Choose the material for the job.
Compare the three online materials, then confirm the grade and thickness for each part in your quote.
The practical differences
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to compare all three materials.
| Property | A1011 carbon steel | 304 2B stainless | 3003 aluminum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start here for | Brackets, fixtures, and guards | Corrosion resistance and visible parts | Lighter covers and panels |
| Relative weight | Standard | Heaviest of the three | About one-third of steel |
| Corrosion resistance | Low without a coating | High | Moderate |
| Typical finish | Mill finish; often coated | Smooth 2B finish | Mill finish |
| Online thickness range | .030–1.000 in | .030–1.000 in | .030–1.000 in |
A1011 carbon steel
A practical starting point for cost-conscious industrial brackets, fixtures, and guards, particularly when the finished part will be painted or coated.
- Suitable for flat and formed quote paths.
- Confirm any coating or finish requirement with the shop.
304 2B stainless steel
Consider stainless when corrosion resistance and the 2B surface finish matter. Final suitability depends on the part's environment and requirements.
- Heavier than the other online material options.
- Material weight can affect formed-part handling and labor.
3003 aluminum
A lighter option for covers, panels, and enclosures. Consider it when handling and assembly weight matter more than maximum strength.
- The lightest of the three online materials.
- Forming still depends on the model, thickness, and tooling fit.
What changes in your quote
Material and thickness
Set both for each part after upload. Compare the updated price using your actual geometry.
Thin material
Material under .060 inches includes a thin-gauge premium and adds 3 business days to the estimated ship date.
Formed parts
Part weight, bend length, tooling, and tonnage affect forming. Parts outside the online rules need shop review.