainless varieties. Copper is yet another metal that is able to transfer heat, pairing nicely with plumbing, electronic, and industrial fields.

Can I Recycle My Thin Metal Strips?

As touched on above, steel is popular not just for being easy to use, but easy to reuse. A recent study has determined up to 40% of steel production across the globe is made with recycled metal, with stainless steel leading the pack. The benefits of recycling mean creating an industry with an endless supply of materials and crafting a positive business image. Your ASTM A666 won’t lose quality with recycled materials, either. The beauty of metal is the power tucked away in every sheet and roll.

What Are The Technical Terms I Should Be Looking For?

When searching for combined metals, the first thing to be aware of are the classification systems. You’ll need to search for the metal type for your industry, then the number arrangements for your thin sheets of choice. The ASTM A666 is a stainless steel sheet or plate, while the AMS 5510 is a type of corrosion steel. It’s important to communicate clearly and often your needs, as the wrong kind of metal can have lasting consequences. You wouldn’t want a softer metal to be used for a furnace that conducts extreme heat, for example.

ASTM A666 or AMS 5645? Reach out to your metal sheet manufacturers and get the set you need, each and every time.