Metal Materials We Work With | Northern Metal Products

At Northern Metal Products, we have extensive assembly knowledge and are prepared to handle any materials you want to use for your project. Partnering with us means that you don’t have to cut corners when it comes to quality, materials, or efficiency.

From racking systems to air filter holders, we have been able to assemble a multitude of projects using various materials as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). While taking into consideration a number of factors, such as the use, location, branding, and your project goals, we’ll help you determine the best materials for your project and your budget.

Below are the various metal materials we work with.

Carbon Steel

The most popular material we work with is carbon steel. There are multiple carbon steel types, and their properties differ based on their carbon content. For instance, low-carbon steel is highly durable and affordable, whereas high-carbon steel is more lightweight and can be formed into a sharpened edge for some industry-specific applications.

This material is an industry standard, heavy-duty and wear-resistant option for many applications, and it offers a clean and versatile aesthetic for OEM designs. However, carbon steel is not compatible with welding processes due to its brittleness, and it has a tendency to crack in sub-zero temperatures

Northern Metal uses carbon steel for many wire forms and sheet metal-based components.

Wire / Rod

Wire and rod materials are a lightweight yet sturdy option for many applications. They are highly durable and versatile, and can be formed or bent into a variety of shapes. Our team can work with your custom design to fabricate items ranging from shelving to brackets to air filter holders that meet your requirements.

Tubing

Tubing is a high-strength shape that is formed and bent to create critical structural elements in our custom assemblies. Tubing is essential when a lightweight yet rigid frame or support structure is required. Our tube fabrication capabilities allow us to deliver reliable structural components for comprehensive assemblies.

Sheet Metal

Sheet metal is a foundational metal shape available in a wide variety of thicknesses and types, including carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Northern Metal Products utilizes processes like laser cutting, stamping, and precision metal bending to accurately fabricate, cut, and form sheet metal into the complex, custom parts required to complete OEM assemblies. Its versatility makes it the ideal starting point for enclosures, brackets, and highly precise components, among others.

Other Materials

We can also work with metal and non-metal materials based on your project specifications, including:

Stainless steel. Stainless steel offers many benefits for parts and assemblies. Types of stainless steel can enhance properties like magnetism and corrosion resistance. The chromium oxide layer on stainless steel improves corrosion resistance with reliable protection, making this material ideal for everything from cable trays and sinks to wire and water tubing. It also has a polished look that works with many outdoor applications.
Aluminum. Aluminum is lighter than steel and has better malleability and corrosion resistance. Some grades are higher in strength than others, and some alloys are used to optimize electrical and thermal conductivity for heat transfer and electrical applications.
Plastic components. Plastic is a cost-effective choice for items that need weatherability, light weight, or corrosion resistance. Plastic components are also ideal for achieving a certain aesthetic. If your assembly or part requires plastic components, we work closely with Aubright, our sister company, to produce the parts your design requires.
Wood. We typically implement wood for accents in custom projects. Wood is a strong and durable material for shelves, displays, and any design requiring a natural aesthetic.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Application

When selecting materials for your application, there are several critical factors to consider:

Durability. Think about the level of durability you need. For example, stainless steel is among the most reliable options if you need something that’s long-lasting, corrosion resistant, and impact-resistant.
Lightweight design. If your application needs to be lightweight, aluminum or plastic are often good choices.
Corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is a great option if you’re seeking something with more corrosion resistance, as is aluminum.
Versatility of design. Materials like wire/rod, sheet metal, and aluminum are malleable and formable for complex designs.
Affordability. Plastic and sheet metal materials are often more economical to use than others when budget constraints are a top consideration.

Partner With Northern Metal Products on Your Next Project

At Northern Metal Products, we work with a range of metal and non-metal materials that can meet the needs of your application. Our capabilities include wire forming, tube fabrication, welding, metal bending and forming, laser cutting, and metal stamping.

We also provide value-added services like hardware insertion, finishing, powder coating, and assembly, with turnkey solutions available to cover every stage from design and prototyping to assembly and warehousing.