Most business owners of small-scale manufacturing operations would love to use premium materials in all their products, but they have to consider costs, manufacturing timelines, material performance, and countless other factors. High-spec materials may be ideal, but small-scale manufacturers must balance the perfect choice with the practical one.
Products need to be affordable to manufacture, but they also need to be durable. Potential customers must see those products as high-quality and worthy of purchasing. They might base that decision on an attractive appearance, impressive product claims, or advanced materials.
It’s important to understand both the product requirements and the end user’s priorities as well as manufacturability when you choose materials for your product. Quality raw materials can be easier to process and create less scrap. You may save money in the long run by using more premium materials.
High-Spec Steel and Aluminum for Small-Scale Manufacturing
Steel and aluminum are the most common metals used in small-scale manufacturing, but sometimes you need something more advanced than the standard alloys. There is a steel or aluminum alloy for almost every application, whether you need strength, corrosion resistance, or improved machinability.
Below are some examples of high-spec grades of steel and aluminum used in small-scale manufacturing.
Properties |
Uses |
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316 Stainless Steel |
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7075 Aluminum |
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Mic-6 Aluminum |
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Other High-Spec Materials for Small-Scale Manufacturing
Beyond steel and aluminum, there are other metals with high specifications for any application. These materials have advantageous properties like low weight, high strength, or resistance to temperature changes.
A few of these exotic metals and superalloys are detailed below.
Properties |
Uses |
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Titanium |
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Monel |
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Hastelloy |
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Invar |
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Inconel |
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Cupronickel |
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Cost-Effective, Local Supply of High-Spec Materials
High-spec metals are in demand by small-scale manufacturing shops in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, it’s not always easy to find these metals at affordable prices, especially if you need a small quantity or a one-time purchase. Manufacturers can source these alloys at low costs through a local metal recycler and supplier specializing in verified metal remnants.
Industrial Metal Service specializes in the “ultimate recycling” of high-quality metal remnants. The recycled metals are verified using x-ray fluorescence technology to supply shops with the materials they need without sourcing expensive new metals directly from a mill. For more than two decades, we’ve built a reputation as a reliable local supplier of high-spec aluminum, steel, copper, titanium, and exotic alloys for small-scale manufacturing operations in the Bay Area.
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