Sheet Metal Parts - Material Selection Tips

Deciding on the best sheet metal parts material for your part can be a challenge.



Generally it is best to first decide on the main factors. For example, if price and hardness are most important, select the stamping mold material that has the best combination of those two values.

Click on a material in the sidebar for more information about a specific material - the material pages give typical uses of the material, properties, etc.



Here are a few tips:



Metals allow for parts of higher tolerance than plastic parts.

Plastics can warp slightly over time due to moisture absorption.

Designing custom parts with sheetmetal is generally lower cost than machining plate or rod.

Sheet metal parts can be formed into numerous shapes and can take simple or complex bends.



By volume, plastics are usually much less expensive than metals.

Materials that don't need finishing may be more economical for short runs (e.g. stainless steel, aluminum, plastics, etc.)