a better 16 ga. steel than A36 for deep draw application? 3

[k2panman]

Is there a better commonly available choice of steel for deep draw application? I am hammering 16 ga. sheet steel, forming a 9" deep bowl 23" diameter from flat stock, thinning the metal to about 1/2 original thickness, building steel drums (musical instruments born in the Caribbean. Carbon and impurities in the steel can cause the drums to crack, sometimes after many hours have been invested working on a piece. As I am not a large scale operation (yet), I need something that I can get easily. I have always used A36, but is there a better choice? I think all I reall want is iron - metals like copper and nickel I believe deaden the musical sustain ("ring") of the steel.

 

[NickE]

I'm not sure as to the interstitial content or the properties in A36. I don know that some of the best drawing steels are the ultra low carbon grades. DDQIF comes to mind. Will have less than 0.04%wtC and low amounts of sulfur, phos, nitrogen, manganese, etc...

I'm sure that other metals will have a musical tone, however the condition that the material has to be in to produce that tone is another story. I'm sure that heavily cold worked and hardened copper (with the right impurities) would have a wonderfull tone.

depending on where you are you might want to contact some secondary steel suppliers (slitters, service centers) you might be able to pickup scrap from them for <$0.20/lbs. If you are in detroit let me know I have a few friends that might be able to help.

If you dont mind paying money then metals supermarkets might be a good choice.

nick

 

[EdStainless]

The steels that are used for appliances (refrigerators, stoves so on) might work well for you. If it is too soft though it will continue to change pitch as it is used. Yes, you need steel to get the characteristic tone. Other metals, even of similar hardness have a different stiffness and that effects the 'ring'. A copper or brass alloy would give louder harmonic tones and have a lower sound.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.

http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm

 

[unclesyd]

If there is a company that makes either open top or closed top drums near you there is a possibility that you can get head material from them. There are different gauges of material used and you should be able to get the required thickness. I help a local steel drum maker get this material from a local drum manufacturer. They gave him all he needed just for putting a small label saying this steel drum made from a Florida Drum

 

[EdStainless]

panman and unclesyd,
I would appreciate you contacting me. I may be in the market for some steel drums (to play).
tks

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.

http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm