Compare Sheet Metal Materials
*The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications for quality control.
□ Aesthetics
□ Durability
□ Pre-Plated
□ Weldability
□ Corrosion Resistance
□ Electrical Conductivity
□ Strength
□ Cost Effectiveness
□ Formability
□ Thermal Conductivity
□ Chemical Resistance
□ Flame Resistance
□ Moisture Resistance
□ Transparency
□ Corrosion Resistance
□ Flexibility
□ Stiffness
□ Wear Resistance
□ Dimensional Stability
□ Impact Resistance
□ Strength
□ Durability
□ Large Format
□ Strength-to-Weight
□ Economical
□Lightweight
□ Temperature Resistance
□ Chemical Resistance
□ Flame Resistance
□ Moisture Resistance
□ Transparency
□ Corrosion Resistance
□ Flexibility
□ Stiffness
□ Wear Resistance
□ Dimensional Stability
□ Impact Resistance
□ Strength
□ Durability
□ Large Format
□ Strength-to-Weight
□ Economical
□ Lightweight
□ Temperature Resistance
□ Chemical Resistance
□ Flame Resistance
□ Moisture Resistance
□ Transparency
□ Corrosion Resistance
□ Flexibility
□ Stiffness
□ Wear Resistance
□ Dimensional Stability
□ Impact Resistance
□ Strength
□ Durability
□ Large Format
□ Strength-to-Weight
□ Economical
□Lightweight
□ Temperature Resistance
Tab 2 content.
Aluminum 5052
Formability
Corrosion Resistance
Weldability
This alloy is highly valued for its excellent corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice in marine and chemical environments. Aluminum 5052 possesses good weldability and formability, which facilitates its use in complex fabrication tasks such as sheet metal work, containers, and pressure vessels. It features a lower strength compared to some other aluminum alloys but offers superior fatigue resistance. The alloy’s high flexibility and durability make it ideal for applications requiring extensive forming processes, like bending and shaping without cracking.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
33 kpsi
12%
60 HRB
Max. Part Size:
39 in. x 47 in.
Thickness Range:
.025 in. to .250 in.
Aluminum 6061
Strength
Corrosion Resistance
Known for its structural strength and toughness, Aluminum 6061 is a versatile alloy commonly used in engineering and architectural applications. It has a good balance of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance. This alloy can be heat-treated, which enhances its mechanical properties, making it suitable for heavy-duty structures such as bridges, frameworks, and machine parts. Aluminum 6061 also excels in machinability, allowing for precise and detailed manufacturing processes. Its ability to accept various finishes makes it aesthetically appealing for visible architectural elements.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
42 kpsi
12%
95 HRB
Max. Part Size:
39in. x 47 in.
Thickness Range:
.025 in. to .250 in.
Brass C260
Aesthetics
Formability
Corrosion Resistance
C260 brass, or “Cartridge Brass,” is made of about 70% copper and 30% zinc, known for its excellent ductility and corrosion resistance, often used in decorative and architectural applications. Compared to Brass H62, which has a slightly higher copper content and is favored for mechanical parts like gears due to its superior machinability and strength, C260 is more suitable for applications needing aesthetic appeal and environmental durability.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
62 kpsi
25%
70 HRB
Max. Part Size:
18 in. x 24 in.
Thickness Range:
.025 in. to .125 in.
Brass H62
Aesthetics
Formability
Corrosion Resistance
Brass H62, with around 60-63% copper, is highly valued for its excellent machinability and durability, making it ideal for fabricating precise mechanical parts such as gears and fasteners. On the other hand, Brass C260, known for its higher zinc content, offers superior ductility and corrosion resistance, making it more suitable for decorative sheet metal applications in architecture. While H62 excels in functional components requiring detailed machining, C260 is favored for projects where aesthetic appeal and environmental resistance are crucial.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
50 kpsi
55%
90 HRB
Max. Part Size:
18 in. x 24 in.
Thickness Range:
.025 in. to .125 in.
Copper C110
Cost Effectiveness
Corrosion Resistance
Thermal Conductivity
Formability
Copper C110 is highly prized in sheet metal fabrication for its exceptional purity of at least 99.90% copper, ensuring excellent ductility and ease of forming. This makes it well-suited for creating precise and complex components. Its good corrosion resistance also enhances durability in various environments, though care must be taken in settings with sulfur or ammonia due to potential brittleness.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
32 kpsi
45%
60 HRB
Max. Part Size:
18 in. x 24 in.
Thickness Range:
.025 in. to .125 in.
Carbon Steel Q235
Formability
Weldability
Cost Effectiveness
Strength
Durability
Carbon Steel Q235 is a widely used grade in sheet metal fabrication due to its favorable balance of strength, plasticity, and welding properties. Known for its versatility, Q235 is often chosen for structural components, machinery parts, and a variety of sheet metal applications where ductility is required for bending and forming. Its moderate carbon content allows for good formability and weldability, making it suitable for various manufacturing processes in the metalworking industry.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
40 kpsi
25%
135 HRB
Max. Part Size:
39 in. x 47 in.
Thickness Range:
.024 in. to .250 in.
Cold Rolled Steel
Formability
Pre-Plated
Cost Effectiveness
Strength
Durability
Cold rolled steel is highly valued in sheet metal fabrication for its superior surface finish, tighter tolerances, and increased strength due to the hardening effect from the cold rolling process. This makes it ideal for applications requiring high precision and aesthetics, such as automotive panels, appliances, and other visible parts. Its enhanced surface properties also allow for better paint adhesion and corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice for components that require both durability and visual appeal in their final application.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
50 kpsi
10%
60 HRB
Max. Part Size:
39 in. x 47 in.
Thickness Range:
.024 in. to .134 in.
Stainless Steel 304
Formability
Weldability
Corrosion Resistance
Strength
Durability
Stainless Steel 304 is widely used in sheet metal fabrication for its good formability and corrosion resistance, ideal for many general applications. In comparison, Stainless Steel 316 includes molybdenum, enhancing its corrosion resistance against chlorides, making it better for harsher environments. Stainless Steel 430, while less corrosion-resistant, offers better thermal conductivity and is magnetic, suitable for specific uses like decorative panels. Each type is chosen based on the specific demands of the fabrication project.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
80 kpsi
50%
80 HRB
Max. Part Size:
39 in. x 47 in.
Thickness Range:
.024 in. to .125 in.
Stainless Steel 316
Formability
Weldability
Corrosion Resistance
Strength
Durability
Stainless Steel 316 offers the best corrosion resistance due to molybdenum, making it ideal but more costly for harsh environments. Stainless Steel 304 is less expensive, suitable for less corrosive conditions. Stainless Steel 430 is the most cost-effective, used where lower corrosion resistance is acceptable. Each grade is chosen based on cost-performance needs in sheet metal fabrication.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
85 kpsi
60%
95 HRB
Max. Part Size:
39 in. x 47 in.
Thickness Range:
.024 in. to .134 in.
Stainless Steel 430
Formability
Weldability
Corrosion Resistance
Strength
Durability
Stainless Steel 430 is a cost-effective option in sheet metal fabrication, offering moderate corrosion resistance suitable for interior applications. It’s less expensive than both 304 and 316 due to its lower chromium and no nickel content. While 304 provides better corrosion resistance and formability for diverse uses, 316 excels in highly corrosive environments due to its molybdenum content, making it the most costly. The selection among these depends on specific environmental needs and budget.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
65 kpsi
25%
85 HRB
Max. Part Size:
39 in. x 47 in.
Thickness Range:
.024 in. to .134 in.