Metaalstuk

Metaalstuk is a generic Dutch term for a component or part made of metal. In engineering and industry it denotes an individual piece that forms part of a larger assembly, such as a bracket, plate, bar, tube, or connector. The word combines metaal (metal) and stuk (piece).

Common forms of metaalstukken include plates, bars, rods, tubes, profiles, and blocks. Materials span ferrous metals such as steel and iron, and non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, brass, and zinc. The choice of material depends on strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and cost for the intended application.

Manufacturing methods used to produce metaalstukken include casting, forging, extrusion, rolling, machining, and stamping. After shaping, surface treatments such as galvanizing, plating, painting, or anodizing may be applied to improve wear resistance or corrosion protection. Dimensions and tolerances are typically defined by international standards and may vary by material and process (ISO, EN, DIN, JIS).

Applications of metaalstukken are wide-ranging. They appear in construction and infrastructure, automotive and aerospace components, machinery and equipment, shipbuilding, and consumer products. In many cases a metaalstuk functions as a joining element, structural component, housing, or functional part within a larger system. The term remains a broad, non-technical descriptor used across procurement, design, and manufacturing to reference a metal piece without specifying its exact form or properties.