Which Metal Is Right For Me?

Charles Richter has been producing customized metal stampings for over 100 years. Anything from a candle cup prototype to a large-volume order of metal lamp backs; our skilled engineers and craftsmen continue to satisfy customers. How can a company be so versatile in what is a seemingly narrow industry?

Our usage of different metals. 

Charles Richter uses a variety of materials that serve as a foundation for the quality products we manufacture. Since each metal has unique physical and chemical properties, it is important to understand the differences. Let’s break down how certain features – like strength, durability, resistance and other benefits – lead to choosing which metal is perfect for our customers’ next metal stamping project. 

Aluminum

To start, aluminum is very popular in metal stamping because of its abundance and retrievability. Roughly eight percent of the earth’s solid surface is comprised of this metal, making it available to use for many applications at a relatively low cost. Not only that, but the metal is recyclable.

A key feature of aluminum is it being relatively lighter in weight than other metals. This allows manufacturers to easily form aluminum into specific, customized shapes. Since aluminum is fairly lightweight compared to other metals, shipping costs decrease. However, don’t let its lightweight feature fool you; aluminum possesses incredible strength and durability, especially after undergoing a deep-drawn process. 

Aluminum stamps

Aluminum acts as a thermal and electrical conductor, which makes it perfect for certain applications. Lastly, aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion. So not only does it provide the benefits above, but it maintains its aesthetic appearance as a finished product. Remember, aluminum is much more than that foil you use to wrap up last night’s dinner. 

Brass

Brass trumpet

Just look at that gold-like finish. That’s just one of the reasons brass is a fantastic choice for decorative metal stampings. To be honest, there’s much more to brass than its attractive look.  

An alloy derived from copper and zinc, brass can be found almost anywhere you look. From musical instruments to door knobs to jewelry and more…but how? 

Its versatility. Brass, depending on the levels of zinc mixed with copper, can vary in strength, malleability, durability and more. Other important properties of brass include: 

  • Usability in explosive and flammable environments
  • Low melting point
  • Recyclable
  • Thermal and Electrical conductor

Okay, that smooth finish (brought on by corrosion resistance, of course) doesn’t hurt either.

Copper

Copper is more than a penny or the dog’s name from The Fox and the Hound. Copper is a highly conductive metal – second to only silver. However, copper is much cheaper than silver, making it an economical choice for conducting electricity. It also does not react with water. This makes it ideal for outdoor lighting components, HVAC systems, and various telecommunication applications. Since copper is frequently exposed to the elements, it is crucial that the metal is highly resistant to deformation and rust.  

Copper boasts malleability – meaning it can be formed without cracking. While the reddish, bronze color is attractive, copper is also easily finished or plated. 

Stainless Steel

What do you get when you combine iron, nickel, chromium, manganese and copper? While stainless steel is technically the correct answer, we also would have accepted “a strong, beautiful metal that resists nearly everything.” 

Stainless steel maintains that strength and resistance, even when high temperatures and pressure are applied. This makes it a perfect choice for applications that require rigorous usage and conditions. Even better? Stainless steel costs less than most other metals used for metal stampings! 

Stainless steel

The five types of stainless steel we use include:  

  • austenitic
  • duplex
  • precipitation hardened grade
  • martensitic
  • ferritic

Steel

Superman, also known as “The Man of Steel,” wouldn’t take on a nickname derived from a weak compound. Steel has the highest strength to weight ratio of any material used for buildings. If it’s strong enough for buildings, then it’s strong enough for our metal stampings. It is also fire resistant and will not deform or warp under most circumstances. 

Steel offers incredible longevity, even after enduring tremendous amounts of pressure and weight. While it may last long, steel is completely recyclable. Unlike metals, it is magnetic – meaning it can be used for certain applications that non-magnetic metals cannot.