Guide to Custom Metal Brackets: Types, Materials & Uses

If you’re looking for a bracket for your industrial, private or commercial project, then you’ll likely need to get them fabricated. 

Bespoke metal shelving brackets can give the support and structural support your project needs. 

At Customised Sheet Metal (CSM), we can create bespoke metal brackets that precisely fit your project dimensions and have the strength to hold what you need them to.

Common Types of Metal Support Brackets

L-Shaped Metal Brackets

L-shaped metal brackets are also known as corner braces. They can be used to create a secure  90º connection between two pieces of material, often other metal or wood. 

This bracket type is mainly used for shelves, furniture and to complete construction projects. 

U-Shaped Metal Brackets

U-shaped metal brackets give support by sitting under the item they’re holding. You’ll see them used for securing pipes, beams, or panels. 

The open ‘U’ allows you to slot the pipe, beam or panel in place, and the closed ends can be tightened around it to keep it stable and aligned.

Flat Brackets

Flat brackets are also called mending plates. They are strips of metal that screw onto two surfaces to create an invisible and sturdy join.

This type of bracket can be used to reinforce seams, repair cracks, or add strength to straight joins. They’re discreet and can be used to add support to furniture, shelves or other projects.

Z-Shaped Brackets

Z-shaped brackets look like a folded letter ‘Z’. This design means they can add support that’s offset, which can be used to connect two surfaces that are of different heights from each other.

These Z brackets can bridge shelves and beams or add strength to angled supports and braces.

Metal Corner Brackets

These are L-shaped brackets for adding support to corners. They are created from strong metals and join two pieces of material at a 90º angle.

As they’re another name for the L-shaped brackets, these again are used to support shelves and furniture; they can also be used to add corner strength to boxes.

Angle Brackets

Metal angle brackets are also called chevron brackets. These are a much less common type than the brackets above, but you can find them used for decoration or to hold signs at an angle.

Custom Metal Brackets

Metal Materials Used for Different Types of Brackets

When creating a bracket, the type of metal used can determine how the bracket can be used. Here’s why:

Steel

If a bracket needs to be strong but still affordable, then steel will be used to make it. Steel is available in many grades, so it gives some flexibility of choice project to project.

The strength of steel makes it great to create brackets that will support a heavy weight. Therefore, steel metal brackets are heavy-duty and often sold as such. You’ll see them being used for things like holding up shelving in a garage or reinforcing construction project beams.

Aluminium

The second-most used metal for creating brackets is aluminium. If the weight of your bracket is more of a concern than its ability to hold a heavy weight, then you might consider aluminium to make it. 

Aluminium is light, easy to work with and rust resistant, so it can be used to make brackets for versatile uses. For example, aluminium brackets are often used to hold up electrical enclosures because these often need to be light in weight. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel brackets are corrosion resistant due to the addition of chromium in the steel alloy.

If you need a bracket that will be exposed to water, humidity or chemicals, then you’ll likely need it to be made from stainless steel. 

Not only is it resistant to corrosion and rust, but it will always look polished. Hence, it’s a great material for use on furniture, kitchen and bathroom fixtures or marine environments.

Copper

Copper is the most common choice if you need a good looking bracket rather than one that can hold a lot of weight. This metal is pliable and has a red-brown colour that turns green over time, giving an industrial look to any project.

Copper brackets offer a little bit of corrosion resistance, but they are mainly used for their aesthetic value. You’ll see them used on furniture, shelves, and exposed plumbing; however, if you want to use yours in this way, check the building codes.

Iron

Iron, specifically wrought iron, is malleable and strong and is used to create decorative brackets. 

You’ll mainly see iron brackets used on gates or railings for a rustic, industrial look. This material can often add value to the look of furniture and shelving.

 

Common Uses for Custom Brackets and the Industries

Custom metal brackets are used by all industries on a mix of industrial, private and commercial projects. Here’s a few sectors where they are commonly found:

Industrial Brackets

Production lines and machinery often need custom-made brackets to support structures where off-the-shelf options won’t fit. Custom brackets will fit correctly and hold components in the right place for smooth operations.

Typical applications: 

  • Supporting heavy motors
  • Stabilising pipes and conduits
  • Creating custom shelving for tools and parts
  • Reinforcing machine frames 

Commercial Brackets

Commercial areas often have to rely on their brackets to achieve a specific purpose while adding to the design of the space. In these use cases, custom brackets can help to maximise the available storage space in a safe way while blending in with the existing design.

Typical applications: 

  • Supporting heavy shelves in retail stores
  • Creating custom display brackets for merchandise
  • Reinforcing countertops or bars in restaurants
  • Designing unique architectural elements in office spaces

Private Project Brackets

DIY projects or home renovations often have odd shaped spaces or objects that need custom support. By having bespoke brackets made, the homeowners can get the fit, functionality and look they’re after.

Typical applications: 

  • Creating custom shelving for oddly shaped corners
  • Reinforcing beams for lofts or built-in furniture
  • Crafting unique supports for wall art or mounted displays

What is involved in the whole process of getting custom metal brackets made – from idea to delivery?

  1. Consultation and Design: Clients discuss their requirements with our experts, ensuring the design meets their needs.
  2. Prototyping: A prototype is created by our fabricators to test the design works to the needs of the client.
  3. Production: The brackets are produced with precision using CNC milling and other advanced manufacturing processes.
  4. Quality Control: Each bracket undergoes stringent quality checks to ensure it meets the client’s brief and required standards.
  5. Delivery: The final product is delivered to the client and ready for use.

Contact CSM for Custom Metal Brackets

Custom metal brackets are crucial for numerous applications, offering tailored solutions to meet the specific requirements across sectors like industrial, commercial or private projects.

At CSM, we pride ourselves on our ability to design and manufacture brackets that perfectly fit your needs. 

Contact us for a quote, and let us help you bring your ideas to life.

FAQs

How do I determine the right type of bracket I need for my project or idea?

Consider your project’s requirements: how much load does your bracket need to bear? What environmental conditions will it be in? What surfaces will it be mounted on? Consulting with experts can help determine the most suitable bracket type.

What factors should I consider when selecting a material?

Consider the properties you want in your bracket. How strong should it be? How much should it weigh? Does it need to resist corrosion? Should it conduct electricity? You should also consider the environment you’ll use the bracket in. 

Can you produce custom brackets in large quantities?

Yes, we can produce custom brackets in large quantities. We’ll make sure they have a consistent quality across the entire batch. For more information and to get a quote, visit Customised Sheet Metal.

What is the typical lead time for custom bracket orders?

Lead times can vary depending on the complexity and quantity of the order. Typically, they range from a few weeks to a couple of months. Talk to our experts to receive a time estimate based on your bracket requirements.

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