With a history that spans back to ancient times, steel has been critical to modern-day industry since the 17th century. Today, steel is one of the most widely used materials in manufacturing, and custom steel parts play a vital role in critical applications across a range of industries. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into the properties and uses of steel. We’ll also explore what steel manufacturing considerations mean for your project.
The Properties of Steel
Thanks to the properties of the material, custom steel parts are a versatile choice for many applications. Some key characteristics of steel include:
- Strength—Steel is renowned for its high tensile strength. Able to withstand heavy loads and resist deformation, it’s the ideal material for load-bearing parts or applications that require structural integrity.
- Durability—Steel is one of the materials that holds up extremely well against harsh environmental conditions, including temperature variations, corrosion, and abrasion. This helps ensure a longer lifespan for the part.
- Machinability—Compared to some other materials such as titanium, steel is relatively easy to machine and work with. This allows for higher levels of precision and easier customization, making it suitable for complex parts with intricate geometries.
- Heat Resistance—Depending on the alloy, steel can exhibit good heat resistance. This makes it a good choice for applications that involve exposure to high temperatures, such as engine components.
- Corrosion Resistance—Stainless steel in particular is known for having excellent corrosion resistance. In applications where exposure to moisture, chemicals, or other corrosive environments is a concern, stainless steel is often the go-to for custom steel parts.
- Recyclability—Steel is highly recyclable, making it both environmentally friendly and more economical than other options. The recycling process is even energy-efficient and reduces the demand for raw materials, so custom steel parts can help you meet sustainability goals.
Custom Steel Parts Across a Range of Industries
Medical
The medical industry relies on custom steel parts for everything from surgical instruments to advanced medical equipment. Forceps, scissors, and needle-holders are often precision-machined from stainless steel for parts that are durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to sterilize.
Similarly, frames and other components for X-ray machines, ultrasound devices, and diagnostic equipment are often made of some type of steel. Parts for these applications need to be able to hold up to long-term and repeated use without loss of function or performance.
Transportation
In the transportation industry, manufacturers often use steel to produce chassis parts, including frame rails, suspension components, and structural elements in automobiles to ensure strength and safety. Custom steel parts are also widely used in trailer manufacturing to ensure the vehicle can traverse thousands of miles cross-country without failure.
Recreation & Power Sports
Custom steel parts are crucial for the recreation and power sports industry as well. Steel is the material of choice for the fabrication of motorcycle frames, handlebars, exhaust systems, and other applications that require the strength and durability provided by steel.
Steel is also a popular choice for frames and chassis in off-road vehicles, components for jet skis, and specialized components in dragsters, all of which require parts that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and maintain a high level of performance in the long term.
Industrial
In industrial applications, the corrosion resistance and load-bearing capacity of steel makes it ideal for hydraulic, conveyor system, and packaging machine components. Custom steel parts used in these applications include cylinders, valves, and fittings in fluidics systems; rollers, frames, and brackets for conveyor systems; and guides and cutting tools in packaging operations.
Aerospace
Finally, the aerospace & defense industry relies on custom steel parts for a number of critical applications. Steel is frequently used for structural components like wing spars, landing gear components, and fuselage frames. All of these applications benefit from the superior physical strength of steel, as well as its ability to hold up under intense weight and pressure.
Certain aerospace engine components may also be made of steel. Shafts and gears, for instance, are often made from custom steel parts in order to withstand high temperatures and mechanical stresses.
Special Considerations for Custom Steel Parts Manufacturers (And What They Mean for You)
When working with steel, manufacturers must take several factors into account. Not only is it essential to choose the right type of steel and the right manufacturing processes, but metal parts suppliers must also consider the customer’s needs throughout every stage. For instance:
- Material selection, or choosing the right type of steel, affects the performance, durability, and cost of the final product.
- Design and tolerances are crucial for meeting the functional and structural requirements of custom steel parts. When part designs are accurate, they fit more seamlessly into the customers’ systems and applications.
- Tooling and equipment that is well maintained contribute to faster and more efficient manufacturing processes, as well as higher quality parts.
- Heat treatment, when done properly, can enhance the mechanical properties of custom steel parts.
- Surface finishes can have an impact on the aesthetics and functionality of custom steel parts.
Custom Steel Parts From OGS Industries are Built to Last
At OGS Industries, we work with a wide variety of materials, including steel, to deliver high-performance custom metal parts that go the distance. We’ve been in the metal manufacturing business since 1959 and in that time we’ve worked with the likes of Volvo, Boeing, Cessna, Transtar, and many more. Our capabilities in metal fabrication, stamping, and machining enable us to provide bespoke manufacturing solutions that meet your exact needs. We’re also a one-stop shop that offers additional services like inventory management programs, welding, assembly, and even local delivery.
Are you ready to get started on your next project? Get in touch with our team today.
