How to Choose Your Sheet Metal Supplier

When choosing a sheet metal supplier for your business or projects, there are many factors to consider. Whether you’re starting fresh or you have a few companies you’ve narrowed down your search to, navigating cost, convenience, and experience are all good ways to get exactly the service you need and that your business reputation demands.

Regardless of the industry you are in, finding quality vendors for your sheet metal supply can be the difference between an amazing product vs. a mediocre one. All sheet metal fabrication companies are not created equal, so let’s go over what qualities to look for when you start evaluating vendors.

Why Sheet Metal is an Industry Must

Sheet metal is one of the most adaptable materials in the manufacturing industry and it has become one of the most important materials in our age of industry. Metals such as steel, architectural zinc, aluminum, brass, copper, and titanium are traditionally used to make sheet metal. The right metal fabrication company will function as the extension of your company and provide results that not only deliver in quality, but impress clients and industry equals as well. 

How to Choose the Right Supplier

Let’s take a look at the factors you’ll need to consider when selecting a metal fabrication company for your next big project.

1. Experience 

One of the most critical factors to look for, experience not only in the industry but with projects like yours is also essential. Working with sheet metal fabricators who lack experience may also present issues regarding knowledge in the local market, the metals you need for your application, or lack of quality advice that could help you in the long run on future projects.

Experienced staff who are knowledgeable in the field and about the metals they sell is necessary when making important decisions for your company or personal business. Find a sheet metal supplier that has worked on projects similar to yours and can give you the expertise you deserve. 

2. Quality 

No company worth their mettle (and metal) will ever push you to compromise quality standards to save money or time on their end, while making it look like it benefits you. Make sure the company’s product passes regulatory standards as well as all in-house quality standards that you have set. 

Whether it is a small or an expansive project, you can’t compromise on quality standards, full stop. The metal fabricator you choose should be aware of any and all quality standards and also be prepared to deliver quality work that will pass all levels of inspection.

3. Competitive Prices

Hiring a company that offers competitive pricing is very important to your own bottom line, as sheet metal may be a large portion of your project cost. So not only do you want quality products, but getting them at the best prices possible without sacrificing said quality is essential. 

Remember, lowest is not always best and while competitive pricing is a large factor in choosing your vendor, it should never be the only factor. Low price does not mean the same thing as good value. Some vendors may charge more, but have the technology, experience and quality to back up their prices. 

4. State of the Art Equipment

Cutting-edge manufacturing and metal design equipment should definitely factor into your decision when choosing your supplier. This can include anything from storing materials to getting the final product ready for delivery. Having top quality equipment means the job will get done right with minimal delays and yield a better product at the end of the day. Always make sure your fabrication company can handle the size of your jobs and have the technology and experience you require.

5. Works With Your Timeline

It is important to have an implemented timeline for your project before even setting out to find a supplier. Once you have the planning finished and the end date for completion of work is ready, then you can give your vendor the timeline they need to finish the job and give you a fast turnaround.  

Downfalls of Using the Wrong Sheet Metal Fabrication Vendor

Choosing the wrong vendor can lead to the obvious pitfalls, such as missed deadlines and poor quality, it can also mean losing confidence in your business from your clients. You can also find yourself having to push back projects, losing valuable time and money you can never get back. Making sure you pick a company with great customer service, the best tech and high quality products is a surefire way to see your projects and business excel. 

Rely on MetalTech Global for Your Sheet Metal Needs

Building materials must be exactly suited to their intended purpose and physical environment, as well as your budget and design specifications. 

MetalTech Global is able to create custom perforated patterns and shapes with our millimeter accurate CNC machine and other latest fabrication technology. With these tools, our architect support staff can realize an unlimited variety of folded and perforated panel designs.

We produce custom soffit systems, wall screens, cassettes, and panel inserts with any of our architectural metals. Perforation provides architects a way to create unique designs without restraint. Choose one of our standard patterns or customize a pattern specific for your design.

Our team takes a personalized approach to provide you with custom alternatives that are tailored to your specific requirements. We can make perforated plates, sheets, panels, and coils to your exact specifications. 

Contact us today for architectural metals, coils, panels, metal fabrication and cutting, folding, and more!

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Most Used Metals in the Construction Industry

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Most used metals in construction projects are more demanding than ever, with modern projects often utilizing several different types of metal, mortar, and lumber to create a bespoke design that will stand the test of time.

Each metal you will find on the construction site has a purpose and an application that is necessary for that particular job. Metals offer versatility, aesthetic, function, and strength to each structure and facade. Let’s take a closer look at the metals used most often in modern construction projects and the benefits each brings.

Steel

Steel is one of the most widely used and often-recycled metals used in construction. 

Because of this, it is one of the most eco-friendly materials to use as well. Steel produces sustainable constructions, able to be built quickly at relatively low prices. Steel is seen in many different types of construction, such as office buildings, hospitals, stadiums, fencing, high rises, metal homes, bridge decks, just to name a few. 

Due to its ability to withstand high winds, fires, blizzards and earthquakes, steel is also seen as one of the best ways to protect your investment from the start.

Aluminum

Aluminum is lightweight and strong with the addition of also being highly resistant to corrosion and harsh climates. It is used for many kinds of projects and because of its fluidity in function, designers and architects enjoy using it to create different types of results from use. You can see aluminum in all types of applications such as walls, ceilings, roof covers, HVAC ducts, wire, doors, and windows, as well as some structural components. Its physical properties make it a perfect material for a broad range of construction projects.

This metal and its alloys are durable, malleable and infinitely recyclable. In fact, nearly 75 percent of all aluminum produced is still in use today.

Zinc

Sometimes called architectural zinc, as well as titanium-zinc alloy, rolled zinc, and zinc strip, is a soft, natural-weathering metal that has been used for centuries in various building envelope applications due to it being one of the most non-corrosive metals on the market. It is malleable, soft yet strong, and lightweight. Zinc can be cut, curved and folded to produce a wide range of shapes, making it quite popular with architects. 

You can see this metal in many applications, such as roofing, gutters, facades, building ornamentation, and trimming. Another major use of zinc is in coating or galvanizing other metals that are prone to corrosion such as steel and iron in order to prevent deterioration and extend their longevity.

Copper

Copper is the oldest known metal that is still in use today in the construction industry, as well as one of the most versatile engineering materials on the planet. Copper’s physical properties, such as its corrosion resistance, durability, flexibility, conductivity and strength make it great for an almost unlimited number of projects and uses. Copper is used heavily in the construction industry for heating systems, gas and oil lines, electrical wiring, roofing, cladding and rainwater systems. 

Copper tubing is famous for its use in pipes and inflexible copper tubing is used as cold and hot water tap pipes. Copper’s continued popularity doesn’t show signs of stopping as the base metal remains in high demand, due to its need in green energy projects and electric cars.

Iron

Iron has two different applications in the construction industry, broken down into the categories of wrought iron and cast iron. Cast iron is poured, modeled and melted, whereas wrought iron is rolled. For heavier construction projects, the use of iron rods is very common. Wrought iron is one of the major types of iron rod used in construction. Cast-iron is a particularly strong type of iron whose use in construction allows buildings to be built out wider and take up more space.

Iron is used in the construction of bridges and houses because it is capable of lifting the weight of different things at one time. Iron is a strong metal and has a high resisting power, which helps it resist high load, stress and strain. Wrought iron is easy to rivet and is used to make sturdy rafters, trusses and beams. Cast iron is typically used in large architectural products (the dome of the U.S. Capitol is a famous example).

Consult the Metal Experts for Your Next Project

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premiere distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet and finished architectural metals products. Working with our affiliates, we are promoting the use of sustainable metal products in the building. 

We envision that home and commercial construction will be committed to using only durable and reusable products. MetalTech Global can help your commitment be successful as durability, reusability, and sustainability is our area of expertise. We work with companies like elZinc America, VMZinc, Lorin Industries, and Hussey Copper to provide the highest quality architectural products in natural metals. 

While zinc has been used extensively in Europe for hundreds of years, it is a relatively new building metal in North America, and its potential for robust, beautiful structures is unmatched. As of 2021, MetalTech Global is the largest stocking center of architectural zinc in North America, with the capability of re-processing sheets and coils for customers on demand.

Contact us today for architectural metals, coils, panels, metal fabrication and cutting, folding, and more.

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The Top 5 Advantages of Perforated Metal in Architecture

Perforated metal is most commonly known to be used in industrial and commercial applications, but is now finding its way into the residential realm as well. Easy to install and work with, this type of metal offers many advantages in purpose and practice. Ideal for both decorative and structural uses because of its natural ability to enclose a space, offer lighting and shielding from the elements, and give both ventilation and a sense of space. Versatility is the name of the game for this incredible type of metal as it is good on a budget as well.

This article will go over the top 5 advantages of using perforated metal in your next architectural venture.

What is Perforated Metal?

Perforated metal is a form of sheet metal that has holes of a particular shape and size stamped into it. It is also known as perforated sheet, perforated plate, or perforated screen and is commonly made from stainless steel, cold rolled steel, zinc, aluminum and more.

The pattern, along with the size and shape of the holes in perforated metal can be standardized or custom. With standard perforation, the holes are typically circular and can range in size from 1 millimeter upward. Sheets with larger holes require increased thickness.

Because of its advantageous nature, architects use the material based solely on a variety of factors, some of which include aesthetic and sustainable qualities.  Let’s go over these qualities now. 

Advantages of Perforated Metal

1. Aesthetics 

One cannot deny the potential aesthetic benefit of perforated sheet metal. Perforated metal offers a unique and modern aesthetic to any building due to the endless options in hole shape, size, geometric pattern, and vast array of finishes that it offers. This versatile option allows for a customized look while letting in light and giving the illusion of more space in an area as well. 

2. Versatility

Since it is easily bent and easy to configure to whatever design is needed, perforated sheet metal can be used as a decorative and/or structural component in buildings. The structural advantages of perforated metal give architects and designers many ways to be creative and explore the vast range of applications of perforated metal, whether as sunscreens that can control the lighting in patios and other outdoor common areas, or  as column covers, railing infills and much more. Using perforated metal in design work is as common as using it for its structural abilities. 

3. Durability

The standard 60-degree staggered pattern is the most popular hole arrangement you’ll find due to its maximized structural retention of the original sheet and the wide range of open areas it provides. A perforated metal panel is also durable and able to withstand harsh weather elements. If the perforated metal panel needs to bear a great weight, use of a stronger metal such as galvanized or stainless steel is recommended.

4. Eco-Friendliness and Energy Efficiency

Perforated metal is a great “green” material for construction and design due to how easy it is to recycle (depending on the material) and its ability to reduce energy when in use. It promotes sustainability and invites creative design that furthers attempts to make it even more eco-friendly and efficient. By balancing ventilation along with light, perforated metal can allow those working with it to be able to manage interior heat that builds up from the sun. Deflecting heat means you use less energy and maintain a more consistent interior temperature. The perforations bring in light, making less energy inside needs to be used as well. 

5. Privacy

When you have walls of perforated metal, you get the privacy you need with the natural light you want in a space. It is the perfect solution to creating a space that does not feel claustrophobic but still shields the area from elements. 

Perforated metal can be easily customized to allow the right amount of light to come in while effectively keeping oneself out of view, a reason why it is highly desirable for hotel balconies and other semi-private spaces.

Architectural Metals for Any Design and Budget

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premiere distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet and finished architectural metals products. We promote the use of sustainable metal products in the buildings and are able to create custom perforated patterns and shapes as well. With high tech tools and over 15 years of experience, our architect support staff can realize an unlimited variety of folded and perforated panel designs.

We can produce custom soffit systems, wall screens, cassettes, and panel inserts with any of our architectural metals. Perforation provides architects a way to create unique designs without restraint. We can make perforated plates, sheets, panels, and coils to your exact specifications. 

Contact us today for all of your architectural metal, coil, panel, and metal fabrication needs! Discover all that we offer while browsing our past projects as well. We hope to work with you today to realize your next architectural dream.

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