Aluminum 5052-H32
Aluminum 5052 is a widely used alloy across common part applications made from sheet metal. This popular choice provides superior corrosion resistance, making it ideal for parts exposed to harsh environments. 5052 has a high modulus of elasticity, lending it to formability and weldability, allowing for unique shapes to be created out of the flat sheet. This material is versatile due to high strength, its lightweight nature, and aesthetic characteristics.
Formability /Corrosion Resistance/ Weldability
Aluminum 6061-T651
Aluminum 6061 is also known as “structural aluminum.” 6061 is alloyed with silicon which provides higher strength capabilities than an alloy such as Aluminum 5052. 6061 has a lower modulus of elasticity compared to other options, making it less formable and weldable than 5052, but it maintains similar lightweight characteristics. The alloy composition of 6061 is designed to prioritize strength over aesthetics.
Strength/ Corrosion Resistance
Brass C260
Brass C260 is primarily composed of copper and zinc, giving it the golden-yellow color for which it is known. Mechanically, Brass has corrosion-resistant and formable qualities similar to Aluminum 5052. Brass is heavier than aluminum, making it well suited for aesthetic or decorative applications.
Aesthetics/ Formability /Corrosion Resistance
Copper C101
Copper 101 (C101) is known as oxygen free electronic or OFE Copper. It is primarily chosen when material impurities are undesired and electrical conductivity is crucial. It offers strong corrosion resistance and formable qualities but is more costly than oxygenated Copper 110. C101 is typically used for applications where exceptional conductivity is favored over cost savings.
Electrical Conductivity /Thermal Conductivity /Formability
CR Galvanized
Cold-Rolled Galvanized steel arrives from the mill with a zinc coating which prevents corrosion and provides its distinctive shiny, spangled appearance. This unique surface appearance makes it more challenging for other finishes, like powder coating to adhere to the metal without additional material preparation. This material lacks weldability due to fumes from its zinc coating, however galvanized is easily formed in the press brake.
Formability /Pre-Plated /Cost Effectiveness/ Strength/ Durability
Stainless Steel 304/304L
Stainless Steel 304 comes in two varieties, 2B and #4. These identifiers refer to the surface finish applied at the mill, but the underlying material is the same. 2B has a low shine appearance, whereas #4 has a brushed aesthetic from a mechanical polishing process. 2B typically costs less than #4, however both are formable and weldable. Of note, welding 304-#4 can remove the desirable brushed finish. 304 provides only adequate corrosion resistance and is particularly risky in high-chloride environments such as saltwater or coastal regions.
Formability /Weldability /Corrosion Resistance/ Strength /Durability
Stainless Steel 316/316L
Stainless Steel 316 is similar to 304 but is instead alloyed with molybdenum. This feature enhances its corrosion resistance, especially in high-chloride marine environments. 316 has similar strength characteristics to 304 and is equally formable and weldable. Thanks to the addition of molybdenum, 316 is versatile, but comes at a higher cost than 304.
Formability /Weldability /Corrosion Resistance /Strength /Durability