Countless factors come into play in the manufacturing industry. These vary by company and by the types of products being produced. Certain general points are universal, though, such as production speed, meeting clients’ and consumers’ demands, controlling operating costs, quality, and compliance to name a few. Determining which materials are best for the products can have an impact on all those crucial considerations. Because of that, the materials a company chooses are essential.
An endless list of materials is available to today’s manufacturing companies. This list continues to grow as new developments come to light. That being said, many applications specifically require corrosion-resistant materials.
Top 5 corrosion resistant materials
Selecting the right corrosion-resistant materials can make a significant difference in cost, functionality, and compliance as well as many other factors that affect your end products. Take a look at the leading corrosion-resistant materials to help better understand which ones might suit your manufacturing requirements.
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Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most popular and versatile corrosion-resistant materials available. It’s lightweight, easy to work with, and highly machinable. It also offers a much higher strength-to-weight ratio than many other materials. Several grades of aluminum are available from an Aluminum Foundry. Their appearances, strengths, and levels of resistance to corrosion vary. Some common uses for aluminum include automotive parts, aerospace applications, and marine structures.
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Stainless Steel
Another widely used corrosion-resistant material is stainless steel. It’s resistant to heat though it’s a good thermal conductor. It can offer electrical conductivity without succumbing to damage. It’s strong yet ductile. As is the case with other materials in this category, it’s available in many grades. Different grades are suitable for different applications. Their exact level of corrosion resistance depends on their nickel and chromium contents among other variables. Stainless steel is used in virtually every industry imaginable.
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Copper and Copper Alloys
Copper is also a highly touted material that’s used for numerous purposes. It can be mixed with zinc to make brass or blended with tin to make bronze. Many additional copper alloys are available as well. Copper and its alloys are widely used because of their electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, and ductility on top of their corrosion resistance.
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Polypropylene
When it comes to corrosion-resistant materials, people tend to think of metals. Plastics and other materials also fall into this category, with polypropylene being one of the most widely used. It’s a long-lasting material that can hold up to significant stress. Polypropylene isn’t appropriate for all applications because of its low tolerance to high heat and its flammability, among other drawbacks. Still, it’s used to manufacture a broad range of products from car parts and carpeting to medical equipment and clothing.
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Polytetrafluoroethylene
Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, is another popular type of corrosion-resistant plastic. This material has come under a great deal of fire because of its potentially dangerous off-gassing, but it’s still a perfect solution for many manufacturing needs. It’s an electrical insulator and capable of withstanding heat, friction, and many other hazards. It’s also used in numerous industries for countless applications.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Needs
All these materials offer corrosion resistance that goes well beyond many other materials on the market. They can be used to manufacture high-quality products that hold up against various hazards, though each one has its limitations. Weigh the properties of each one against the products you manufacture and their purposes to determine which one might be best suited to your requirements.