Material Information & Comparison Guide
Share
At Design Cut Fab, we offer a curated range of sheet metals selected for their performance, workability, and suitability across a wide variety of applications. Whether you're building structural brackets, kitchen splashbacks, marine components, or signage, this guide helps you choose the right material for your project.
⚙️ Materials We Offer
1. 250 Grade Mild Steel
- Yield Strength: ~250 MPa
- Finish: Hot-rolled (mill scale)
- Best For: General fabrication, base plates, brackets, trailers, DIY parts
- Features: Easy to cut, bend, and weld
2. 350 Grade Mild Steel
- Yield Strength: ~350 MPa
- Finish: Hot-rolled (mill scale)
- Best For: Structural parts, high-load brackets, cleats, load-bearing components
- Features: Higher strength, slightly stiffer, still weldable
3. 304 Stainless Steel – Mill Finish
- Finish: Raw, semi-dull surface (mill finish)
- Best For: Food-safe surfaces, structural parts, general stainless components
- Features: Corrosion-resistant, weldable, hygienic
4. 316 Stainless Steel – Mill Finish
- Finish: Mill finish (unpolished)
- Best For: Marine environments, chemical handling, food processing
- Features: Superior corrosion resistance, especially in coastal or industrial conditions
5. 316 Stainless Steel – Brushed (No.4 Finish)
- Finish: Satin brushed (No.4)
- Best For: Splashbacks, decorative panels, exposed surfaces
- Features: Clean, modern look; easy to maintain
6. Aluminium 5005 – Mill Finish
- Finish: Smooth, semi-reflective mill finish
- Best For: Signage, cladding, shopfitting, panels
- Features: Excellent anodising surface, lightweight and formable
7. Aluminium 5052 – Mill Finish
- Finish: Mill finish (semi-bright)
- Best For: Marine, transport, trailers, heavy-duty panels
- Features: Strong, corrosion-resistant, weldable, more durable than 5005
📊 Material Comparison Table
| Material | Yield Strength | Corrosion Resistance | Weldability | Formability | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 Grade Mild Steel | ~250 MPa | Low | Excellent | High | General fabrication, base plates, brackets |
| 350 Grade Mild Steel | ~350 MPa | Low | Excellent | Medium | Structural, load-bearing components |
| 304 SS (Mill Finish) | ~210 MPa | High | Excellent | Medium | Food equipment, internal structures |
| 316 SS (Mill Finish) | ~215 MPa | Very High | Excellent | Medium | Marine, chemical, industrial applications |
| 316 SS (Brushed No.4) | ~215 MPa | Very High | Excellent | Medium | Decorative & visible stainless surfaces |
| Aluminium 5005 | ~160 MPa | Medium | Good | Very High | Signage, panels, interior cladding |
| Aluminium 5052 | ~225 MPa | High | Excellent | High | Marine parts, structural aluminium, trailers |
✅ Choosing the Right Material
- Need strength for structural parts? Go with 350 Grade Mild Steel.
- Working in marine or chemical environments? Choose 316 Stainless Steel.
- Making signage or panels? Use Aluminium 5005 for its smooth finish.
- Want a strong, lightweight material? Aluminium 5052 is ideal.
- Need a food-safe or hygienic material? Opt for 304 or 316 Stainless Steel.
- On a budget for general fabrication? 250 Grade Steel offers great value.
Have more questions? Our team can help you match the right material to your file, application, and finish needs.