8 Materials for Constructing Flanges
by
aardis
When manufacturing flanges, factories can use a variety of materials depending on the types of supplies that clients need. Each material is slightly different and is ideal for specific applications.
1. Alloy Steel
Alloy steel is an iron-based product with less than 4 percent chromium. It may include materials like silicon, copper, manganese, vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, and nickel. As the most common product used in manufacturing pipe connectors, it is stronger, harder, and more wear resistant than carbon steels. Many different industries utilize alloy steel including:
* Aerospace
* Oil and gas
* Wind energy
* Chemical
* Military
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* Industrial machinery
2. Carbon Steel
Manufacturers can use different grades of carbon steel to produce flanges depending on the hardness, wear resistance, impact strength, and ductility required. Low carbon steel, for instance, is highly ductile and strong because it contains the least amount of carbon. High carbon steel is both hard and resilient, but manufacturers have to use a special process to heat treat the material. Many automotive components including transmission covers, fenders, pans, and frames use carbon steel.
3. Tool Steel
Tool steel ingots or billets from which flanges are made contain more carbon and other alloys in combination with iron. This combination strengthens the steel to make it more tough and impact resistant. The most common use of tool steel is in applications that require reliability and durability during the continuous operation of a machine. For instance, tool steel is often used to create production machines for the manufacturing industry.
4. Stainless steel
Stainless steel is most commonly used in medical tools, food service equipment, and other tools that require frequent sanitizing. It is also used in furnaces and ovens when high heat resistance is needed. A product called “austentic” stainless steel is used for restaurant equipment and other applications that require frequent cleaning and high corrosion resistance. Duplex and “martensitic” stainless steel flanges have superior resistance to cracks and pitting.
5. Super alloys
Super alloys based on materials like nickel and cobalt can withstand harsh environments. They must be resistant to acid corrosion and high heat while exhibiting wearability. Super alloys are great for:
* Pump parts
* Piping systems
* Valves
* Turbines
* Assemblies in marine and chemical industries
* Aerospace parts
* Defense
* Oil and gas
6. Aluminum
No metal is more commonly used in the industry than aluminum. In addition to its lightweight, malleability, and excellent weight-to-strength ratio, aluminum flanges have a microscopic oxide coating on their surfaces that provide superior corrosion resistance. Automotive frames, wheels, marine equipment, and architectural frames are often made of aluminum or aluminum alloys.
7. Titanium
Titanium is known for its exceptionally light weight and extreme durability. The aerospace industries have started to demand more titanium for superior aircraft construction. In addition to its uses in aircraft frames, titanium’s excellent heat resistance makes it a good material for aircraft engines. Its properties make it one of the most expensive manufacturing materials.
8. Copper
Copper flanges deliver conductivity, and it is also non-magnetic. It can withstand higher loads than other materials and is strong in the face of high temperatures. One common location for copper fittings is in power plants. They are also used in pump and valve parts as well as in electrical components.
If you need to have custom flanges made for a specific project, turn to the All Metals & Forge Group. To learn more about the available options and services, please visit
steelforge.com/custom-forged-shapes/flanges/
.
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8 Materials for Constructing Flanges