How to choose the right metal for your project

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.

 

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How to choose the right metal shape for your project

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. 

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How to choose a metal with the right properties

There are four ways to define metal properties. These are:

• Formability – how easy it is to form the metal into different shapes
• Weldability – how easy the metal is to weld
• Machinability – how easy it is to cut the metal with a blade
• Tensile strength – how easy it is to snap the metal

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

 

What are the pros and cons of aluminium, stainless steel and brass?

 

	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

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Clickmetal is the go-to for cut-to-size metal

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.