Sheet metal fabrication is a critical process in which sheet metal is transformed into a different shape to produce a desired part or product. Usually, sheet metal fabrication deals with materials such as steel or aluminum. However, there are some benefits to using copper in this process. When should you use copper in sheet metal fabrication?<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re interested in learning more about copper in sheet metal fabrication, you\u2019ve come to the right place. Read on to learn about the best reasons for copper in sheet metal fabrication and what a copper sheet does. The more you know, the better your fabrication process will be. Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n
Copper is a material many don\u2019t consider when looking into sheet metal fabrication. However, there is a rationale behind its use in sheet metal fabrication. Several industries use copper to get the job done as they progress in their workflow. You may need copper in your sheet metal fabrication without even realizing it.<\/p>\n
Here are a few reasons you may want to use copper in your sheet metal fabrication. It is:<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a unique material.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk more about the rationale behind copper in sheet metal fabrication. Although it\u2019s an uncommon option compared to steel or aluminum, it has practical applications in several industries.<\/p>\n
Corrosion is the downfall of many metals. Steel and aluminum both corrode when exposed to the atmosphere. In time, they can fall apart and require replacement from the user. Although copper can still corrode, the items that could cause this destruction aren\u2019t as common as other metals in the world.<\/p>\n
Corrosion resistance allows copper:<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a practical element.<\/p>\n
In sheet metal fabrication, copper\u2019s corrosion resistance is excellent because fabricators can worry less about what the copper is exposed to as it is shaped into something new. It\u2019s a strong metal that can withstand more than its peers before it falls apart and warrants a replacement.<\/p>\n
Copper is a non-ferrous material, and it\u2019s one of the best. Non-ferrous materials have antimicrobial properties, which means the ions inside the metal harm proteins in the microbes. They then kill them, making it a safer metal when it comes to germs and touchpoints. Many doctors use copper on their tables for this purpose.<\/p>\n
Antimicrobial properties can benefit sheet metal fabrication because it:<\/p>\n
There are tons of benefits to copper here.<\/p>\n
Antimicrobial properties make the world a safer place. It\u2019s an excellent benefit that comes with copper in sheet metal fabrication, and many companies take advantage of it for their needs.<\/p>\n
Copper is excellent at electric conduction. It\u2019s a favorite for making metal cores for this reason. In sheet metal, it can prove beneficial as a way to take electricity in for various purposes, often for protection.<\/p>\n
Many don\u2019t know it, but copper is the second most conductive metal on the planet. It only falls second behind silver. However, silver heats up much faster than copper does. It also is less likely to catch fire. Although it\u2019s more expensive than silver, it\u2019s a better material than its counterpart.<\/p>\n
Copper can withstand a lot of heat compared to other metals that melt and lose their strength when exposed to high temperatures. It is especially known for its ability to resist heat produced by high voltage, which is why many fabricators turn copper into wire for various purposes. It doesn\u2019t heat up as fast as silver.<\/p>\n
This strength is beneficial because it allows copper to be:<\/p>\n
It\u2019s an excellent choice for high-heat electric situations.<\/p>\n
Silver is the alternative to copper, but it can heat up fast. This action often causes electrical fires, which are dangerous and can spiral out of control fast. Companies use copper because it\u2019s a safer and more practical choice, despite costing a little more to fabricate into wires and similar products.<\/p>\n
Copper is a malleable material, which makes it easy to shape and bend any way you might need for a project. It\u2019s ideal to make sheet metal out of a product that won\u2019t snap when you shape it. Copper is strong enough while still providing enough give for fabricators to change it into what they want. It can be hammered into sheets without breaking.<\/p>\n
Here are a few examples of items copper sheets can turn into:<\/p>\n
There are many purposes for copper.<\/p>\n
Malleability is a critical component in sheet metal fabrication. Many people turn to copper because it doesn\u2019t give them much trouble when it comes time to turn the metal into something else.<\/p>\n
Copper is one of the most ductile metals out there. It can easily be drawn into small wires without breaking or running too thin, making it a practical choice for electricity needs. As we talked about above, copper is already ideal because it can withstand heat and conduct electricity well.<\/p>\n
The ductility of copper allows it to:<\/p>\n
It’s an excellent material for sheet metal fabrication.<\/p>\n
The ductility of copper makes it an affordable and practical material for sheet metal fabricators to take advantage of in their work. You should use it if you need a metal that can easily stretch into wire for conductive purposes.<\/p>\n
Copper in sheet metal fabrication makes no sense unless it is used somewhere. Many companies and industries take advantage of copper sheet metal for their personal needs.<\/p>\n
Here are a few places copper sheet metal is used:<\/p>\n
It comes in handy here.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk a little more about each of these uses. There are tons of locations where copper sheet metal comes in handy. It might be more expensive than other materials, but it comes in handy for various purposes we mentioned – electrical conductivity, malleability, and more.<\/p>\n
Welding fixtures are one of the prominent places of use for copper sheet metal. Product parts need to be in a secure position before welding happens, and copper sheets are ideal for that situation. These ensure that the final product is high-quality, as it prevents them from shifting as the welding occurs.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s vital to ensure welding quality because it:<\/p>\n
Anyone who welds knows how critical securing parts is before welding.<\/p>\n
Copper works well because it can withstand high heat and doesn\u2019t bend as easily. The higher the intensity of the welding project, the thicker the copper sheet underneath the project should be. There are plenty of resources out there if you want to try it for yourself.<\/p>\n
Grounding straps are another practical choice for copper sheets. These protect items that run on electricity, as there are tons of potentially exposed components. The grounding straps made of copper prevent people and electrical components from experiencing electrostatic discharge.<\/p>\n
This application works because copper is a highly conductive material. Instead of sending electricity into its surroundings, copper pulls in the current and prevents damage to others.<\/p>\n
Copper sheets work well for electrical opponents. Again, this ability is due to its strength in conducting electricity. Copper is a quality tool for sheet metal and the defense of electricity in a system.<\/p>\n
Copper should be at the top of the list for anyone who wants to form metal electrical components. It works well at conducting and can handle the heat much better than other options out there. It\u2019s a practical choice.<\/p>\n
Lastly, copper works well as a plumbing fitting. It is resistant to corrosion and antimicrobial, making it a safe and secure option for plumbing. Copper lasts much longer than its metal counterparts.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, copper is also more expensive than similar metals. People tend to go with other options instead of copper for that reason.<\/p>\n
Final Thought<\/strong><\/p>\n Sheet metal fabrication is a process that turns metal into flat sheets for various purposes, then transforms them into practical items for companies. Copper is an excellent material to use in sheet metal fabrication. It is ductile, able to handle lots of heat, and malleable. You can use copper in welding, grounding strips, and electrical components.<\/p>\n