From cookware to chemical-processing equipment, 304 stainless steel is a good all-around choice for a wide range of applications.

The addition of molybdenum gives 316 stainless steel excellent corrosion resistance. Use it in a variety of marine and chemical-processing applications.

Often used for fasteners and valves, 410 stainless steel withstands wear caused by abrasion.

The most widely used aluminum, 6061 is fabricated into everything from pipe fittings and containers to automotive and aerospace parts. It is strong and corrosion resistant, plus it's easy to machine and weld.

Known for being one of the easiest types of aluminum to weld, 5052 is also recognized for its ability to resist salt water. It's widely used for the bodies of boats, buses, trucks, and trailers, as well as for chemical drums.

3000 series aluminum stands up to outdoor use, as well as exposure to chemicals. It offers a good combination of strength, formability, and weldability. It's often used for storage tanks, heat exchangers, garage doors, and general sheet metal work.

These sheets are tempered to a 1/2-hard or full-hard state to make them over twice as strong as standard 1100 aluminum.

While 2024 aluminum was initially designed for structural components in aircraft, it's now widely used when a high strength-to-weight ratio is needed, such as for gears, shafts, and fasteners. It offers similar performance to 7075 aluminum, but it’s not as strong.

Originally developed for aircraft frames, uses for 7075 aluminum now include keys, gears, and other high-stress parts. It is often used as a replacement for 2024 aluminum because it’s stronger and provides similar performance in all other aspects.

Also known as mild steel, low-carbon steel is easy to machine, form, and weld. It's widely fabricated into parts that don’t require high strength, such as fixture clamps and mounting plates.

Offering excellent formability, 220 bronze is known for its ability to withstand outdoor exposure. It's commonly called commercial bronze.