Comprehensive guide to engineering materials for die casting, sand casting, gravity casting, aluminum extrusion, stamping, sheet metal, welding, CNC machining, MIM, and forging processes.
Non-ferrous alloys with excellent fluidity and dimensional stability
Die casting relies on non-ferrous alloys with excellent fluidity, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability for high-volume production of complex parts.
ASTM B85 / A380
EN AC-46500
A380 is the most widely used die casting alloy, offering excellent strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, and high thermal conductivity. Commonly used in automotive housings, appliance parts, and electronics.Related: A383 Aluminum for better corrosion resistance
ASTM B86 / Zamak 3
EN 1774 ZnAl4Cu1
Known for superior dimensional accuracy and surface finish, Zamak 3 is perfect for intricate die-cast parts in hardware, automotive, and consumer products.
ASTM B93 / AZ91D
EN 1753 AZ91D
Lightweight with excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. Used in aerospace, automotive gearboxes, and consumer electronics.
ASTM B85 / A383
EN AC-46000
Offers better corrosion resistance and higher ductility than A380. Preferred for thin-walled components and automotive engine parts.Related: A380 Aluminum for higher strength
Large, heavy, and complex parts with diverse alloys
Sand casting accommodates large, heavy, and complex parts with diverse alloys, offering flexibility in size and material selection.
ASTM A48, Class 30
EN-GJL-250
Excellent vibration damping, high compressive strength, and affordability. Common in machine bases, pipes, and automotive components.
ASTM A536, 65-45-12
EN-GJS-450-10
Provides higher tensile strength and toughness than gray iron. Ideal for gears, valves, and heavy machinery parts.
ASTM A216 WCB
EN 10213 GP240GH
Strong and versatile, widely used for pressure-containing castings in valves, pumps, and pipelines.
ASTM B26 / 356.0
EN AC-42100
Lightweight with excellent corrosion resistance and machinability. Used in automotive wheels, aerospace housings, and marine parts.Related: 6061-T6 for extrusion applications
Permanent mold casting for non-ferrous alloys
Permanent mold casting is suited for non-ferrous alloys requiring repeatable quality and dimensional consistency.
ASTM B26 / 319.0
EN AC-46200
Good corrosion resistance and machinability. Common in engine blocks, housings, and structural components.
ASTM B26 / 356.0
EN AC-42100
Excellent corrosion resistance, weldability, and high strength. Used in aerospace and marine castings.Related: 6061-T6 for extrusion applications
ASTM B148 C95400
EN CC333G
Excellent wear resistance, high strength, and corrosion resistance in marine and heavy-duty applications.
ASTM B93 / AZ91E
EN-MC MgAl9Zn1
Lightweight with good corrosion resistance, used in automotive and aerospace housings.
Alloys with excellent formability and surface finish
Extrusion requires alloys with excellent formability and surface finish for complex profile shapes.
ASTM B221 / 6061
EN AW-6061
Excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. Used in aerospace, automotive, and structural applications.Related: CNC Machining applications
ASTM B221 / 6063
EN AW-6063
Superior surface finish and corrosion resistance. Common in architectural and decorative applications like window frames.
ASTM B221 / 6082
EN AW-6082
High strength with excellent corrosion resistance, widely used in structural frameworks and transportation.
ASTM B221 / 7075
EN AW-7075
Very high strength-to-weight ratio, commonly used in aerospace and defense extrusions.
Ductile, formable alloys for sheet metal forming
Sheet metal forming demands ductile, formable alloys that can withstand complex deformation processes.
ASTM A1008
EN DC01
Highly ductile and formable, widely used for automotive body panels and appliance parts.
ASTM A240 / AISI 304
EN 1.4301
Excellent corrosion resistance and good formability. Used in kitchenware, sinks, and deep-drawn components.Related: Stamping and Welding applications
ASTM A240 / AISI 316
EN 1.4401
Better corrosion resistance in marine environments. Used in chemical and marine equipment.Related: Marine and Chemical applications
ASTM B209 / 1100
EN AW-1100
Very formable and corrosion-resistant. Ideal for roofing, siding, and packaging.
Steels and aluminum grades optimized for forming and welding
Sheet metal processing uses steels and aluminum grades optimized for forming and welding operations.
ASTM A653, G90
EN 10346 DX51D+Z
Zinc-coated for corrosion protection, widely used in construction, ducting, and automotive.
ASTM A1008 CS
EN 10130 DC01
Smooth finish and good formability. Used in furniture, appliances, and enclosures.
ASTM A240 / AISI 430
EN 1.4016
Ferritic stainless with good corrosion resistance, commonly used in kitchen appliances and trim.
ASTM B209 / 5052
EN AW-5052
High corrosion resistance, weldability, and formability. Widely used in marine and transportation.
Materials providing weldability, toughness, and strength
Materials must provide weldability, toughness, and strength for structural fabrication applications.
ASTM A36
EN S235JR
Excellent weldability, used in structural fabrication, bridges, and general construction.
ASTM A240 / AISI 304
EN 1.4301
Weldable, corrosion resistant, and widely used in food-grade and architectural fabrications.Related: Stamping and Welding applications
ASTM A240 / AISI 316L
EN 1.4404
Low carbon improves weldability and resistance to sensitization. Ideal for marine, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.Related: Marine and Chemical applications
ASTM B209 / 5083
EN AW-5083
High strength and corrosion resistance, used in shipbuilding and transport fabrication.
Stability, machinability, and mechanical strength
Machining materials require stability, machinability, and mechanical strength for precision manufacturing.
ASTM B221 / 6061
EN AW-6061
Excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. Common in aerospace, automotive, and consumer products.Related: CNC Machining applications
ASTM A582 / AISI 303
EN 1.4305
Free-machining stainless steel with excellent machinability, ideal for fittings and fasteners.
ASTM A276 / AISI 316
EN 1.4401
Excellent corrosion resistance in marine and chemical environments.Related: Marine and Chemical applications
ASTM A322 / AISI 4140
EN 42CrMo4
High strength and toughness with excellent machinability. Used in tooling, shafts, and heavy machinery.
Small, complex, high-precision components
MIM and powder metallurgy excel at producing small, complex, high-precision components in medium-to-high volumes.
ASTM A240 / AISI 316L
EN 1.4404
Excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Commonly used in medical devices, surgical tools, and chemical process equipment.Related: Marine and Chemical applications
ASTM A564 / AISI 630 (17-4PH)
EN 1.4542
Precipitation-hardened stainless with high strength and moderate corrosion resistance. Used in aerospace, defense, and precision gears.
ASTM F75 Fe-2Ni-0.5Mo
ISO 5755 FeNiMo steels for MIM
High strength with good wear resistance. Ideal for automotive parts, gears, and structural components.
ASTM F2885 / Ti-6Al-4V
ISO 5832-3
Lightweight, biocompatible, and corrosion resistant. Widely used in aerospace, orthopedic implants, and high-performance applications.
Strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance
Forging materials must withstand deformation while maintaining strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance.
ASTM A29 / AISI 1045
EN C45E (1.1191)
Excellent balance of strength and toughness, used for shafts, gears, and forged machinery parts.
ASTM A29 / AISI 4140
EN 42CrMo4 (1.7225)
High strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance. Common in aerospace forgings, crankshafts, and heavy machinery.
ASTM A182 / AISI 304
EN 1.4301
Excellent corrosion resistance with good formability. Forged into flanges, fittings, and pressure vessel components.Related: Stamping and Welding applications
ASTM A182 / AISI 316
EN 1.4401
Superior corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments. Used for forged valves, flanges, and pumps.Related: Marine and Chemical applications
ASTM B247 / 7075
EN AW-7075
Ultra-high strength aluminum alloy, widely used in aerospace forgings such as landing gear and structural parts.
ASTM B381 / Ti-6Al-4V
ISO 5832-3
Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio with corrosion resistance. Used in aerospace, medical implants, and defense forgings.
Get accurate cost estimates for your manufacturing projects
Access Price CalculatorsThe best materials for die casting include Aluminum Alloy A380 (most common), Zinc Alloy Zamak 3 (superior finish), Magnesium Alloy AZ91D (lightweight), and Aluminum Alloy A383 (corrosion resistant). These alloys offer excellent fluidity, dimensional stability, and corrosion resistance.
6061-T6 aluminum is excellent for extrusion due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. 6063-T5 offers superior surface finish for architectural applications, while 6082 provides high strength for structural frameworks. 7075 is ideal for high-performance aerospace applications.
Stainless Steel 303 is excellent for CNC machining due to its free-machining properties. Alloy Steel 4140 offers high strength and toughness with good machinability. For corrosion resistance, Stainless Steel 316 is ideal for marine and chemical environments.
Choose materials based on formability, corrosion resistance, and application requirements. Low-carbon steel (AISI 1008/1010) offers excellent formability, while Stainless Steel 304 provides corrosion resistance. Aluminum Alloy 1100 is very formable and corrosion-resistant.
Mild Steel (A36) offers excellent weldability for structural applications. Stainless Steel 304 is weldable and corrosion-resistant for food-grade equipment. Stainless Steel 316L provides superior corrosion resistance for marine and chemical industries.
Stainless Steel 316L offers excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility for medical devices. 17-4PH provides high strength for aerospace and defense applications. Titanium Alloy Ti-6Al-4V offers lightweight, biocompatible properties for implants and aerospace.
Our engineering team can help you select the best materials for your manufacturing process. Get expert guidance on material selection, cost optimization, and manufacturing feasibility.