Best Materials for Industrial Equipment
Most people know that factories and manufacturers use specific materials for their heavy equipment to operate efficiently. However, most people don’t know the different materials they use and their specific advantages and disadvantages. In this case, here are some of the best materials for industrial equipment and their respective applications.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a great metal to use for weaker parts. Given its lightweight structure, aluminum is perfect for machines with weight restrictions. Even with this, it still has high corrosion resistance, and its thermal and electrical conductivity makes it an adaptable metal to work with. It’s also relatively inexpensive. Any low-density, light application should use aluminum in its frame.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel proves to be one of the most popular metal choices for industrial equipment, given its strength, durability, hardness, and multipurpose functionality. Its high heat resistance allows it to perform in high temperatures and outdoor applications. Stainless steel has low corrosiveness, which helps to protect against rain or other outdoor elements. It’s a useful material for industrial equipment, also, because it’s reusable. There are even maintenance techniques, like stainless steel finishes, that further the lifespan of stainless steel machinery for many years.
Carbon Alloy
Carbon alloys are extremely temperature-stable and corrosion-resistant. These are materials composed of carbon atoms that have physical and/or chemical interactions with each other. One benefit to carbon alloy steel over stainless steel is its formability. Carbon alloys have greater weldability and formability, but they still maintain the strength of normal steel. This allows for sufficient wear resistance and strength in more applications than standard stainless steel.
Plastics
One of the best materials for industrial equipment used today is plastics. While they’re not as strong or corrosive-resistant as steel, plastics are an inexpensive option to consider. Like aluminum, they are lightweight and highly versatile. Although weaker than metal and with a low heat-resistance, plastics work best for cool, lightweight applications.
