Stainless steel is considered the ideal material in many different types of applications. The natural corrosion resistance, which can be further enhanced by different processes after forming the parts, is a primary reason for choosing stainless steel options.
In the automotive industry, stainless steel is also seen as a top material for its strength to weight ratio. With the ability to withstand both high and low temperatures, and the ability of the surface of stainless steel parts to “self-heal” from minor scratches and surface abrasion, it is the go-to material for many parts and components.
Ease of Fabrication
With most alloys of stainless steel, fabrication is relatively simple. Stainless steel sheet metal fabrication is often completed using metal stamping systems, which provide precision controlled parts and components at a very low cost.
In this stainless steel sheet metal fabrication process, the sheet metal is worked at room temperature, which eliminates the changes in properties and characteristics associated with machining and other types of processes that use heat or create heat.
Without the use of heat, there is no need for additional post-forming treatments to relieve internal stress or to harden areas of the part or component. Without heat, there is also no need for future finishing of the parts formed, which saves both time and money for OEMs.
Finding the Best Company
Finding the best company for stainless steel sheet metal fabrication starts with knowing the precision required in the fabrication process. The first step is talking to companies under consideration and assessing their specific industry expertise, their fabrication recommendations and the ability to work to the order volume required.
Not all companies offering sheet metal fabrication have experience in producing precision parts and components from stainless steel sheet. Experience and capacity should be the first areas of concern, with pricing considered later in the comparison.
