A Useful Buying Guide For Fabricators Looking For Quality Steel
There are a lot of great metals to work with today for fabricators, but in terms of durability and availability, steel is one of the best. If you're looking to buy steel for your next project, consider this buying guide.
Thickness/Gauge
One of the most important attributes to assess before ordering steel is the thickness, otherwise known as gauge. The thicker the steel, the more expensive it will be. However, you may be working on projects that need extra durability for structural purposes. For example, the steel needs to be thick if it's being used to support other structures like siding on a house.
Conversely, if you're simply using steel for aesthetic purposes, thickness may not matter that much. In this case, you can select thin steel sheets that are affordable and have some flexibility to them. Thin steel sheets work particularly well when used as a surface, such as on a trunk or end table in the bedroom.
Cold-Rolled vs. Hot-Rolled Steel
Steel is a versatile metal that also comes in many different varieties. Hot-rolled steel is extremely coveted today. It reconfigures itself during the cooling process, which makes it more malleable compared to cold-rolled steel. As a result, it's much easier to manipulate and form into different shapes.
Cold-rolled steel is different in that it's made at room temperatures, which enables the use of strain hardening to make the material much more durable. It's also known for its smooth feel and look, making it great as far as aesthetic properties go.
Supplier
Whatever type of steel you have in mind for your next project, finding the right supplier is absolutely essential. Ideally, you want to find a supplier that's reliable, offers good prices, and is easy to work with. If you decide to purchase online, make sure the supplier is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. This way, you'll have added confidence as the buyer because you know the seller is reputable.
If you decide to purchase in person, thoroughly examine the steel supply to make sure it's of the highest quality. Also consider buying in bulk. You may be able to get a better price since you're interested in a lot of their supplies.
Steel is one of the most important materials for metal fabricators and the industrial industry. You can choose quality steel if you assess its attributes and know what you want out of this material. Keep these tips in mind when buying steel from a company like Ashley Salvage.
