The selection of the particular surface finish for a stainless steel fabrication is an integral aspect of many machining projects. After all, each type of finish carries varying advantages and benefits, as well as multiple characteristics specific to that particular finish that may play a role in the end use of the piece.
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Whenever you are facing a major metal stamping project, you want to make sure you choose the correct materials. Every job has a unique set of demands. Some call for higher levels of strength, while others might need corrosion resistance, and with some, the aesthetics take precedence.
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American Industrial Company works with a variety of materials. Two of the most utilized metals are Cold Rolled Steel and Stainless Steel. We created two material selection charts for both of these materials in order to take the guess work out of what grade is best for specific applications. Below is a brief summary of both materials and then at the end of this blog you’ll find a button that will take you to the charts in order for you to download each – for free!
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In the metal stamping industry, one of our biggest challenges is often out of our control: the price of materials. While we try to stay ahead of the trends and buy raw materials when the prices are at their lowest, the market is a chaotic place and so is supply and demand.
On the supply end, there has never been a time that saw more production around the world. Since 2007, total world crude steel production has jumped almost 200 million tons with China leading the way. At the same time, demand has skyrocketed, so the cost savings have been limited and some critics claim quality has fallen. For those who do not rely on foreign metals, this trend towards overseas purchasing has also raised the prices of higher quality, American-made products. Massive swings in prices, some say caused by reckless commodity trading, have deeply affected the metal stamping industry.
Another part of the equation is a change in demand. Many major industries, including the automotive sector, are moving away from steel and iron and into lighter-weight aluminum. The demand for more fuel efficient, thus lighter-weight, products is a major driver in this switch. However, it remains to be seen just how much aluminum will replace steel in applications, as opposed to act as another option.
Overall, the experts agree that forecast for the metal stamping industry in the U.S. is a positive one. The WSJ claims that our industry will grow at a CAGR of 7.91% by 2016, which is great news. However, the question remains if this tricky balance between supply and demand will directly affect our customers and us. No matter what happens, American Industrial will always do our best to bring both the highest American-made quality and the lowest prices to all of our customers.
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