How to Properly Care for Custom Metal Fabricated Parts

Metal may be a durable and low-maintenance material, but in heavy-use environments like facilities utilizing custom metal fabricated parts, these metals require extra care and attention. Keeping custom metal fabrications in peak condition means knowing how and when to clean them, what routine maintenance they need, and the warning signs for when it is time to repair or replace your custom parts.

Why Routine Maintenance is Important for Custom Metal Parts

There are many benefits to custom metal fabrication, chief among them being that you get exactly the parts you need for the task at hand. However, it also makes it even more pertinent to protect your custom parts from rust, corrosion, and other damage to untended metals.

Stainless steel, steel, and aluminum may rust or corrode due to contact with different acids, iron or carbon steel, or high temperatures. In certain industries, it may be difficult to guarantee that your custom metal parts avoid corrosive elements entirely.

Metal parts may also wear down over time and require special maintenance. They could lose their passivity layer, which protects metal from rusting, or they may need welding or lubrication to keep them moving with the overall system they are a part of.

Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Your Custom Metal Parts

Metal is tough, but that doesn’t mean you can use the harshest cleaning methods possible to deal with contaminations or corrosion. To help your custom metal parts withstand the test of time and stay in excellent condition, here are some Dos and Don’ts to proper care and maintenance:

DO Keep a Maintenance Schedule

Have a written record of each piece of maintenance performed on every custom metal part in your facility, including the processes used for cleaning and maintenance and how long before further routine maintenance will be required. This may vary depending on the use case, so talk to your custom metal fabrication company about planning a routine maintenance schedule for your fabrications.

DON’T Use Harsh Chemicals

Certain acids and alkalines will do more harm than good if applied to metal fabrications. Chloride solutions like bleach and disinfectants are too harsh and will break down the passivity layer, so cleaning solutions should always be chloride-free. You should also be cautious of rust removers, as some of these are alkaline solutions that may lead to a form of corrosion called “pitting,” where localized cavities form on the surface of the metal.

DO Use Mild Cleaning Methods

In many cases, all you need is a soft cloth and warm water to clean custom metal parts. For larger fabrications, you can use a hose or power washer to spray warm water.

If your metal is more significantly tarnished or corroding, you can clean your custom metal with:

• Vinegar
• Chloride-free detergent
• Or an aqueous cleaning agent

Aqueous cleaning is the industry standard for cleaning custom metal parts. It involves using water-based, high-alkaline cleaning agents capable of emulsifying oil and grease, eliminating rust, and breaking down the most stubborn contaminants.

DON’T Use Abrasives

Abrasive cleaning equipment like steel wool can damage custom metal parts and cause them to wear down and need replacement faster. Abrasives may also damage the passivity layer, and they aren’t necessary! You can get all the exfoliating power you need with a soft cloth or a hose.

DO Lubricate as Needed

Depending on the metal part and its purpose, you may need to regularly reapply lubrication to reduce friction and wear on the part and keep the system working properly. You likely will need to reapply lubrication after every cleaning, especially if you’re using a water-soluble lubricant.

DO Apply Rust Preventers

Rust prevention solutions are useful for adding another layer of protection on top of the metal’s existing passivity layer. These protective coatings can prevent rust from occurring as a result of any chemicals and liquids encountered in the working environment, from spills in a beverage facility to weather conditions on exterior metal fabrications.

DO Schedule Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Proper care will only get your custom metal fabrication so far without proper maintenance and inspections to go along with it! When choosing a metal fabrication company, look for one that offers preventative maintenance. This will ensure your parts get the care and attention they need from the ones who know them best!

When to Repair or Replace Custom Metal Parts

While proper care and maintenance can extend the lifespan of your custom metal fabrication by years or even decades, you may eventually need to have some parts repaired or replaced entirely. Normal wear and tear is inevitable and may eventually lead to problems with mechanical equipment or other systems involving custom metal parts. 

If a custom metal part has become too severely corroded for a simple cleaning to help, it may also be time for replacement. If you’re not sure what the exact lifespan of your custom metal fabrication is, that’s where regular inspections come in handy! Having your custom metal fabrications professionally inspected will ensure you have no surprises as to when it’s time for repairs or replacement.

Need to Repair or Replace Custom Metal Part? We Can Help!

Whether you’re looking for new custom metal fabrications or require inspections and preventative maintenance for your existing fabrications, Mathews Mechanical is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer or take a look at our complete suite of services.