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Materials

Steel, stainless and aluminium

Three metal families, 9 grades and sheet from 1 to 16 mm, all priced instantly in the online estimator. Choose a family, or go straight to a price.

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Grades and thicknesses

Every thickness listed here is priced instantly in the estimator.

Mild steel

The everyday choice for plates, brackets, frames and machine parts: strong, easy to weld and economical.

Bare mild steel rusts, so parts are usually painted, powder coated or galvanised after cutting.

Estimate in mild steel

Thicknesses in the estimator (mm)

  • Grade 250

    The common general-purpose grade.

    • 1.6
    • 2
    • 3
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
    • 8
    • 10
    • 12
    • 16

  • Grade 300

    A higher-strength grade.

    • 3
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
    • 8
    • 10
    • 12

  • Grade 350

    Higher strength again, for more demanding structural parts.

    • 3
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
    • 8
    • 10
    • 12
    • 16

Stainless steel

Corrosion-resistant steel for food-service, marine, architectural and general parts that are often left bare.

Usually left bare. Surface finish requirements are confirmed with the quote.

Estimate in stainless steel

Thicknesses in the estimator (mm)

  • 304

    The general-purpose stainless steel.

    • 1.2
    • 1.6
    • 2
    • 2.5
    • 3
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
    • 8
    • 10
    • 12
    • 16

  • 316

    Better resistance to salt and many chemicals, so it is often chosen for marine and coastal use.

    • 1.2
    • 1.6
    • 2
    • 2.5
    • 3
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
    • 8
    • 10
    • 12
    • 16

Aluminium

Light and corrosion-resistant, at about a third of the weight of steel: panels, enclosures, trays and vehicle parts.

Often left bare, or anodised or painted after cutting.

Estimate in aluminium

Thicknesses in the estimator (mm)

  • 5005

    A sheet alloy with a clean surface, often used for panels and signage.

    • 1
    • 1.2
    • 1.6
    • 2
    • 2.5
    • 3
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
    • 8

  • 5052

    A versatile, stronger sheet alloy with good corrosion resistance.

    • 1.6
    • 2
    • 2.5
    • 3
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
    • 8
    • 10
    • 12

  • 5083

    A stronger marine-grade alloy.

    • 3
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
    • 8
    • 10
    • 12

  • 6061

    A heat-treatable structural alloy, listed in fewer thicknesses.

    • 3
    • 6
    • 12

These are the sizes the estimator prices. Stock, and whether a grade suits your part, are confirmed in your formal quote.

Choosing a material

Which metal suits your part?

A quick guide. To compare prices, switch the material in the estimator.

Mild steelStainless steelAluminium
Weight HeavyHeavy, much like mild steelAbout a third of the weight of steel
Corrosion Rusts unless painted, coated or galvanisedResists corrosion; 316 is the better choice near salt waterResists corrosion; 5052 and 5083 are common marine choices
After cutting Usually painted or powder coatedUsually left bareLeft bare, anodised or painted
Typical parts Brackets, base plates, gussets, frames, machine guardsFood-service and marine fittings, splashbacks, covers, trimsPanels, enclosures, trays, brackets, vehicle and marine parts

Finishing such as painting, powder coating or galvanising is not in the estimate. Mention it when you email and we will let you know whether we can help.

By enquiry

Other materials

Not priced online. Email us the material, thickness and quantity and we will tell you whether we can quote it.

Each opens an email in your own email app, with the material in the subject.

Formal quote

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