With over 30 years’ experience producing metals for a range of industrial applications, CSM is a trusted and reliable metalwork partner to a number of big brands and smaller independent companies across the UK.
Customised sheet metal is used for a broad range of industrial metal fabrication projects due to its flexibility and customisability, among various other benefits. Choosing the right metal, cutting, and finishing techniques is essential for meeting specific briefs and design requirements. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of sheet metal for industrial applications, and some of the unique projects CSM has worked on in this area.
The following factors make sheet metal fabrication suited to a wide range of industrial applications, from structural architectural components to warehouse and materials handling equipment.
Industrial components and equipment must typically be capable of bearing heavy loads and withstanding use over time while maintaining structural integrity and performance.
Materials like stainless steel, aluminium and titanium alloys tick the boxes on strength and durability, while being fairly lightweight and incredibly versatile. Their corrosion resistance also means they’re capable of maintaining their strength and appearance when exposed to harsh conditions, but some can be strengthened with a powder coating to offer another layer of protection and further prevent fading, rusting and chemical damage.
The strength and durability of these metals also bring the benefit of longevity, meaning they’re more cost efficient and environmentally friendly choices in the long term, as they don’t have to be replaced as often.
Sheet metal can be designed and manipulated to meet exacting design requirements and specific project needs. This is especially valuable in industrial settings, as many require components with custom measurements and designs that cannot be found with off-the-shelf solutions.
Using a range of different fabrication, bending, machining and finishing tools and techniques, we can customise industrial sheet metal to achieve unique shapes and sizes, and to ensure the finished product fits the function and environment it’s intended for. With expert craftsmanship and precision, each part perfectly fulfils its intended function. This boosts efficiency and reduces errors, which not only compromise safety but result in additional waste as well as extra cost and a longer lead time to get the solution you need.
In addition to the longevity and accuracy benefits referenced above, there are other cost benefits to using sheet metals.
While sheet metals typically cost more upfront than off-the-shelf options, they deliver greater long-term benefits and savings than cheaper, standardised components. Customised solutions reduce the need for costly repairs and replacements down the line, minimising disruption to operations and reducing waste – which in itself, can be costly to dispose of properly.
Metal alloys such as mild steel and types of aluminium are not only cheaper to produce than pure metals, they’re also significantly lighter and therefore more cost and energy efficient to transport. In addition, metals like steel, copper and aluminium are infinitely recyclable, reducing the demand for new raw materials.
Working with an experienced industrial sheet metal fabricator means that each stage of the process, from concept through the installation, is managed seamlessly by one party. Specialist fabricators like CSM have the necessary expertise and infrastructure to provide an end-to-end service and guide customers through each step of the process.
The CSM team has delivered a range of industrial sheet metal fabrication projects, from designing a bespoke tipping trolley to allow a client to efficiently drain large vessels of expensive fluid, to creating custom warehouse trolleys for Amazon to safely lift and relocate products around their warehouses.
Take a look at more of our case studies here.
Choosing the right partner is an essential part of a successful industrial metal fabrication project. Look for a fabricator with plenty of experience and a proven track record in industrial applications, and don’t be afraid to ask for some examples of their work or client testimonials in this area. Safety and quality industry accreditations, knowledgeable consultants, and expertise across a wide range of metals are also important things to look out for.
From concept to production, CSM is a trusted and reliable one-stop shop for all your industrial metalwork needs. Click here to see more examples of our work in the sector, or to discuss your next project, get in touch with a member of our friendly team.