Raw Materials

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Expected delivery: Tue, Nov 17

Raw materials are the stock shapes maintenance shops, fabricators and machinists cut and form into brackets, guards, shims, fixtures and repair parts. This category includes metal bar, sheet and tube in steel, aluminum, stainless and brass, and plastic, rubber and wood stock such as plastic sheet and rod, rubber sheet and strip, and wood blocking. Buyers range from plant maintenance teams to contractors and small machine shops.

How to choose raw material stock

  • Pick the material for the environment. Mild steel is strong and easy to weld but needs paint or plating to resist rust. Aluminum is light and corrosion resistant. Stainless holds up in wet, food and washdown areas.
  • Know the alloy or grade. Common choices include 1018 and A36 steel, 6061 aluminum, and 304 or 316 stainless. ASTM designations help you match a material to a drawing or spec.
  • Check how the size is measured. Round tube is often listed by outside diameter and wall thickness, while pipe uses nominal sizes. Sheet thickness may be given in gauge or decimal inches, and gauge numbers differ between steel and aluminum.
  • Plan for machining and joining. Some alloys machine or weld more easily than others. If you will drill, tap or weld the part, consider cutting tools and welding supplies at the same time.
  • Choose plastics and rubber by service conditions. Consider temperature, chemical exposure, wear and whether you need electrical insulation. See plastic, rubber and wood stock.

If you need an alloy, size or quantity that you don't see online, request a quote and we will look into it. Shops that buy stock regularly can order on terms with a business account.

Common questions

What is the difference between 1018 and A36 steel?

Both are low carbon steels. A36 is a structural grade commonly used for plate, angle and beams, while 1018 is often supplied as cold finished bar with tighter tolerances and a smoother surface for machined parts.

Should I use 6061 aluminum or stainless steel?

6061 aluminum is lighter, machines easily and resists corrosion in most indoor and outdoor uses. Stainless steel is heavier and harder to machine, but it is stronger and holds up better in wet, chemical and washdown environments.

What is the difference between tube and pipe?

Tube is usually specified by its actual outside diameter and wall thickness. Pipe uses nominal sizes and schedules, so the actual outside diameter does not match the nominal number. Check which system your drawing uses before ordering.

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