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.

With a minimum of 10% chromium content, stainless steel is known for corrosion resistance. It's typically not as strong as steel and can be more difficult to machine.

A combination of low friction and high wear resistance makes these alloys the best choice for use as bearings. Bearing bronze includes alloys 544, 840, 841, 863, 932, 936, 954, and AMPCO 18.

This opaque and semi-clear plastic is often used in place of metal where a lightweight material is desired, such as for signs, equipment housings, and gears.

Use these tubes as jackets, seals, and insulation in areas where rubbing and scraping could cause wear on rubber. They are made of polyurethane, which combines the shock-absorbing qualities of rubber with the tear resistance of plastic.