Steel Fabrication: Lowering the Project Costs through Good Specification Practices
If you are planning on performing a major steel fabrication project, you should evaluate your specification practices before making your order. Often, engineers will remember to provide precise details on the raw material intended for the manufacturing process if it affects the functionality and safety of the product. However, only a few designers consider the possibility of lowering the total project costs by providing better specification details. Here are some simple guidelines to help you get started on this cost reduction undertaking:
Consider Specifying Cold Finishing
In general, the cold finishing of steels increases the tensile and torsional strength of the metal. Also, this process improves the hardness and wear resistance of the material. Additionally, this procedure will enhance the finish, machinability and even the dimensional accuracy of the final product. Therefore, when you are specifying the design for your fabrication project, you should think about requesting for cold finishing. This manufacturing process will provide the outlined benefits at a nominal price increase. You can reduce your expenses for your project by using this type of steel instead of expensive alloys.
Choose HSLA Metals
You should consider specifying the use of high strength low alloy steels. Often, most engineers do not provide explicit details on the exact quality of the alloy steel required for the custom products when designing for fabrication. Including this minute detail will ensure that your business obtains a high-quality product without exorbitant costs. In simple terms, HSLA metals will be significantly cheaper than the full-grade alloys of the same yield strength, though the products will lighter. This can be attributed to the lower content of alloying elements which can be costly. Choosing HSLA will allow you to make quality products without high-cost penalties.
Think about Increasing Surface Carbon
Low-carbon steel is an inexpensive material for manufacturing equipment parts and general products. However, it is not used for numerous fabrication projects because its wear resistance is lower than other types and grades of steel. If this is your concern, you should consider using this material and specifying the addition of carbon on the surfaces of the products. By adding the carbon and heat treating the product, the wear resistance of the low-carbon steel will be increased. Consequently, you will have durable items without compromising on performance.
Finally, you should not overlook the conventional methods for reducing your steel expenses. For example, ordering high quantities of steel will allow you to negotiate a better price for your business and fabrication project. Contact your steel sales supplier for more information.
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