Know what materials to use, which finishes you need, and comply with environmental standards.
Every industry has unique requirements and considerations of which companies in the space need to keep track. Designers and engineers need to be fully aware of each of these specifications when creating components for use in industry applications.
For the energy industry specifically, metal stamped components or assemblies must respond to a few possible issues that can arise with applications like electric power generation, where the conductivity of metal may be the most important factor.
To achieve the highest quality and cost efficiency when working with metal stamped components for energy industry applications, here are three tips to know when starting out.
1. KNOW THE MATERIAL FOR USE
Steel is available in either hot rolled or cold rolled varieties. Although both types are hot rolled at high temperatures (1700-2000°F), cold rolled steel is put through additional processing at room temperature. It is also annealed, which contributes added strength and improved surface finish. This also improves malleability, adds looser tolerances, and may cause the steel to bend more easily.
There is a tradeoff between high strength and draw quality when working with steel. Increasing steel’s carbon content also increases its hardness, but at the expense of higher brittleness and lower machinability.
Aluminum is ideal for a variety of energy industry applications, due to its high strength-to-weight ratio (about a third of steel’s heaviness), high corrosion resistance, excellent ability to conduct heat and electricity, and exceptional ductility.
Stainless steel is created by adding chromium, which increases its hardness and corrosion resistance. Due to its reliance on oxygen to form its protective chromium oxide film layer, it is not ideal for use in applications where it may be covered in oil film, coal dust, or other fine particulates.
2. KNOW WHICH FINISHES YOU NEED
The tendency to overlook the type of finish of a metal stamped component is understandable. It is, however, one of the most important steps in the process. Due to the huge diversity of applications in the energy industry, components may be subject to a great variety of environments such as extreme heat, high pressures, caustic atmospheres, and corrosive fluids.
The type of finish can greatly affect the component’s performance. There are many ways to easily add the right finish for your application, such as chrome, nickel, copper, gold, or anodizing.
3. COMPLY WITH ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
The energy industry is at the forefront of green energy practices and sustainability issues. Incorporating metal stamped components in applications such as hydroelectric, solar, and wind power can greatly boost their sustainability and efficiency. Metal is also easily recyclable and long lasting, helping with environmental friendliness.
LEARN MORE FROM AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL’S EBOOK
Our new eBook, Metal Stamped Component Concerns for Energy Industry Applications, has specific details and several considerations for working with these components in the energy industry. Download your free copy today, and let us know how we can help you with your next energy project.
