Many industries take advantage of this process as it can generate high-precision parts. Since sheet metal fabrication utilises computerised and automated machines, parts are expected to boast precise dimensions at specific tolerances the industries would need. Sheet metal fabrication can also accommodate customised designs at high capacity, providing industries with plenty of products in a short time.

Even though sheet metal fabrication guarantees tons of products with precise dimensions, custom shapes, and modern finishes, fabricators should still practice quality control.

The Principles of Quality Control

Quality control in sheet metal fabrication is carried out by performing numerous activities that would measure the products against common standards. The standards set for sheet metal fabrication aim to maintain the quality of consumer goods and manufactured parts needed by businesses in various fields and industries.

Fabricators can only provide quality products to their clients if they will always practice quality control. After all, it serves as the basis for standards compliance, cost reduction, safety, and other crucial elements of their operations and their expected products.

For consumers and clients, the existence of stringent quality control in a fabrication plant means that they can expect a better return on investment on the fabricated components.

Quality Control Main Advantages

Quality control in sheet metal fabrication can provide tons of advantages. Some advantages of quality control are as follows.

• Generate Quality Products: Since quality control covers the selection of metal materials, fabricators can conveniently opt for the best ones so they can also produce quality products. When selecting the materials, fabricators carry out numerous checks, inspections, and tests just to make sure that they choose the right ones. Upon choosing the materials, quality control practices are still maximised so that the fabricated products can boast the needed specifications and perform optimally.

• Ensure Consistency: Quality control does not only deal with material selection, but it can also cover the manufacturing process itself. And so, fabricators are set to follow a set of standards in carrying out the fabrication processes, making sure that clients can expect similar consistent products throughout their service. These standards can make every fabrication project possible, even those with complex requirements.

• Minimise Risk and Hazards: Another advantage of quality control in sheet metal fabrication is it can minimise risk and hazards for fabricators assigned to key projects. Quality control entails the regular checking and testing of the machines and tools used for the fabrication project. Once defects or issues have been detected, these equipment pieces would have to be subjected to repairs before they can be used again. Quality control also involves fabricators undergoing some training on safety practices to lessen making mistakes.

• Reduce Expenses: One more benefit of quality control in sheet metal fabrication is it can reduce expenses. The number of errors during the fabrication process is expected to lessen since quality control practices are expected to be followed. And since products are expected to boast no defects, the chances of the products getting returned to the shop are reduced significantly, which can diminish revenue loss.

Find out more about metal fabrication services, or call us at 0424 066 881.

The post The Role of Quality Control in Sheet Metal Fabrication first appeared on METCON Steel.

These reasons are enough for metal fabrication shops to continue expanding and improving their core fabrication services. Some shops have even incorporated modern technology in converting metal sheets and plates into useful parts and products.

We, at Metcon Steel, have been in the sheet metal and fabrication industry for more than three decades. And by integrating computer numerical control (CNC) machinery, we can easily turn numerous metal materials into products needed for various properties. Here are some metal materials that we can fabricate through CNC machinery.

1. Steel

One of the metal materials that we process with CNC machinery is steel. It is comprised of iron combined with a few amounts of carbon, helping the material attain some improvements in its strength and fracture resistance. Some notable mechanical properties of steel include low weight, dependable durability and ductility, great strength, and enhanced corrosive resistance. As for its applications, steel is highly useful for generating products for the construction, automotive, military, shipbuilding, electronics, and transportation industries.

2. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is another metal material that our team processes. It has chromium, nickel, and other elements that make it resistant to corrosion and other damaging elements. Through the existence of chromium, stainless steel generates a firm, self-repairing film on its surfaces that makes it durable and long-lasting. Stainless steel can be used in making industrial pipes, tools, turbine blades, boiler parts, and building materials.

3. Zinc

Zinc is a metal material that can be found in the Earth’s crust. This material can be utilised to galvanise steel, protecting it from unwanted corrosion. Compared to other metal materials, zinc is known to be less durable, which deters industries from using it in load-bearing applications. It even has low toughness. One thing that makes this material useful is it has great electrochemical properties. These qualities make it helpful for primarily galvanising other metals, which can be processed to generate products for electrical and hardware industries.

4. Aluminium

Aluminium may have been discovered late compared to other materials, but it has changed the manufacturing industry thanks to its recyclability. Extracted mainly from bauxite that contains 50% alumina, aluminium is currently known to be one of the most abundant metal element in the world. With aluminium’s high thermal conductivity, excellent corrosion resistance, and great formability and machinability, machining companies can easily process it into kitchen tools and utensils, benches, packaging, vehicle chassis, and aircraft parts.

5. Copper

Copper has been around for centuries. After all, the tools and weapons used by early humans were made from this specific material. One feature of copper that makes it useful for industries is it is durable. It is also antimicrobial, which prevents its surface from getting infiltrated by germs and bacteria. This material is likewise known for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility, versatility, corrosion resistance, and recyclability. All these qualities make copper useful for creating heating materials, pipes, wires, and cookware.

To access these metal products for café/restaurant fit-outs, air conditioning systems, and other industries, you can contact us at Metcon Steel.

The post 5 Metal Materials Metcon Steel Can Fabricate through CNC Machinery first appeared on METCON Steel.

Take note, however, that not all metals being produced by metal fabrication companies boast the same properties and qualities. Some may need to possess a specific component before they can be converted into a useful part or product. Others, alternatively, have to acquire a particular thickness so that they can be processed further successfully.

The dimensions of metal can affect the outcome of a specific part or product. Without acquiring the right metal qualities, it would be difficult for the industries to attain their needed parts. Two metal types that are being maximised nowadays are metal sheets and metal plates.

Metal Sheet

A metal sheet is a type of metal fabricated into thin, flat workpieces. This metal type is often made by subjecting a hot slab of metal to a series of rough rolling stands. These tools help in making the metal sheet thin and long. Now, to make a metal sheet even thinner, it is often passed into finishing rolling stands, cooled, and ultimately rolled into coils. Usually, a metal sheet can boast a thickness of around 0.55 to 6mm.

What is great about metal sheets is they can be processed further by various metalworking processes. By bending and cutting them in various shapes and dimensions, industries can obtain their needed parts and products without any issues. Metal sheets can also be made from varying metal materials. Some materials that can be turned into sheets are aluminium, copper, brass, titanium, steel, nickel, and tin.

Some applications of metal sheets include architectural materials, electrical enclosures, holding tanks, car components, appliances, packaging materials, and decorative components.

Metal Plate

Compared to a metal sheet, a metal plate boasts a thickness of more than 6mm. As the metal plate becomes thick, it is also expected to become more durable and sturdier. Some metal materials that can be used in creating metal plates are aluminium, steel, and copper.

Metal sheets, as mentioned earlier, come from a hot slab of metal that is further processed by roughing and finishing rolling stands. The rolling process makes the metal sheets sturdy and gains additional strength. Afterwards, the metal sheets are then stacked and compressed together. The compression of these metals generates a single piece of metal plate, which can be processed further through burning or cutting.

What is great about metal plates is they can be used for parts and products in the food processing and construction industries. Metal plates can also be used in creating structural components and parts of heavy machines. The aerospace and automotive industries can likewise benefit from metal plates given their overall durability.

Knowing the difference between metal sheets and metal plates can help business owners like you understand which of them can fit best with your intended applications. Of course, you must also consider the metal materials you will be using to make your project successful. To know more about these metal types, you can contact us at Metcon Steel.

The post A Brief Comparison between Metal Sheet and Metal Plate first appeared on METCON Steel.

One great thing about general metal fabrication is it can be utilised in processing various families and grades of metals. The metals utilised in this process are then known for their heat resistance, preventing them from degrading under high and elevated temperatures. These materials also have notable strength, which makes them harder and stronger than other materials. Metals are likewise versatile and cost-effective, securing industries with various cost-efficient components.

Not all metals, however, can be fabricated similarly. Sheet metals, for instance, require more delicate bending and cutting processes since they have a thin and flat profile. Maximising custom sheet metal fabrication, fortunately, can provide tons of advantages to business owners like you.

1. Boosted Customisation

One of the advantages of custom sheet metal fabrication is it can grant you bespoke parts and products. Not all your needed parts and products will be available in the market. Sometimes, you must opt for custom sheet metal fabrication so you can choose the best material, design, and other factors for your required components. Going for this custom process likewise allows you to avoid challenges and issues that may be present in other fabrication processes.

2. Enhanced Compatibility

Another advantage of custom sheet metal fabrication is it provides you with parts and products that have a high level of compatibility. Since you are allowed to pick the material, design, and other elements for your sheet metal fabrication project, the output of the fabrication process can assure you of parts and products that are highly compatible with your requirement. The suitability of your custom sheet metal parts and products can then grant you better output, higher revenues, and more satisfied clients.

3. Increased Usability

As stated earlier, not all parts and products are already available publicly. Sometimes, your needed components must be generated by companies that offer custom sheet metal processing. Without asking for their help, you might not be able to utilise your systems that require custom components. Installing custom sheet metal products allows you to fully utilise your systems, especially if you are part of the food processing, electronics, construction, automotive, aerospace, and energy industries.

4. Maintained Durability

Even though sheet metals have a thin and flat profile, they can still be durable as long as they have been processed optimally. Utilising the help of reputable custom sheet metal fabrication companies grants you durable and reliable parts and products. They can also grant you components that can resist heat, corrosion, and other damaging elements. So, if you need durable ductwork, air conditioning components, and kitchen components, you can never go wrong with custom sheet metal fabrication.

5. Remarkable Efficiency

One more advantage of custom sheet metal fabrication processes is they can provide output efficiently. The processes involved in custom sheet metal fabrication only require a short amount of time. With their time efficiency, business owners like you can acquire your needed parts and products without significant waiting times. And even with minimal waiting times, you can effectively attain your needed components without compromising their overall value and quality.

To know more about custom sheet metal fabrication, you can contact us at Metcon.

The post Top 5 Advantages of Maximising Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication first appeared on METCON Steel.

One of the functions of HVAC systems is to regulate the temperatures of rooms and spaces through heating and cooling. Another function of HVAC systems is to control the humidity level of the properties, which can be done by regulating the distribution and movement of the air inside rooms and spaces. Fortunately, all the functions of HVAC systems can be further enhanced through metal fabrication.

The stable transfer of air from HVAC systems to different parts of a building is possible through the presence of metal ductwork and other custom fittings. With metal fabrication, all these added components are ensured to boast great and reliable qualities.

An Overview of HVAC Metal Fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication is the process of converting sheet metals into a wide array of products or structures. To date, this process can be further divided into three: forming, cutting, and joining. The forming part of sheet metal fabrication entails the transformation of metal sheets into various shapes and structures through stamping, bending, or stretching. Cutting, alternatively, is done to cut the metals so they can obtain the desired appearance. The cutting step can be done through blanking, laser cutting, and machining. Joining, ultimately, combines metals with welding, brazing, or riveting.

With HVAC systems involved, sheet metal fabrication companies often carry out a combination of forming, cutting, and joining to generate ductwork, fittings, and roof curbs. Usually, they would take the preferences of the customers so they can design the perfect HVAC system accessories for their properties. They could even match the appeal of the products by coating them with the right paint.

HVAC Metal Fabrication’s Key Benefits

If you want to further improve the functions of your HVAC system, then you must opt for metal fabrication works. Through HVAC metal fabrication processes, you can easily obtain the following benefits:

• Ensured Compatibility – One of the benefits of opting for metal fabrication works for your HVAC system is that they can guarantee you compatible parts and components. Sheet metal fabrication companies are equipped with tools and systems that allow them to generate parts and components that can work well with your HVAC system. Through metal fabrication, they can easily design, cut, and shape ductwork, fittings, and roof curbs and match them with your existing HVAC system. Their services can even help in remodelling or customising your system in the future.
• Enhanced Quality – Another benefit of opting for HVAC metal fabrication is that it can improve the quality of your HVAC system. With the help of their custom HVAC system ducts and fittings, your system can easily carry out its core functions without consuming a lot of energy. And if you need help, you can easily call them so they can resolve any issues with their products. Investing in a metal fabrication company can, ultimately, save you a huge number of energy and maintenance expenses.

To know more about HVAC metal fabrication, you can contact us at Metcon.

The post The Essence of Metal Fabrication in Your HVAC System first appeared on METCON Steel.

But before stairs can be functional and safe, they must be paired with reliable railings. Railings are a type of boundary feature that prevents people from falls and injuries. Those that are installed right next to the stairs allow people to grab onto them while acceding or descending the property. Aside from stairs, these handy railings can also be seen and installed on walkways, balconies, decks, and ramps.

A lot of materials can be maximised in generating railings. But one material that many property owners choose is metal. If you are currently considering metal railings for your property, then here are some reasons why you should them.

Guaranteed Durability

One of the reasons you should consider metal railings for your property is that they are significantly durable. Metals like stainless steel and aluminium are often utilised in generating railings since they can resist numerous elements like heat and moisture. They can likewise resist corrosion and extreme force, which can make the railings long-lasting despite using them regularly. All these qualities make the metal railings useful for your property, no matter what their location will be.

Improved Appearance

Another reason why you should opt for metal railings is that they are truly appealing. Metals that are often used in making railings can boast surfaces that are both beautiful and classy. And with tons of finishing, coating, and other customisation options for metal railings, your property can obtain enhancements in terms of its general look and feel. The ambience of your property may even improve just with the installation of metal railings. Just make sure that you hire the best metal fabricator for great results.

Greater Cost Savings

Metal railings are not only durable and appealing, but they are also cost-efficient. Metal railings may boast tons of customisation options but fulfilling them does not truly need a lot of money. The industry of metal fabrication is significantly popular nowadays. And since many industries maximise metal fabrication processes, the tools and materials needed can be affordable, making the metal railings relatively cheap. Metal railings likewise do not require intense upkeep, which saves you a lot of resources.

When choosing the best metal railings for your property, you must go for the correct material and configuration for these added safety features. You must also state their intended installation location so that the fabricator can help you pick the best option for your property. If you need some help in fabricating metal railings, you can always contact us at Metcon Steel.

Our market-leading, up to date machinery enables us to accurately cut, fold and fabricate a range of metals including but not limited to galvanised steel, zinc, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, and brass.

The post Why Should You Consider Metal Railings for Your Property? first appeared on METCON Steel.

Conducting the barbeque activities themselves can be fun. After all, they would normally produce meals that are appetising and delicious. But one factor that people must consider is the amount of smoke the grills would generate. Smelling the smoke from the grills can be mouth-watering, but it must be regulated carefully so that it will not affect the daily activities of the neighbours. Controlling the barbeque smoke is likewise needed since it can emit harmful elements to the atmosphere.

One great way to regulate the amount of smoke on barbeque parties is to maximise a BBQ rangehood.

The Key Advantages of BBQ Rangehood

A BBQ rangehood is a device that can effectively remove elements produced by cooking or grilling food products. Some elements that the device can eradicate are airborne grease, fumes, smoke, ash, steam, heat, and combustion products.

Essentially, a BBQ rangehood can remove elements through evacuation of the air and filtration. Typically installed in small patios or enclosed alfresco, this device can make sure that the outdoor space where the barbeque party is located will not be bombarded with smoke, stains, and other similar elements. It can also ensure that the neighbouring properties will be protected from the same grilling-related elements.

Aside from eradicating the physical aspect of barbeque-related elements, a BBQ rangehood can also guarantee a safer environment for conducting barbeque parties. You see, the smoke from grilling may have a tasty odour, but it generally possesses components that are harmful to one’s health. Some harmful components that can be generated by the smoke are volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and heterocyclic amines.

Customise Rangehood with Metcon Steel

Obtaining a BBQ rangehood for your outdoor living space is significant to ensure that the safety of your family will be kept intact during barbeque parties. It can also make sure that your neighbours will be protected from the elements generated by the grilling activities.

But to make sure that the benefits of a BBQ rangehood are obtained, you may want to have it customised by our company, Metcon Steel. With over 30 years of experience in the metal fabrication industry, we can guarantee you a high-quality custom BBQ rangehood for your property that is made from durable and reliable metal materials. We can easily cut, fold, and fabricate a range of metals to generate a rangehood that can resist weather elements and high temperatures.

Our wide array of rangehood offerings can make sure that your place intended for barbeque parties can be truly free from the bad effects of smoke and other grilling elements. Here at Metcon Steel, we can also conduct the proper installation of the BBQ rangehood for it to be perfectly functional.

The post Rangehood BBQ: Why You Need It and Why Customise with Metcon Steel? first appeared on METCON Steel.

While these window frame materials can benefit different property owners, there is one window frame material that can basically cater to the needs of almost all properties. For years, steel window frames have been used by properties due to their accompanying features and benefits. Some of the benefits that you can obtain from steel window frames are as follows:

Strong and Durable

Steel window frames are perhaps the strongest type of window frames that are existing today. Steel as a material can be mixed with elements that would enhance its robust properties. Integrating the steel with additional corrosion-resistant coating can even make the material exceed industry standards and regulations when it comes to overall longevity. With steel window frames, you can expect them to resist corrosion, heat, moisture, dents, scratches, and any other damaging elements on the surroundings.

Enhanced Security

And given the fact that steel window frames are strong and durable, you can expect them to work effectively in securing your property. Even if some intruders attempt to damage your steel window frames, they will not be able to break them. Steel window frames are capable of holding their overall structure without losing any internal strength. With this type of strength, steel window frames are utilised in facilities that would require high-quality security and defence.

Excellent Insulation

Another defining feature of steel window frames is that they have excellent insulation. Due to their notable thermal properties, steel window frames can easily provide the property with appropriately regulated indoor temperatures. These window frames can keep the heat from escaping the property, which can be helpful during cold days. Otherwise, they can allow heat to escape the property if the outdoor temperatures are already hot enough.

Great Customisability 

Aside from their strength and thermal efficiency, steel window frames are also known for their great customisability. Since these window frames are made from metal, they can easily be shaped and fabricated into various shapes and styles. They can also boast different window types, which can be great for fitting in special types of windowpanes. And as mentioned earlier, steel window frames can have special coating elements that can even enhance their strength as well as appearance.

Ease of Maintenance

Many window frame options are required to be maintained strictly. Some must be coated after a few years or even months, while others must be cleaned with special types of cleaning agents. With steel window frames, they can be easily cleaned and maintained just by wiping them with a damp cloth. As long as the solution will not harm their surface or coating, then cleaning them can be easy and convenient. Additional maintenance measures will only be applied if the property is located near the coast.

For more information about steel window frames, give us a call now at Metcon.

The post Main Benefits of Steel Window Frames first appeared on METCON Steel.

Primary Attributes of Diamond Plates

A diamond plate goes by a wide variety of names, which include tread plate, diamond tread plate, deck plate, or checker plate. This type of metal product is generally comprised of a raised diamond pattern on its surface, helping it increase the overall traction that makes any activities on top of it to be much safer. The raised diamond patterns of the diamond plate also help its surface to become rugged, maintenance-free, and slip-resistant, making them recommended for both external and internal use.

The metals and fabrication methods that can be used in making a diamond plate can be abundant. Typically, diamond plates can be fabricated out of different types of aluminium alloys and steel through either stamping or rolling. Aside from these two elements, diamond plates can also possess a wide variety of patterns and projection heights, which all depend on their intended use and application.

Different Types of Diamond Plates

The classification for diamond plates is determined by their material composition. Three metals that can be used in fabricating diamond plates are aluminium, carbon steel, and stainless steel.

• Aluminium Diamond Plates: Diamond plates that are made from aluminium, specifically the 6061-T6 aluminium, are known to resist corrosion effectively and boast excellent structural properties. Other types of aluminium can likewise be used to obtain diamond plates with a lustre appearance.
• Carbon Steel Diamond Plates: Carbon steel diamond plates, on the other hand, have excellent mechanical properties amidst their affordable prices. This type of diamond plate is hugely recommended for structural and other related applications.
• Stainless Steel Diamond Plates: Food and beverage industry can easily utilise the benefits of stainless steel diamond plates as they can easily resist corrosion and harsh chemicals. They are also great to look at. However, given their superb features, they can be more expensive than others.

Diamond Plate Uses and Applications

There are a lot of uses and applications for diamond plates. For one, they can be used as a protection for a surface from any foot traffic damage. Diamond plates can also be used to cover surfaces that are constantly exposed to harmful and harsh chemicals. Corrosion and other damaging elements from the surroundings can also be avoided with most types of diamond plates.

Places that require anti-slip textures can easily maximise the characteristics of diamond plates. Some of the most common areas where diamond plates can be installed include shipping docks, walkways, and platforms. They can likewise be used on stairs, trailers, trucks, and others. Using diamond plates on these places will not only help keep the environment safe and free from dangers, but it can also enhance their overall appearance and aesthetics.

To gain access to your needed diamond plates, just give us a call at Metcon Steel. Our market-leading, up-to-date machinery enables us to accurately cut, fold and fabricate a range of metals including but not limited to steel, zinc, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, and brass.

The post Understanding Diamond Plate and Its Uses first appeared on METCON Steel.

Despite these benefits, plain carbon steel can still rust and corrode easily. So, to solve the issue of corrosion, this specific alloy is further modified into different grades and types. Two of the most popular modifications for plain carbon steel are stainless steel and galvanised steel.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that is combined with a minimum of 10.5% chromium. The integration of chromium allows this alloy to obtain a thin passive layer of chromium oxide that can prevent the surface from corroding and deteriorating. Increasing the chromium percentage of stainless steel makes the alloy more resistant to corrosion. Some other elements that can be combined with stainless steel are nickel, molybdenum, silicon, and manganese.

As mentioned, stainless steel becomes more resistant to corrosion due to the presence of chromium. This element, which was mostly added during the initial melting process, seamlessly combines with the oxygen for it to form a passive layer of chromium oxide. This specific layer deters the formation of rust or iron oxide and protects the surface from deterioration. The amount of chromium that is present on a specific grade of stainless steel determines its respective corrosion resistance.

Applications that are exposed to corrosive elements can benefit the properties of stainless steel. Some products that are made from stainless steel include food processing equipment, aerospace engine components, kitchen appliances, fasteners, and pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment.

Galvanised Steel

Galvanised steel is a type of steel that is coated in a zinc layer, which hugely offers surface protection and prevents the underlying steel from corroding. The layer of zinc is added after melting, refining, or shaping the steel plate or sheet. This layer acts as a protective barrier for the galvanised steel, making it possible for products fabricated from this material to last for a very long time.

The zinc coating of galvanised steel has two main functions. For one, it prevents the oxygen element from infiltrating the steel surface. Without oxygen, the possibility of corrosion will be minimised. Another function of zinc coating is it sacrifices itself to any corrosive element that is present in the surroundings. The coating may get damaged in the long run, but other parts of the coating will still shield the underlying surface from corrosion by attracting the oxygen into the coating, leaving the iron elements alone.

Applications that have small amounts of corrosion can utilise materials made from galvanised steel. Some of the products that can be made from galvanised steel include ductwork, automotive components, structural beams, railing, walkways, traffic signs, electric poles, and metal cabinetry.

Comparing Steels

When it comes to corrosion-resistance, stainless steel is believed to be better compared to galvanised steel. Stainless steel can easily maintain its corrosion resistance despite getting some scratches. Galvanised steel, on the other hand, may get exposed to corrosion once its zinc layer gets damaged. The appearance of stainless steel is also much better than galvanised steel since the former has a shiny, silver colour compared to the dull-grey pattern of the latter. One great thing about galvanised steel, though, is it costs cheaper than the stainless steel.

The post Material Differences Between Stainless Steel and Galvanised Steel first appeared on METCON Steel.