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Do it yourself (DIY) projects are fun and exciting as long as you know what you need and how you want to use it. The choice is the trickiest part for all such projects where a metal plate is necessary. Although the ones attempting a DIY project will know beforehand their preferences, some subtle differences in metal plates might alter their choice. Check out all of the metal options and varieties that you can buy online from FastMetals; visit https://fastmetals.com/pages/plate-stock. Following are tips that can help you choose the perfect metal plate for your DIY project.
The Project
The choice of the right metal plate depends mainly on your project type. There are three main types of plates you can choose from;
- Stainless steel: Sturdy and long-lasting stainless steel pipes are also known for their anti-rust properties. They can withstand high temperatures but are poor thermal and electrical energy conductors. They are good for heavy-duty DIY projects; however, they are difficult to work with due to their strength.
- Carbon steel plates: Made from an alloy containing iron and carbon. The alloy can have different chromium, nickel, and vanadium elements. These plates are widely used because they are lightweight and easy to use. However, they are not trustworthy for strength but have excellent flexibility, making them ideal for machining and welding.
- Aluminum plates: These are lightweight plates known for their excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. They are also anti-corrosion which makes them an ideal choice for any project.
All DIY projects that require steel plates will choose from the ones mentioned above. Select one that best fits the requirements of your project.
Costs
The cost of metal plates greatly depends on their weight. Stainless steel and aluminum plates cost the same; however, stainless steel’s weight makes it more expensive than aluminum. Carbon steel plates are cheaper than both stainless and aluminum steel plates; however, they are more vulnerable to breaking. Once again, the type of project will dictate the choice of metal plates and the subsequent costs.
Strength
The tensile strength of metal plates will also influence your decision. Stainless steel pipes are the strongest among the mentioned types. However, they are difficult to mold. Aluminum is relatively less strong but can be molded, bent, and manipulated according to your requirements. This is also why aluminum is a preferred choice in home repairing projects. Carbon plates don’t offer much strength, but their ease of use makes them ideal for any DIY project.
Cutting
No matter which plate you choose, there will be some cutting involved. The machinability factor is also one that will affect your choice of plate. Usually, in a DIY project, heavy tools are not available, making stainless steel plates a difficult choice, as they are not easy to cut. Whereas aluminum and carbon steel plates are easy to cut with normal tools, making them excellent for home DIY objects.
Your project type will eventually decide the best metal plate despite these arguments. So, take guidance from the above discussion to choose the best one for your next DIY project.
