The choice of raw material is the first and most fundamental decision in the development process of a fastener. It determines the processing possibilities, the function during assembly – in general, the performance. What weight can it allowed? Is there a particular need for corrosion resistance? Does it need to be electrically or thermally conductive? What strength or elongation at break may it have? What about the possibility of post processing options? Considerations such as these are taken into account in the requirements for your parts. Each material has its own physical, mechanical and chemical properties. The selection of available raw materials is large and leaves nothing to be desired. We at Tigges process pure metals and metal alloys for our precision parts in our own production – and that in the most diverse forms. These also include challenging materials such as stainless steel, titanium or Inconel. For your orientation, we have described the most common materials for component production and their respective properties in more detail below.
However, it is important to note: Not all materials are the same. Particularly in the fastening technology sector, the requirements are high. Since the quality of our components goes hand in hand with the quality of our raw materials, Tigges relies on certified raw materials and carries out strict quality tests.
Admitted: Copper is not a common choice for the production of fastening parts. Nevertheless, it has properties that can be of interest depending on the application:
Copper is one of the most durable materials. As a semi-precious metal, it has good corrosion resistance compared to other metals. Although the metal oxidizes when exposed to air, unlike iron it does not form rust, but a durable blue shimmering patina. This allows copper parts to be directly attached outdoors – for example, in roof construction. In particular, copper is ideally suited for metal components in the field of electrical engineering due to its good electrical conductivity. However, it should be noted, that the material is affected by strong expansion when exposed to heat, which is undesirable for many areas of application.