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So you’re starting a new metal project and you need help choosing the right metal for your job – and back pocket. Usually, choosing a readily available metal with a good range of properties is the best place to start.
Thankfully, Clickmetal offers a cut-to-size service for a some of the most popular metal choices, including aluminium, brass, and steel. But which type of metal is right – and what shape should you choose? In this guide we explain metal properties and shapes to help you decide.
Not sure which metal shape is right for your project? Here’s some information on the different shapes:
Flat bars
Flat bars are easy to bend into specific curves and they can also easily bend around other axis. With the right drilling equipment, it’s easy to bolt flat bars to each other and other objects.
Angle Iron
If you’re looking to create a rim or a collar off a flat metal plate – a wheel rim is a good example – angle iron is the best shaped metal for the job.
C-channel
Some c-channel bars can come with holes already installed making them super-convenient for bolting. They also help with the structural strength of the piece of metal you’re bolting it to.
Metal tubes
Thanks to their four sides, metal tubes are the strongest metal structures going, making them the best choice if your project requires rigid structural integrity.
Choosing the right metal shape for your project is integral to its success. At Clickmetal, we stock specific angles, tubes, tee sections, and bars, so you can order the right metal shape for your project.
There are four ways to define metal properties. These are:
At Clickmetal, we stock aluminium, brass, and stainless steel but which one has the right properties for your project?
Aluminium
Stainless steel
Brass
Formability
Low
High
High
Weldability
Hard
Medium
Medium
Machinability
Easy
Hard
Easy
Tensile strength
Low
High
High
Pros
Cons
Aluminium
Practical and lightweight
Rust resistant
Easy to machine
Ready available
Requires skill to weld
Not as cost effective as steel
Stainless steel
Won’t rust unless exposed to acid from chrome or nickel
Easy to recycle
Extremely durable
Aesthetically shiny and clean
Heavy
Not particularly easy to manipulate
Not easy to weld – warps if correct techniques aren’t used
Brass
Rust resistant
Has antibacterial properties
Easy to machine
Tarnishes easily
Not particularly malleable
Whether you choose aluminium, steel or brass, you can rely on Clickmetal for all of your metal needs. Browse our online catalogue to find the right metal for you, the click through to order.
Agree with pretty much everything said already. Basically anything you can buy is going to be more than enough for what you want to build given the design is halfway decent. That being said, most beginners will have the easiest time starting with something in the 11g - 1/8" realm You start getting into lighter gauges and you're going to get frustrated quickly. You need tight fitups along with a decent skill set to not just make a mess of the whole thing. You most likely don't need a ton of material, so it would be wise to spend a little more money, buy some 11g and get started.
If you decide to go thinner, definitely use .023 wire.
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