Choosing the right material is one of the most important decisions when designing a part. Each material offers different levels of strength, corrosion resistance, formability, weldability and appearance. The guide below outlines the sheet materials we regularly stock and process at Performax Engineering to help you select the most suitable option for your project.

Mild Steel (GR250)

GR250 mild steel is the most commonly used engineering steel and is an excellent all-round material for fabrication, welding and general-purpose applications. It offers good strength, is easy to machine and weld, and is the most economical sheet material available.

Best For

General fabrication
Brackets and mounting plates
Structural components
Machinery and agricultural equipment
Automotive fabrication
Powder coated or painted parts

Advantages

Cost-effective
Excellent weldability
Easy to laser cut and bend
Good strength and durability
Wide range of thicknesses available

Considerations

Will rust if left uncoated
Requires painting, powder coating or galvanising for outdoor use
Heavier than aluminium

304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is the most versatile stainless grade, offering excellent corrosion resistance, a clean appearance and good strength. It is commonly used where hygiene, durability and appearance are important.

Best For

Food processing equipment
Commercial kitchens
Architectural features
Automotive components
Decorative panels
General marine applications (non-submerged)

Advantages

Excellent corrosion resistance
Attractive brushed or polished finish
Hygienic and easy to clean
Strong and durable
Excellent weldability

Considerations

Higher cost than mild steel
Harder material increases laser cutting time
Can scratch if not handled carefully
For coastal, saltwater or chemical exposure, 316 stainless steel is recommended and available on request.

Aluminium (5005, 5052 & 5083)

Aluminium is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material that offers an excellent combination of strength, durability and ease of fabrication. We stock multiple aluminium grades to suit a wide range of applications, from decorative panels to heavy-duty marine components. If you're unsure which grade is best for your project, our team can recommend the most suitable option.

Aluminium Grades

5005 Aluminium

5005 is commonly used where appearance is important. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and produces a high-quality finish when anodised, making it ideal for architectural and decorative applications.

Best For

Decorative panels
Signage
Architectural components
Enclosures
Interior fit-outs

Advantages

Lightweight
Excellent corrosion resistance
Excellent anodising finish
Easy to bend in small thicknesses
Non-magnetic

Considerations

Lower strength than 5052 and 5083
Not recommended for highly structural applications

5052 Aluminium

5052 provides an excellent balance of strength, corrosion resistance and formability. It is one of the most versatile aluminium alloys and is commonly used for fabricated products that require bending and welding.

Best For

Toolboxes
Vehicle accessories
Marine components
Covers and guards
Fabricated enclosures
General sheet metal fabrication

Advantages

Higher strength than 5005
Excellent corrosion resistance
Excellent bending characteristics - particularly at larger thicknesses
Good weldability
Lightweight

Considerations

Not as decorative when anodised as 5005
More expensive than mild steel and 5005
Lower strength than 5083

5083 Aluminium

5083 is a high-strength marine-grade aluminium designed for demanding structural and corrosive environments. It provides outstanding corrosion resistance, particularly in saltwater, while maintaining excellent weldability.

Best For

Marine applications
Boat components
Heavy-duty structural fabrication
Defence and transport
High-strength fabricated assemblies

Advantages

Excellent marine corrosion resistance
High strength
Outstanding weldability
Lightweight
Suitable for harsh environments

Considerations

Higher cost than 5005 and 5052
Less suitable for decorative anodising
Very difficult to bend due to increased hardness - material will crack

Corten Steel (Weathering Steel)

Corten steel is designed to develop a stable rust-like patina that protects the steel beneath from further corrosion. Its distinctive weathered appearance makes it popular for architectural and landscaping projects.

Best For

Fire pits
Garden edging
Landscaping
Outdoor sculptures
Architectural panels
Signage

Advantages

Unique natural weathered finish
Excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance
Low maintenance
High strength
No painting required

Considerations

Initial rust runoff can stain surrounding surfaces
Unsuitable where constant moisture is present
Patina develops over time
Not recommended for submerged applications

Galvanised Steel

Galvanised steel is mild steel coated with zinc to improve corrosion resistance. It provides a cost-effective solution where rust protection is required without the expense of stainless steel.

Best For

Outdoor brackets
Electrical enclosures
Agricultural equipment
Roofing and construction
General outdoor fabrication

Advantages

Improved corrosion resistance
More economical than stainless steel
Good strength
Readily available
Suitable for outdoor applications

Considerations

Zinc coating may be affected by laser cutting around cut edges
Welding requires additional precautions due to zinc fumes
Finish is less decorative than stainless steel or aluminium
May require touch-up coating on cut edges for maximum corrosion protection

Brass

Brass is a premium copper alloy known for its attractive gold appearance, excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. It is commonly chosen where appearance is just as important as performance.

Best For

Decorative panels
Nameplates
Signage
Furniture hardware
Electrical components
Custom architectural features

Advantages

Premium appearance
Excellent corrosion resistance
Easy to machine
Good electrical conductivity
Naturally antimicrobial

Considerations

Higher material cost
Softer than steel
Can tarnish naturally over time unless protected
Heavier than aluminium

Wear Plate

Wear plate is a premium abrasion-resistant steel designed for applications exposed to severe wear, impact and abrasion. Compared to conventional mild steel, wear plate offers significantly longer service life, making it an excellent choice for demanding industrial and heavy-duty applications. We can supply and process wear plate in various grades and thicknesses.

Best For

Wear plates and liners
Mining and quarry equipment
Earthmoving attachments
Buckets and blades
Chutes and hoppers
Agricultural and construction equipment

Advantages

Exceptional abrasion resistance
High strength-to-weight ratio
Significantly longer service life than mild steel
Excellent impact resistance
Can reduce maintenance and replacement costs
Suitable for demanding industrial applications

Considerations

Higher material cost than mild steel
Harder material increases laser cutting time
More difficult to machine than standard steels
Forming and welding require appropriate procedures and consumables
Selection of the correct wear plate grade depends on the application and wear requirements

Material Comparison

Material	Corrosion Resistance	Strength	Wear Resistance	Weldability	Formability	Relative Cost
GR250 Mild Steel	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	$
304 Stainless Steel	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	$$$
Aluminium (5005/5052/5083)	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆–★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	$$–$$$
Corten Steel	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	$$
Galvanised Steel	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	$$
Brass	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	$$$$
Wear Plate	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	$$$

Need Help Choosing?

Not sure which material is right for your project? Our experienced team can recommend the best option based on your application, budget, strength requirements and finishing needs. Whether you're after maximum durability, corrosion resistance, lightweight performance or premium aesthetics, we'll help you choose the material that delivers the best result.