When considering which sheet metal to utilize in your next project, keep in mind that the metal sheets have the same properties as the base metal in other forms. While this guide is an excellent starting point, it is also suggested that you speak with your manufacturer to see if they have any material recommendations regarding your specific project conditions.
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Material
|
Key Properties
|
Common Applications
|
Common Grades
|
Corrosion Resistance
|
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
|
Formability
|
Machinability
|
Weldability
|
|
Steel
|
|
- Construction (beams, frames)
- Machinery and Tools
- Vehicles and Transportation
- General Fabrication
|
|
Moderate
|
High tensile and yield strength
|
Varied
(depends on alloy)
|
Good
|
Good
|
|
Stainless Steel
|
- Excellent corrosion resistance and cleanability
|
- Food Processing & Hygienic Applications
- Surgical Instruments
- Marine Applications
- Architectural Cladding and Accents
|
- N/A (Stainless Steel is a grade of Steel)
|
Superior
|
Moderate
|
Limited
|
Difficult
|
Good
|
|
Aluminum
|
- Non-magnetic, lightweight, non-ferrous, infinitely recyclable, high electrical and thermal conductivity, aesthetically pleasing
|
- Aircraft and Aerospace Components
- Transportation (cars, bicycles)
- Consumer Goods (electronics, appliances)
- Architectural Elements and Cladding
|
- 5052 H32
- 6061-T6 & T4
- 2024-T3
- 3003
|
Excellent
|
High
|
Highly malleable and ductile
|
Good
|
Difficult
|
|
Copper
|
- Warm aesthetic and desired patinas when exposed to elements. Naturally occurring metal. Non-ferrous. Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Expensive.
|
- Electrical Wiring
- Contacts and Components
- Heat Exchangers and Radiators
- Plumbing Fixtures
- Pipes
- Decorative Accents and Art
|
- Copper 110
- UNS C11000
- CDA 110 ETP
- C110
- ISO Cu-ETP
- Electrolytic Tough Pitch
|
Low
|
Moderate
|
Moderate
|
Difficult
|
Moderate
|
|
Brass
|
- Golden hue and decorative appeal. Non-ferrous. Non-magnetic. Expensive.
|
- Musical Instruments and Components
- Plumbing Fixtures and Hardware
- Decorative Accents and Knobs/Handles
- Electrical Connectors and Terminals
|
- Alloy 260
- Alloy 272
- Alloy 330
- Alloy 353
- Alloy 360
- Alloy 385
- Alloy C48200-C48500
- Alloy 404
|
Rust-resistant, but may tarnish.
|
Moderate
|
Moderate
|
Excellent
|
Moderate
|
