The Best Kinds of Metal for Heavy Machinery

The machinery needed to efficiently produce high-quality products must be made of equally high-quality components and materials. This ensures the machinery can run as well as possible. The most common question, then, is what kind of metal the machinery’s parts should be made of. To answer that, let’s examine some of the best kinds of metal for heavy machinery available so you can discern what kind works best for you.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a widely used material that thrives in applications that don’t need to withstand extreme conditions. While aluminum can’t handle intense applications, the budget-friendliness of the material makes it a favorite for all other applications. Furthermore, the material is notably lightweight if weight is a concern. It’s fairly corrosion-resistant, meaning you won’t have to worry about rust taking hold and shortening the lifespan of your machines and equipment. Aluminum is also a good choice if you need a material that’s capable of conducting electricity and heat. Of the materials available to you, aluminum is the most accessible and will serve as a strong choice for general purposes.

Carbon Alloy

Carbon alloys will be a good choice for extreme circumstances. They are capable of resisting extreme temperatures in addition to corrosion and the natural wear and tear of constant and consistent use. While alone carbon alloys are not as strong as steel, an alloy with less than five percent carbon content is as strong as steel. They remain easy to form into the desired shapes your machinery needs in order to operate.

Stainless Steel

Stainless is the best kind of metal for heavy machinery if you anticipate the machinery will be outside instead of protected under a shelter. Stainless steel has multiple grades with unmatched durability and strength. While the other metals mentioned are corrosion resistant to an extent, they pale in comparison to the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Furthermore, stainless steel is well-loved for its non-porous surface in industries that require greater sanitation standards. This prevents dirt and grime from getting stuck on the surface of the metal and makes cleaning easy.