Custom Alloy Supplier

Atlantic Equipment Engineers Supplies Custom Alloys to Partners With High-Quality Needs

A raw piece of a custom alloy.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between custom alloys and standard alloys?

There are several key differences between custom alloys and standard alloys. 

Also known as standard or “off-the-shelf” alloys, standard alloys are predefined mixtures with established components and composition ratios that adhere to industry standards or specifications. They provide general-purpose properties that are well understood and suitable for a wide range of applications.

Custom alloys, on the other hand, are specially formulated metal mixtures designed to meet specific requirements set by the client or the application. 

The composition of custom alloys can be modified according to the desired properties, with manufacturers adding or removing certain elements or impurities to achieve specific mechanical, physical, or chemical characteristics. This flexibility allows for fine-tuning to meet performance requirements.

Conversely, standard alloys have a fixed composition that cannot be altered. They follow established standards and specifications (such as ASTM, DIN, or ISO), ensuring consistent and predictable properties. Examples you may be familiar with include stainless steel 304 and 316.

The production of custom products often involves close collaboration between the custom alloy supplier and the customer to understand the desired properties and performance characteristics. This may require specialized equipment, unique production methods, and custom testing protocols.

Standard alloys, meanwhile, are manufactured using standard production processes that have been optimized for efficiency, consistency, and cost-effectiveness, often benefiting from economies of scale.

Quality control for custom alloys is stringent. Testing procedures are often developed to ensure the alloy meets exact specifications before it is finalized and delivered to the customer. For non custom alloys, quality control follows established industry standards and guidelines, and testing is standardized to ensure that the alloy meets predefined properties and performance levels.

Q: What are the benefits of using custom alloys?

In many instances, standard alloys are more than sufficient for a given purpose. Sometimes, however, they do not offer the precise properties or functions required. In these cases, custom alloys can be customized to meet specific functional requirements, resulting in improved performance and efficiency, as well as offering greater design flexibility for engineers and manufacturers.

They can enhance the durability and lifespan of products and reduce maintenance and operational costs due to superior material properties. This can make them a cost-saving choice over the lifespan of a product or manufacturing process. 

As industries evolve and demand higher and more specific performance standards than ever before, the role of custom alloys is becoming increasingly vital. Custom alloys enable manufacturers to push the boundaries of innovation and create products that meet rigorous standards and withstand ever more challenging environments.

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