AWC Industries Blog

Customers sometimes design a product using steel when stainless steel is a better choice. Before choosing your metal, first know the differences and characteristics of steel and other metals. Here’s what you need to know.

At AWC Industries, we can turn stainless steel wire, tube and sheet metal into anything you need. Our past project list includes industries such as Construction, Food & Beverage Equipment, Medical and countless other sectors.

Stainless Steel Wire Forming

All steel is carbon based, but stainless steel contains chromium at 10% or more by weight. Steel is susceptible to rust, an active iron oxide film that forms when steel is exposed to air and moisture. This iron oxide film is active and accelerates corrosion by forming more iron oxide.

Carbon steel is a metal alloy of carbon and iron that has a relatively low tensile strength whose surface hardness can be increased through carburizing. The amount of carbon used is usually less than 2 percent and no other metal elements are added. Carbon steel is the most abundantly produced of all steel products. It has a wide range of applications in the motor and electrical appliances sector due to its ferromagnetic nature.

Stainless steel is a metal alloy consisting of iron and chromium. The amount of chromium used with the iron usually varies from a minimum of 10 percent to 30 percent depending on the desired quality of the final product. Some other elements such as titanium and nickel may be added to enhance specific qualities of steel.  Unlike other metals, stainless steel does not rust or corrode.  Passivity is when chromium forms a passive film of chromium oxide to repair the surface layer and prevent further corrosion. Stainless steel’s non-corrosive characteristic gives it a long life span.

Comparison Chart

Applications for stainless steel wire fabrications can vary but some common examples are kitchen and bathroom accessories, aerospace components, medical device and hospital equipment components, autoclave and sterilization racks, trays and baskets, marine guards, oil & gas equipment accessories, laboratory instruments and food processing and food service equipment components.

CNC Wire Forming with AWC Industries

Wire forming is a process used to bend metal, creating custom shapes and designs. This is necessary in all kinds of industries, including aerospace, construction, military and furniture. AWC Industries specializes in high-end wire forming and metal bending. Our state-of-the-art CNC wire forming facilities can bend and fabricate metal wires up to one inch in diameter.

We use a combination of mandrel wire benders, press wire benders, draw wire benders, Vaill wire end formers and Tauring 3 ring wire rollers to produce our finished goods. No matter what shape of metal wire you want, whether it is round, oval, square or rectangle, we can help you meet your needs. Besides bending wires into various types of desirable shapes, we also provide them with fine finishing either with chrome plating, zinc plating or powder coating.

Let’s Get Started

From planter baskets to wine racks to light guards, our team of mechanical engineers know how to quickly translate rough and undefined ideas into prototyped solutions.

When you get in touch with us, we will try and understand your specific requirements and make sure that your project priorities are duly met with. By working with us, you can be rest assured that your technical projects will achieve the highest zenith of success. Our technical team can provide you with the best expertise in the industry, and you can expect your finished goods at the earliest turnaround time.

Contact the wire forming specialists at AWC Industries for input on which material is best suited to your custom application.

cnc wire forming