Materials & Material Selection

Common Materials Used in Sheet Metal Fabrication

Each material offers unique properties, making them suitable for different applications. 

1. Stainless Steel

• Grades: 304, 316, 430, 321

• Properties: Corrosion-resistant,      strong, clean surface finish

• Applications: Medical equipment,      food processing, enclosures, brackets, cleanroom parts

• Advantages:

• Excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance

• Hygienic and easy to clean (especially 316 in medical or       marine)

• High strength-to-weight ratio

2. Mild Steel (Carbon Steel)

• Grades: A36, 1018, CRS (Cold-Rolled      Steel), HRPO (Hot-Rolled Pickled & Oiled)

• Properties: Cost-effective, easy to      weld and form

• Applications: Industrial housings,      chassis, structural supports

• Advantages:

• Lower material cost

• Excellent weldability and machinability

• Suitable for powder coating or painting

3. Aluminum

• Grades: 5052, 6061, 3003

• Properties: Lightweight,      corrosion-resistant, good thermal/electrical conductivity

• Applications: Electronics housings,      medical devices, transportation panels

• Advantages:

• Lightweight and strong

• Natural corrosion resistance

• Excellent for CNC + sheet metal hybrid parts

4. Galvanized Steel

• Types: G90, Electro-galvanized

• Properties: Carbon steel with zinc      coating for corrosion resistance

• Applications: HVAC systems, outdoor      enclosures, automotive

• Advantages:

• Superior rust protection in humid or outdoor environments

• Maintains paint adhesion

• Cost-effective alternative to stainless steel

5. Copper

• Properties: Excellent electrical      and thermal conductivity, antimicrobial

• Applications: Electrical      components, busbars, heat sinks, EMI shielding

• Advantages:

• Highly conductive

• Malleable and formable

• Ideal for RF and grounding applications

6. Brass

• Composition: Copper + Zinc alloy

• Properties: Corrosion-resistant,      decorative appearance, antimicrobial

• Applications: Architectural panels,      instruments, electronic connectors

• Advantages:

• Attractive gold-like finish

• Good formability

• Naturally resistant to bacteria

7. Titanium (for high-end applications)

• Grades: Grade 2, Grade 5      (Ti-6Al-4V)

• Properties: High      strength-to-weight, corrosion-resistant, biocompatible

• Applications: Aerospace panels,      medical implants, defense systems

• Advantages:

• High-performance material

• Excellent corrosion resistance in aggressive environments

• Lightweight but strong