The global composites market will increase by around 50% in five years as more people realize its benefits. One of these areas is in replacing steel manufacturing as a leading method of production. Though why is that, and what would you get out of switching to composite materials in the future?
This article will help you understand some of the problems you are likely to face in manufacturing using steel. In reading more about these, you can also learn several benefits composite manufacturing brings.
Problems With Steel Manufacturing
Traditional manufacturing materials, such as steel, have their benefits. At the same time, though, they also have some glaring downsides you are likely already aware of. These can have a huge impact on not only your processes but also your bottom line as they reduce your total profit.
Here are some negatives to be aware of.
Structural Fatigue
If you use the same steel component for the same purpose again and again, it will start to fatigue. This can have a real impact on the component’s integrity and eventually lead to failure. This may even cause safety issues for those using it.
Mass and Manufacturing
Steel is a very strong material used throughout the manufacturing industry. Despite this, it is a very dense material and as such has a high mass that can be very limiting.
If you build items for the automotive or aerospace industries, you likely want to look for things that avoid these issues. This is why materials such as carbon fiber see more use these days.
Corrosive Elements
Steel is also liable to become a victim of corrosion in a short space of time. While you can try to protect it with plastic coatings, paint, or maintenance, it is an ongoing issue.
Composites as the Solution
Compared to steel, composites such as carbon fiber have some very specific benefits. The following are only a few of these many boons.
Corrosion Resistance
In specific environments, such as around a lot of water or corrosive chemicals, you can expect steel to begin to corrode. Instead, you can use composites that do not have this inherent flaw. This ensures an ongoing strength in the products you create.
Electrical Insulation
Steel conducts electricity very well. This can cause design issues as you do not want to have charges running through certain areas. At other times, an accident with electricity is all the worse due to a charge running through the product.
Composites do not have this issue, as they do not carry a charge in the same way steel does.
Strong Yet Lightweight
Composites often have a very high strength-to-mass ratio. If you want to involve yourself with lightweight manufacturing, a material such as carbon fiber may be the best option.
Find the Alternatives to Steel Manufacturing
This knowledge of which is better between composites vs. steel might have opened your eyes, but you need to take the next step. As such, you will want to understand how to switch out from steel manufacturing.
Our experts in composite manufacturing are ready to discuss your needs and how we can help you move forward in the industry. So, pick up the phone and talk to us to start that conversation today.
