Injection Molding
Tooling and molding for your repeat plastic parts.
YOUR ALLOY. YOUR CONDITION. YOUR FINISHED PART.
Metals for Your Custom Parts
Compare metal engineering materials for custom parts by exact grade, condition, product form and finished requirements. Use this guide to shortlist manufacturing materials, then open the relevant alloy page for your drawing, heat treatment, finish and inspection review.
Exact alloy availability and manufacturing scope require project confirmation. Retain full grade, condition and finished-part acceptance; no certification or supplier qualification is implied.
Exact AlloyRetain full grade and standard.
Condition & FormConfirm temper, treatment and stock.
Your Finished FitAgree dimensions after finishing.
Your RecordsKeep material and part evidence.
Choose the Metal Family for Your Drawing
Compare CNC machining materials with your actual condition, geometry and finished requirements. Each family guide retains its own detailed grade review.
Review Aluminum for Your Drawing
Review weight, geometry, temper, stock form, corrosion exposure and anodized dimensions. Compare the actual wrought or casting alloy rather than using aluminum alone as the specification. Review your full ordered specification and use the linked family guide for detailed grades.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Starting references | 6061, 6063, 7075, 2024, 5052, 6082 and casting alloys |
| Your decision | Load, environment, weight, geometry and functional interfaces |
| Finished scope | Full material, stock, process, treatment, finish and inspection |
Confirm the Ordered Product
A family name does not define every condition or product form.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Identity | Exact alloy, applicable standard, producer or mill evidence and lot |
| Condition | Temper, annealed or treated state, hardness and measuring stage |
| Stock | Plate, bar, tube, sheet, casting or other agreed product |
Match Material Options for Machined Parts
Retain the actual drawing and complete manufacturing scope.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Wrought Plate, Bar, Tube or Sheet | Retain the ordered alloy, temper or condition, product standard, thickness or section, lot and available material evidence. Match stock allowance and manufacturing route to the controlled drawing. |
| Cast Blank or Near-Net Form | Retain casting alloy and process, tooling scope, stock allowance, porosity or surface criteria where required, secondary machining and final inspection. A wrought alloy name does not automatically identify a casting equivalent. |
Agree the Evidence for Your Part
Material identity and component acceptance serve different purposes.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Traceability | Grade, standard, condition, lot and agreed records |
| Dimensions | Drawing revision, datums, fit, critical features and final inspection |
| Secondary operations | Required heat-treatment, finish, hardness or functional evidence |
Review Stainless Steel for Your Drawing
Define the exact stainless grade, condition, media and finish. Keep corrosion, welding, machining and any final hardness requirements together when reviewing an alternative. Review your full ordered specification and use the linked family guide for detailed grades.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Starting references | 304, 316/316L, 17-4PH, 303 and other specified grades |
| Your decision | Load, environment, weight, geometry and functional interfaces |
| Finished scope | Full material, stock, process, treatment, finish and inspection |
Confirm the Ordered Product
A family name does not define every condition or product form.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Identity | Exact alloy, applicable standard, producer or mill evidence and lot |
| Condition | Temper, annealed or treated state, hardness and measuring stage |
| Stock | Plate, bar, tube, sheet, casting or other agreed product |
Match Material Options for Machined Parts
Retain the actual drawing and complete manufacturing scope.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Wrought Plate, Bar, Tube or Sheet | Retain the ordered alloy, temper or condition, product standard, thickness or section, lot and available material evidence. Match stock allowance and manufacturing route to the controlled drawing. |
| Cast Blank or Near-Net Form | Retain casting alloy and process, tooling scope, stock allowance, porosity or surface criteria where required, secondary machining and final inspection. A wrought alloy name does not automatically identify a casting equivalent. |
Agree the Evidence for Your Part
Material identity and component acceptance serve different purposes.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Traceability | Grade, standard, condition, lot and agreed records |
| Dimensions | Drawing revision, datums, fit, critical features and final inspection |
| Secondary operations | Required heat-treatment, finish, hardness or functional evidence |
Review Carbon & Alloy Steel for Your Drawing
Keep full steel grade, stock condition, heat treatment and finished hardness. Confirm which dimensions and surfaces are inspected after hardening, coating or other secondary operations. Review your full ordered specification and use the linked family guide for detailed grades.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Starting references | 1018, 1045, 4140, 4130 and other specified grades |
| Your decision | Load, environment, weight, geometry and functional interfaces |
| Finished scope | Full material, stock, process, treatment, finish and inspection |
Confirm the Ordered Product
A family name does not define every condition or product form.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Identity | Exact alloy, applicable standard, producer or mill evidence and lot |
| Condition | Temper, annealed or treated state, hardness and measuring stage |
| Stock | Plate, bar, tube, sheet, casting or other agreed product |
Match Material Options for Machined Parts
Retain the actual drawing and complete manufacturing scope.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Wrought Plate, Bar, Tube or Sheet | Retain the ordered alloy, temper or condition, product standard, thickness or section, lot and available material evidence. Match stock allowance and manufacturing route to the controlled drawing. |
| Cast Blank or Near-Net Form | Retain casting alloy and process, tooling scope, stock allowance, porosity or surface criteria where required, secondary machining and final inspection. A wrought alloy name does not automatically identify a casting equivalent. |
Agree the Evidence for Your Part
Material identity and component acceptance serve different purposes.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Traceability | Grade, standard, condition, lot and agreed records |
| Dimensions | Drawing revision, datums, fit, critical features and final inspection |
| Secondary operations | Required heat-treatment, finish, hardness or functional evidence |
Review Tool Steel for Your Drawing
Review wear, temperature, toughness, heat treatment and final grinding requirements for your tool or insert. Specify hardness and acceptance stage rather than only a family name. Review your full ordered specification and use the linked family guide for detailed grades.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Starting references | D2, A2, O1, H13, P20 and other specified grades |
| Your decision | Load, environment, weight, geometry and functional interfaces |
| Finished scope | Full material, stock, process, treatment, finish and inspection |
Confirm the Ordered Product
A family name does not define every condition or product form.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Identity | Exact alloy, applicable standard, producer or mill evidence and lot |
| Condition | Temper, annealed or treated state, hardness and measuring stage |
| Stock | Plate, bar, tube, sheet, casting or other agreed product |
Match Material Options for Machined Parts
Retain the actual drawing and complete manufacturing scope.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Wrought Plate, Bar, Tube or Sheet | Retain the ordered alloy, temper or condition, product standard, thickness or section, lot and available material evidence. Match stock allowance and manufacturing route to the controlled drawing. |
| Cast Blank or Near-Net Form | Retain casting alloy and process, tooling scope, stock allowance, porosity or surface criteria where required, secondary machining and final inspection. A wrought alloy name does not automatically identify a casting equivalent. |
Agree the Evidence for Your Part
Material identity and component acceptance serve different purposes.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Traceability | Grade, standard, condition, lot and agreed records |
| Dimensions | Drawing revision, datums, fit, critical features and final inspection |
| Secondary operations | Required heat-treatment, finish, hardness or functional evidence |
Review Titanium for Your Drawing
Retain full grade, product form, condition, critical interfaces and environment. Commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V are separate material decisions with distinct requirements. Review your full ordered specification and use the linked family guide for detailed grades.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Starting references | Grades 1, 2, 5, 9, 23 and other specified grades |
| Your decision | Load, environment, weight, geometry and functional interfaces |
| Finished scope | Full material, stock, process, treatment, finish and inspection |
Confirm the Ordered Product
A family name does not define every condition or product form.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Identity | Exact alloy, applicable standard, producer or mill evidence and lot |
| Condition | Temper, annealed or treated state, hardness and measuring stage |
| Stock | Plate, bar, tube, sheet, casting or other agreed product |
Match Material Options for Machined Parts
Retain the actual drawing and complete manufacturing scope.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Wrought Plate, Bar, Tube or Sheet | Retain the ordered alloy, temper or condition, product standard, thickness or section, lot and available material evidence. Match stock allowance and manufacturing route to the controlled drawing. |
| Cast Blank or Near-Net Form | Retain casting alloy and process, tooling scope, stock allowance, porosity or surface criteria where required, secondary machining and final inspection. A wrought alloy name does not automatically identify a casting equivalent. |
Agree the Evidence for Your Part
Material identity and component acceptance serve different purposes.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Traceability | Grade, standard, condition, lot and agreed records |
| Dimensions | Drawing revision, datums, fit, critical features and final inspection |
| Secondary operations | Required heat-treatment, finish, hardness or functional evidence |
Review Copper, Brass & Bronze for Your Drawing
Review exact alloy, conductivity or bearing needs, lead restrictions where applicable, stock and joining. Copper, brass and bronze are not interchangeable names for one grade. Review your full ordered specification and use the linked family guide for detailed grades.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Starting references | Copper, free-machining brass and specified bronze families |
| Your decision | Load, environment, weight, geometry and functional interfaces |
| Finished scope | Full material, stock, process, treatment, finish and inspection |
Confirm the Ordered Product
A family name does not define every condition or product form.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Identity | Exact alloy, applicable standard, producer or mill evidence and lot |
| Condition | Temper, annealed or treated state, hardness and measuring stage |
| Stock | Plate, bar, tube, sheet, casting or other agreed product |
Match Material Options for Machined Parts
Retain the actual drawing and complete manufacturing scope.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Wrought Plate, Bar, Tube or Sheet | Retain the ordered alloy, temper or condition, product standard, thickness or section, lot and available material evidence. Match stock allowance and manufacturing route to the controlled drawing. |
| Cast Blank or Near-Net Form | Retain casting alloy and process, tooling scope, stock allowance, porosity or surface criteria where required, secondary machining and final inspection. A wrought alloy name does not automatically identify a casting equivalent. |
Agree the Evidence for Your Part
Material identity and component acceptance serve different purposes.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Traceability | Grade, standard, condition, lot and agreed records |
| Dimensions | Drawing revision, datums, fit, critical features and final inspection |
| Secondary operations | Required heat-treatment, finish, hardness or functional evidence |
Review Magnesium Alloys for Your Drawing
Review the actual wrought or casting grade, stock route, geometry, finish and corrosion exposure. Keep machining and casting requirements separate before comparing quotations. Review your full ordered specification and use the linked family guide for detailed grades.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Starting references | AZ31B, AZ91D, AM50A, AM60B and other specified grades |
| Your decision | Load, environment, weight, geometry and functional interfaces |
| Finished scope | Full material, stock, process, treatment, finish and inspection |
Confirm the Ordered Product
A family name does not define every condition or product form.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Identity | Exact alloy, applicable standard, producer or mill evidence and lot |
| Condition | Temper, annealed or treated state, hardness and measuring stage |
| Stock | Plate, bar, tube, sheet, casting or other agreed product |
Match Material Options for Machined Parts
Retain the actual drawing and complete manufacturing scope.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Wrought Plate, Bar, Tube or Sheet | Retain the ordered alloy, temper or condition, product standard, thickness or section, lot and available material evidence. Match stock allowance and manufacturing route to the controlled drawing. |
| Cast Blank or Near-Net Form | Retain casting alloy and process, tooling scope, stock allowance, porosity or surface criteria where required, secondary machining and final inspection. A wrought alloy name does not automatically identify a casting equivalent. |
Agree the Evidence for Your Part
Material identity and component acceptance serve different purposes.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Traceability | Grade, standard, condition, lot and agreed records |
| Dimensions | Drawing revision, datums, fit, critical features and final inspection |
| Secondary operations | Required heat-treatment, finish, hardness or functional evidence |
Review Zinc Alloys for Your Drawing
Review casting route, load, temperature, finishing and final fit together. Confirm the full zinc alloy and any plating or assembly requirements before tooling. Review your full ordered specification and use the linked family guide for detailed grades.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Starting references | Zamak and ZA casting alloy families |
| Your decision | Load, environment, weight, geometry and functional interfaces |
| Finished scope | Full material, stock, process, treatment, finish and inspection |
Confirm the Ordered Product
A family name does not define every condition or product form.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Identity | Exact alloy, applicable standard, producer or mill evidence and lot |
| Condition | Temper, annealed or treated state, hardness and measuring stage |
| Stock | Plate, bar, tube, sheet, casting or other agreed product |
Match Material Options for Machined Parts
Retain the actual drawing and complete manufacturing scope.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Wrought Plate, Bar, Tube or Sheet | Retain the ordered alloy, temper or condition, product standard, thickness or section, lot and available material evidence. Match stock allowance and manufacturing route to the controlled drawing. |
| Cast Blank or Near-Net Form | Retain casting alloy and process, tooling scope, stock allowance, porosity or surface criteria where required, secondary machining and final inspection. A wrought alloy name does not automatically identify a casting equivalent. |
Agree the Evidence for Your Part
Material identity and component acceptance serve different purposes.
| Your decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Traceability | Grade, standard, condition, lot and agreed records |
| Dimensions | Drawing revision, datums, fit, critical features and final inspection |
| Secondary operations | Required heat-treatment, finish, hardness or functional evidence |
Compare Reference Density Before Reviewing Your Geometry
Reference material density, g/cm³
Reference Density (g/cm³)
Aluminum Association calculated nominal densities and Outokumpu typical physical data use the same density unit. These are reference values from different sources, not a controlled comparative test, strength ranking, design allowables or a finished-part mass guarantee. No unstated density measurement temperature is assumed.
Aluminum density source →Stainless density source →
8 Metal Families. Open Your Detailed Material Guide.
Aluminum
Review weight, geometry, temper, stock form, corrosion exposure and anodized dimensions. Compare the actual wrought or casting alloy rather than using aluminum alone as the specification.
Review Aluminum →
Stainless Steel
Define the exact stainless grade, condition, media and finish. Keep corrosion, welding, machining and any final hardness requirements together when reviewing an alternative.
Review Stainless Steel →
Carbon & Alloy Steel
Keep full steel grade, stock condition, heat treatment and finished hardness. Confirm which dimensions and surfaces are inspected after hardening, coating or other secondary operations.
Review Carbon & Alloy Steel →
Tool Steel
Review wear, temperature, toughness, heat treatment and final grinding requirements for your tool or insert. Specify hardness and acceptance stage rather than only a family name.
Review Tool Steel →
Titanium
Retain full grade, product form, condition, critical interfaces and environment. Commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V are separate material decisions with distinct requirements.
Review Titanium →
Copper, Brass & Bronze
Review exact alloy, conductivity or bearing needs, lead restrictions where applicable, stock and joining. Copper, brass and bronze are not interchangeable names for one grade.
Review Copper, Brass & Bronze →
Magnesium Alloys
Review the actual wrought or casting grade, stock route, geometry, finish and corrosion exposure. Keep machining and casting requirements separate before comparing quotations.
Review Magnesium Alloys →
Zinc Alloys
Review casting route, load, temperature, finishing and final fit together. Confirm the full zinc alloy and any plating or assembly requirements before tooling.
Review Zinc Alloys →Read the Reference on Your European Drawing
Confirm the full ordered specification before accepting a substitute. These examples help identify a request; product form and condition remain part of it.
| Material reference | European / international naming | Your confirmation |
|---|---|---|
| 6061 wrought aluminum | EN AW-6061; AlMg1SiCu reference | Confirm product standard, temper, thickness and required properties. |
| 7075 wrought aluminum | EN AW-7075; AlZn5.5MgCu reference | Confirm temper, stock form and corrosion or joining requirements. |
| Core 304/4301 | EN 1.4301 / ASTM Type 304 / UNS S30400 | Named Outokumpu cross-reference; retain actual product and condition. |
| Other steel, titanium and copper grades | Open the relevant material family page | Use full ordered specification; do not invent an EN/DIN equivalent. |
Selected Composition References (% by Mass)
| Named material | Selected elements | Basis and scope |
|---|---|---|
| 6061 aluminum | Mg 0.8–1.2%; Si 0.40–0.8% | Selected registered composition limits; not the complete alloy specification. |
| 7075 aluminum | Zn 5.1–6.1%; Mg 2.1–2.9%; Cu 1.2–2.0% | Selected registered composition limits; retain full ordered requirements. |
| Core 304/4301 | Typical C 0.04%; Cr 18.1%; Ni 8.1% | Named producer typical composition, not acceptance limits or a complete chemistry table. |
Aluminum entries are selected registered limits. Core 304/4301 entries are producer typical values. They are different kinds of data and do not form a complete chemistry or a certificate. Keep the current applicable specification.
Registered aluminum composition →Named stainless product composition →
2 Stock Routes. Confirm Your Material and Process.
Wrought Plate, Bar, Tube or Sheet
Retain the ordered alloy, temper or condition, product standard, thickness or section, lot and available material evidence. Match stock allowance and manufacturing route to the controlled drawing.
Cast Blank or Near-Net Form
Retain casting alloy and process, tooling scope, stock allowance, porosity or surface criteria where required, secondary machining and final inspection. A wrought alloy name does not automatically identify a casting equivalent.
Resolve 6 Decisions Before Your Metal Part Is Made
Grade & substitution for Your Finished Part
Specify the complete alloy, applicable product standard, temper or condition and approved alternatives. Agree the exact change and affected requirements before substituting a stock item or generic material family.
Heat treatment & state for Your Finished Part
Keep supplied condition, required heat treatment, finished hardness and verification stage. Review dimensional change and any final machining or grinding instead of assuming every condition of one alloy behaves the same.
Interfaces & dimensions for Your Finished Part
Identify functional datums, holes, threads, mating parts and measurement conditions. Agree the dimensions that apply after heat treatment, coating, polishing or assembly.
Finish & final fit for Your Finished Part
Define finish system, visible faces, texture, masking and final dimensions. Review coating build or removal at fits and threads, then agree inspection of the finished condition.
Load & environment for Your Finished Part
Provide sustained and cyclic loads, temperature, fluids, humidity, corrosion exposure and electrical or thermal needs. A material property table does not validate an untested component or application.
Material & part records for Your Finished Part
Agree producer or mill evidence, grade and lot traceability, heat-treatment or finish records when required, drawing revision and final inspection. Keep a material certificate separate from dimensional or functional part approval.
Connect Your Material to the Manufacturing Route
CNC Machining
Review stock, workholding, datums, holes, threads, surfaces and finished dimensions.
Review service →
Die Casting
Review actual casting alloy, tooling, draft, wall transitions, machining and finishing.
Review service →
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Review sheet grade and thickness, bends, apertures, joining, finish and assembly interfaces.
Review service →Exact material, process, heat-treatment and finishing availability require project confirmation.
Agree 3 Checks for Your Receiving Team
| Your check | Evidence to agree |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ordered alloy and standard, product form, temper or condition, lot and agreed material evidence. |
| 2 | Controlled drawing, critical dimensions, heat treatment or finish, and the stage at which each requirement applies. |
| 3 | Agreed sample and dimensional records plus any specified material, hardness, finish or functional evidence. |
6 Inputs for Your Metal Parts Quote
- 01CAD + controlled drawing
- 02Exact alloy + condition + product form
- 03Order quantity + repeat demand
- 04Critical dimensions + load + environment
- 05Heat treatment + finish + final fit
- 06Required records + inspection + delivery
Material · Stock · Geometry · Quantity · Treatment · Finish · Inspection · Delivery
Answers Before You Specify
How do I choose a metal for my custom part?
Start with load, environment, weight, interfaces, manufacturing route, finish, quantities and required evidence. Shortlist an exact grade and condition, then compare quotations for the same finished scope.
Can a broad family such as 300-series stainless approve a substitution?
Do not assume that it does. Specify the exact grades or an approved alternative list and review corrosion, joining, machining, strength and any regulated requirements before recording the change.
Is a European material number an automatic equivalent?
Use the reference to identify the requested specification, then confirm applicable standard, product form, composition, temper or heat treatment and required properties. A cross-reference alone does not approve substitution.
Why can the same alloy receive different quotations?
Stock form and allowance, geometry, setup, quantities, tolerances, heat treatment, finish and inspection scope can differ. Compare the same drawing and finished requirements, including secondary operations and delivery.
Do property bars predict the weight or strength of my finished part?
The density chart is a material reference. Finished mass depends on volume and actual material, while structural performance also depends on geometry, condition, loads and required validation. The bars are not design allowables.
What should I send for a metal parts quote?
Send CAD and controlled drawing, exact alloy and condition or approved alternatives, quantities, critical fits, operating environment, finish, inspection records and delivery needs. Identify any supplied stock and its actual dimensions.
Generated concepts illustrate plausible metal component geometry. They do not identify actual alloys, customer parts or company manufacturing records.
