Shop the Largest Metal Shapes Catalog!
The shape of the raw material you are purchasing is equally as important as the material itself when it comes to end use. Whether you need sheet material to offer a flat surface ideal for covering large areas or bar material offering structural support, we’ve got you covered. Shop and learn about shapes below!
Long Product (ex: Bars, Channels & Angles)
Used for structural support, such as for building frames, supports, and components that require high strength.
- Machining: Bar products are often used in machining processes to create custom parts and components for machinery and equipment. They can be easily cut, drilled, and turned on a lathe to create a wide range of shapes and sizes.
- Structural support: Bar products can be used as structural elements in construction projects, such as for support beams and columns. They provide high strength and stability, which can be important for ensuring the safety and stability of the overall structure.
- Fasteners: Bar products can be cut to size and used as fasteners, such as bolts, screws, and pins, in a variety of applications.
- Structural support: Channel products are commonly used as structural elements in construction projects, such as for support beams and columns. They provide high strength and stability, which can be important for ensuring the safety and stability of the overall structure.
- Design flexibility: Channel products offer greater design flexibility compared to other forms of metal. They can be custom-made to a wide range of shapes and sizes, making them ideal for use in projects that require unique design elements.
- Easy to install: Channel products are easy to install and connect, making them ideal for use in DIY projects and small-scale fabrication.
- Cable management: Channel products can also be used for cable management and organization, as they can be easily mounted and provide a neat and tidy appearance.
- Structural support: Angle products are commonly used as structural elements in construction projects, such as for support beams and columns. They provide high strength and stability, which can be important for ensuring the safety and stability of the overall structure.
- Cost-effectiveness: Buying metal in angle form can be a cost-effective way to source material for larger projects, as it can often be purchased in bulk at a lower price per unit than other forms of metal.
- Reinforcement: Angle products can also be used to reinforce corners and edges of structures, adding additional strength and stability.
Flat Product (ex: Sheet / Plate)
Used for covering large areas, such as roofing and cladding, or for creating flat components such as electronic enclosures or automotive body parts.
- Aesthetic appeal: Some metals, such as stainless steel, brass, and copper, are highly valued for their aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for decorative elements in architecture and design.
- Fabrication: Sheet and plate products are commonly used in fabrication processes where they can be cut, bent, and shaped to create a wide range of products, from machinery and equipment components to decorative elements.
- Expanded sheet metal: is valued for its unique diamond-shaped pattern, which provides high strength and rigidity. It's commonly used in applications that require ventilation, filtration, or as a protective barrier. Expanded sheet is lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to fabricate into custom shapes and sizes.
- Perforated sheet metal: is commonly used in applications that require ventilation, filtration, or as a decorative element. It provides a high degree of open area, allowing for the free flow of air, liquids, and light. Perforated sheet is available in a wide range of patterns, hole sizes, and materials, making it ideal for use in a variety of industries. It's also easy to fabricate into custom shapes and sizes.
- Tread plate: also known as diamond plate, is valued for its unique diamond-shaped pattern, which provides increased traction and slip resistance. It's commonly used in applications that require a high degree of grip, such as stairs, ramps, and walkways. Tread plate is also highly durable and resistant to wear and corrosion, making it ideal for use in harsh environments. It's available in a variety of materials, sizes, and thicknesses, making it easy to find the right fit for your project.
Tubing & Piping
Used for fluid transport, as structural supports, or for creating components that require high torsional strength.
- Fluid and gas transport: Metal tubes and pipes are commonly used to transport fluids and gases, such as in plumbing, HVAC systems, and industrial piping systems.
- Structural support: Metal tubes and pipes can be used as structural elements in construction projects, such as for support columns and beams. They provide high strength and stability, which can be important for ensuring the safety and stability of the overall structure.
- Heat transfer: Metal tubes and pipes can be used in applications that require heat transfer, such as in heat exchangers and radiators.
Other
Outside of the standard shapes and forms, we offer additional options like protoboxes (random product assortment by material) or decorative options like wrought iron.
- Bearing applications: Metal balls are commonly used as bearings in mechanical assemblies and machinery, providing smooth and efficient movement.
- Testing and calibration: Metal balls can be used in testing and calibration applications, such as for checking the accuracy of measuring instruments.
- Welding and soldering: Metal balls can be used in welding and soldering applications, as they can be easily welded or soldered onto other metal components to create a secure joint.
The Protobox is an excellent and affordable package of quality materials containing an assortment of alloys and material shapes, from round rods to flat bars and tubes, with each piece typically measuring smaller than 6" x 12"