Sheet Metal Material Choice: Every Mechanical Designer Need

Your non-standard machine's performance, weight & cost,  90% decided by one choice: material.

Here's the real-world lineup:

- SPCC: Cheapest, bends like butter， good for chassis & brackets

- SECC: Rust-proof on a budget, popular in PC cases & enclosures

- SUS304: Looks premium, never rusts,  first choice for food/medical industry

- SUS301: Turns into a spring when you need it

- 5052 Al: Lightweight + ocean-proof

- 6061-T6 Al: Strength king for frames & precision parts

Next move: pair the right surface finish (powder coat vs anodize vs passivation) and you instantly level-up durability + looks.