Materials
Resource Material
Metal is a versatile material that is used in many industries due to its unique properties. Workability is an important consideration when choosing a metal because it determines how easily the material can be shaped, formed, or machined into the desired product or component. Workability is influenced by factors such as the metal’s composition, grain structure, and processing method.
Corrosion resistance is also a crucial factor to consider, especially for products that will be exposed to harsh environments or corrosive substances. Metals like stainless steel and aluminium are known for their excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for use in marine, food processing, and chemical industries.
Strength is another important factor to consider when choosing a metal, as it determines the material’s ability to withstand stress and deformation without breaking or failing. Different metals have varying levels of strength, which is influenced by factors such as the material’s composition, heat treatment, and processing method.
Thermal and electrical conductivity are also important properties to consider for certain applications, such as in electronics or electrical components. Metals like copper and aluminium are known for their excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, making them popular choices for use in these industries.
Lastly, the aesthetics of a product often play a significant role in the material selection process. Surface gloss, texture, and colour can influence the overall appearance and perception of a product, making it important to choose a metal that can be finished to the desired appearance. Different metals can be polished, brushed, or finished with various coatings to achieve the desired look and feel.
Please see below a list of typical metal types, grades we process and their typical uses.
Type | Grade | Description / Uses |
---|---|---|
Mild Steel Hot Rolled (coil) | MS250-AS1594 | Most common mild steel used. Minimum yield strength of 250 MPa |
Mild Steel Hot Rolled (coil) | MS350-AS1594 | Weathering steel for non-structural architectural applications.Minimum yield strength of 350 MPa |
Mild Steel Plate | MS250-AS3678 | General fabrication, a medium-strength structural steel plate with a nominal yield strength of 250MPa. |
Mild Steel Plate | MS350-AS3678 | Structural members, a high-strength structural steel plate with a nominal yield strength of 350MPa. |
Quench and Tempered | Q&T 80-500 | Mining, earthmoving, transport equipment, building and construction |
Stainless Steel* | 304 | General-purpose steel with good corrosion resistance for most applications. Used for architecture, food, pharmaceutical and domestic applications. |
Stainless Steel* | 316 | Used where higher corrosion resistance is required, i.e. Marine equipment |
Aluminium | 5005 | Architectural applications, general sheet metal work. The most commonly used grade of aluminium in sheet and plate form. |
Aluminium | 5052 | Architectural, general sheet work |
Aluminium | 5083 | Marine applications, transportation equipment |
Galvanised Steel | 250 | General-purpose steel with some corrosion resistance.Partition walling systems, air conditioning ducts, etc |
Galvanised Steel | 450 | Structural building applications and some corrosion resistance |
*Stainless steel finishes
Finish Type | No. | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Mill finish, raw. Hot Rolled, Annealed, Pickled | |
2B | Matte Finish. Cold Rolled, Annealed, Pickled, Skin Passed | |
BA | Bright Annealed, similar to mirror | |
4 | Brushed finish. Mechanically Polished (linished) to a Directional Finish (grain) | |
8 | Mirror Polish. Mechanically Polished to a Bright, Non Directional Finish |