The Best Metals for Metal Stamping: A Guide to Material Selection

At Talan Products, we’ve been stamping metal since 1986, and over the years, we’ve worked with nearly every type of material used in the industry. Choosing the right metal for your stamped parts is critical—it affects everything from durability to manufacturability to cost. Whether you need high-strength steel, lightweight aluminum, or corrosion-resistant stainless steel, we can help you select the best material for your application.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common metals used in metal stamping and their key properties.

Carbon Steel: The Workhorse of Metal Stamping

Carbon steel is widely used in stamping because it is strong, affordable, and easy to form. It is available in different grades based on carbon content:

• • Low Carbon Steel (Mild Steel – 1008, 1010, etc.) – Easy to form, weld, and stamp; used in automotive and general industrial applications.
  • Medium Carbon Steel (1045, 1050, etc.) – Offers increased strength and hardness but is less ductile.
  • High Carbon Steel (1095, etc.) – Harder and stronger but less malleable, often used for springs and cutting tools.

High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel: Strength Without the Weight

HSLA steel is a step up from carbon steel, offering higher strength with less weight. It’s commonly used in automotive, heavy equipment, and structural applications where strength and lightweight properties are crucial.

• • Benefits include higher tensile strength, improved corrosion resistance, and better weldability compared to traditional carbon steel.
  • Grades include HSLA 50, HSLA 70, and more, depending on strength requirements.

Coated Steel: Built-in Corrosion Protection

Coated steel is ideal when corrosion resistance is a priority. Common coatings include:

• • Galvanized Steel (GI) – Coated with a layer of zinc for rust protection. Used in construction, HVAC, and automotive parts.
  • Galvannealed Steel (GA) – A heat-treated version of galvanized steel with a matte finish, excellent for paint adhesion.
  • Galvalume Steel (AZ) – A steel sheet coated with an aluminum-zinc alloy that protects the steel from rust and corrosion.
  • Electro-Galvanized Steel (EG) – A thinner zinc coating applied through electroplating, offering a smoother surface.
  • Aluminized Steel – Coated with aluminum-silicon for high-temperature resistance, often used in exhaust systems and appliances.

Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance & Strength

For applications demanding durability and corrosion resistance, stainless steel is a go-to material. Different grades offer unique benefits:

• • 300 Series (304, 316, etc.) – Non-magnetic, excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for medical, food processing, and marine applications.
  • 400 Series (410, 430, etc.) – Magnetic, good wear resistance, often used in appliances and automotive trim.
  • 17-4 PH Stainless – A precipitation-hardened stainless steel offering exceptional strength and toughness.

Aluminum: Lightweight & Corrosion-Resistant

Aluminum is perfect for applications where weight reduction is crucial without sacrificing strength. Commonly stamped aluminum grades include:

• • 1100 – Commercially pure aluminum, excellent for deep drawing.
  • 3003 – Stronger than 1100, widely used in roofing, siding, and cookware.
  • 5052 – High strength and corrosion resistance, commonly used in marine and transportation applications.
  • 6061 – Heat-treatable and very strong, often used in aerospace and structural components.

Copper & Copper Alloys: Excellent Conductivity

Copper and its alloys are favored for their electrical and thermal conductivity, making them ideal for electronics, electrical connectors, and HVAC components.

• • Pure Copper (C110, C101) – Extremely high conductivity, used in electrical applications.
  • Brass (C260, C280, C360, etc.) – A mix of copper and zinc, offering a balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and workability.
  • Bronze (C510, C630, etc.) – Copper alloyed with tin or aluminum, known for strength and wear resistance.

Other Metals Used in Metal Stamping

Depending on the application, other metals may also be used:

• • Nickel Alloys (Inconel, Monel, etc.) – High-temperature resistance for aerospace and industrial applications.
  • Titanium – Lightweight and extremely strong, often used in medical implants and aerospace.
  • Zinc Alloys – Great for small, complex parts with good corrosion resistance.

Which Material is Best for Your Stamped Part?

Choosing the right material depends on several factors: strength, weight, corrosion resistance, conductivity, and cost. At Talan Products, we have decades of experience helping customers select the ideal material for their specific application.

If you’re not sure which metal is best for your project, contact us today. Through our Early Supplier Involvement (ESI) program, we can even provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) insights to help you optimize costs before tooling is built.

📞 Contact Us Today to discuss your next metal stamping project!

Copyright 2025 Woodie Anderson / Talan Products

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