Steel Metal Fabrication (Cold Rolled Steel, Hot Rolled Pickled & Rolled, Galvanized, and Aluminized)
Quality Steel Metal Fabrication Services
Integrated Manufacturing Solutions is the Upper Midwest’s top source for sheet metal fabrication, powder coating, kit assembly, and more.
What sets us apart is the extensive amount of knowledge our team members have in the materials we choose. We like to think of ourselves as an extension of your business, taking on metal-working tasks, like steel metal fabrication, that would be impossible for you to complete on your own.
Steel is, for many reasons, a top choice when it comes to metal fabrication. It’s one of the materials we work with the most. Our customers and engineers love it because of its flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. One of the most common uses for steel we see is in steel enclosure manufacturing.
Steel doesn’t just come in one flavor. There are, in fact, several finished forms of steel that we utilize in fabrication. Knowing the essential differences between steel forms is key because it can have a huge impact on the final result of any product.
Our customers choose us because we know the different types of steel inside and out, and how each one is produced. We understand which type is best in what application, so we can fabricate exactly what you need. Every type of steel has its strengths and weaknesses when it comes to durability, cost, corrosion resistance, and finished look.
Our team of expert engineers will work closely with you to make the right choice for your project. Whether it’s big, or small, across all industries and use cases, we have the knowledge and skills to help get your project completed on time, and at the highest quality possible.
Let’s take a look at a few of the different types of steel that we use in our projects.
Rolled Steel
The most common way that raw steel is finished is by rolling it. This produces sheets of steel that can be used in a wide variety of applications including aircraft, automobiles, appliances, structural applications, and many more.
Steel needs to be heated to extreme temperatures to roll it into a flat shape. However, it can later be processed at a cooler temperature as well. This is why rolled steel is usually called “cold rolled” or “hot rolled” depending on which process is used.
By partnering with IMS for your metal fabrication needs, you’ll receive expert advice from our engineers to make sure you choose the type of rolled steel that works best for your application.
Cold Rolled Steel
This is one of the most widely used types of steel. Its flexibility and durability make it a great fit for just about any application. It’s often used in appliances, tools, construction, home decor items, light fixtures, and much more.
Cold-rolled steel starts with low-carbon steel. After it’s been heated to extreme temperatures and flattened through rollers, It’s rolled up, processed, and stored at normal room temperatures, in other words, around 70 degrees.
While the finished product is often rolled sheets, it can also take the form of steel coils. “cold rolled steel,” simply refers to the specific method used.
IMS can fabricate whatever parts or components you need in cold-rolled steel. It’s available in thicknesses ranging from 10 to 24 gauge. Contact us today to see how we can utilize cold-rolled steel for your project.
Hot Rolled Pickled Steel
Hot rolled pickled steel is made through two separate processes. First, the hot rolling heats the steel to around 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. At that red-hot temperature, it can easily be formed into new shapes. It’s rolled, while hot, into custom sheets ranging in thicknesses ranging from 1 inch down to 13 gauge.
Pickling is the next step in the process of creating hot-rolled pickled steel, or HRPO. An acid bath and alkaline rinse remove any impurities from the surface of the finished product.
Most of the time, a layer of oil is added to the surface to prevent the formation of rust. This oil can hamper the fabrication process, so it can be left off or removed.
Galvanized Steel
While steel is an amazingly durable product, it’s still vulnerable to rust and corrosion. That’s where the galvanizing process comes into play. This chemical treatment prevents nearly all types of corrosion, which is why it’s used in applications where water or chemicals will come in contact with the steel product.
One method of galvanizing is called “electro galvanizing.” This uses electrolysis to place a thin but durable zinc coating on the surface of the steel plate.
The more common method is called “hot-dip” galvanizing. It produces a thicker layer of zinc. This gives the finished product an extremely long life.
Galvanized steel is available to use in your projects in thicknesses ranging from 10 to 20 gauge.
Aluminized Steel
Another method of coating steel to keep it protected from corrosion is called aluminization. In this process, the steel is coated with a layer of aluminum. This gives it some huge advantages over untreated steel, and is similar to stainless steel.
Aluminized steel is highly resistant to several forms of corrosion, making it a great fit where it may come in contact with harsh chemical agents. It’s also more stable at low temperatures, where untreated steel could become brittle and crack.
It won’t produce sparks, which means that it’s perfect for applications where flammability is an issue.
Integrated Manufacturing Solutions is an Extension of Your Company
Our engineers can take your ideas and provide a customized solution that meets or exceeds your goals. Our years of experience in metal fabrication give us the ability and insight to harness the power of your creativity.
We’ll help you balance the different material options and fabrication methods to find the most cost-effective solution.
It all starts when you sit down with one of our engineers to go over options. We listen intently to your questions and concerns, making sure you get the exact results you want. We’ve worked with hundreds of professionals and business owners across multiple industries such as:
Whatever industry you are in, and no matter the size of your business, make Integrated Manufacturing Solutions your source for full-service metal fabrication and design.
At IMS, we are more than just a manufacturing company. We are a precision powder coating and sheet metal fabrication business that helps companies of all sizes improve overall costs by providing them with innovative solutions and flexibility that matches their business needs. Our skilled team of engineers provide all-in-one solutions for those needing complete Metal Fabrication services, including laser cutting, welding, assembly, and powder coating.
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Lead Time
3 days
Parts Completed
22,000
Manufacturing Footprint
55,000 sq ft.
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