MATERIAL GUIDE
What Materials Are Commonly Used in Metal Fabrication?
By Luft Machine | Updated July 15, 2026
Quick Answer
Common fabrication materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and specialty metals or bearing materials selected for a specific use. They may arrive as plate, sheet, bar, shaft, tubing, angle, channel, or another form. The right choice depends on strength, wear, corrosion, weight, temperature, machinability, weldability, availability, and the equipment where the part will work.
What This Guide Covers
- Common metal categories
- Common material forms
- Why material choice depends on the application
- What information helps a shop select a practical option
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is widely used for brackets, frames, guards, equipment components, structural pieces, trailer work, and many repair applications. It is available in many shapes and thicknesses and can be cut, formed, machined, and welded with the right process. The specific grade still matters when strength, wear, forming, or service conditions are important.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is used when corrosion resistance, cleanability, or a specific operating environment matters. Food-processing and plant applications may use stainless components, but material grade, finish, weld procedure, and equipment requirements need to be understood before work begins. Stainless is a category of alloys, not one interchangeable material.
Aluminum
Aluminum can reduce weight and provide useful corrosion resistance. It is commonly supplied as sheet, plate, bar, tube, and extruded shapes. Different alloys respond differently to forming, machining, and welding, so the original material and intended use should be confirmed whenever possible.
Shaft, Bronze, Bearings, and Related Repair Materials
Replacement-part and rebuilding work may involve shaft material, bronze, bearings, bushings, chain, fasteners, or other practical shop items. The correct choice depends on motion, load, fit, lubrication, wear, and the surrounding equipment. Matching an old part by appearance alone is not always enough.
| Material or form | Common practical uses | Questions to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Plate and sheet | Panels, guards, brackets, repair sections, formed pieces | Thickness, grade, bend needs, environment |
| Bar and shaft | Pins, shafts, spacers, machined parts | Diameter, fit, wear, strength, machining needs |
| Tube and pipe | Frames, supports, guards, fluid or structural uses | Shape, wall thickness, pressure or structural role |
| Angle and channel | Frames, supports, reinforcement, mounts | Size, loading, connection points, corrosion exposure |
How to Discuss Material with a Shop
- Bring the original part when practical.
- Explain where it is used and what it must do.
- Share known material specifications, drawings, or equipment documentation.
- Describe wear, corrosion, heat, moisture, impact, or load conditions.
- Ask about current availability and whether an alternative needs engineering or operational review.
Related: Services | Fabrication | Machining
Sources
The Aluminum Association: Aluminum Production and Processing
The Aluminum Association: Alloy Standards
Need Material for a Repair or Custom Part?
Call Luft Machine at 970.522.9215 to discuss the material, part, and job. Availability changes, so contact the shop before making a trip for a specific item.