Please keep in mind that this list is not all-inclusive, but it should help point you in the right direction. Our team of Application Engineers is always available to help answer questions too, reach out anytime.
| Material | Recommended | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (5052) | Yes | Aluminum will do well outside but will turn a dull grey and oxidize over time |
| Brass | Not recommended outdoors unless coated or polished. Will patina and tarnish easily. | |
| Copper | Copper is great for decorative outdoor use if you prefer a green patina | |
| HDPE | Yes |
HDPE is great for impact resistance and low moisture absorption. It’s a great alternative to wood in harsh outdoor environments. |
| Mild Steel | Mild steel will rust quickly if left uncoated. | |
| Stainless Steel (316) | Yes | Our preferred material for outdoor applications when no coating will be applied |
| Carbon Fiber | Not recommended for long-term outdoor use since UV rays can damage the epoxy part of the composite | |
| ACM | Excellent for outdoor usage. | |
| Titanium | Very stable, will not corrode or patina. Will oxidize slightly. |
| Material | Recommended | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes | Aluminum is relatively soft and flexible, and will turn a dull grey if left uncoated. |
| Brass | Yes | Brass is great for decorative use. We recommend adding a clear coat or polish to prevent patina. |
| Birch | Yes | Birch is perfect for cabinetry, art, and craftwork. |
| Copper | Yes | Copper is great for decorative use. We recommend adding a clear coat or polish to prevent patina. |
| Brass | Yes | Brass is great for decorative use. We recommend adding a clear coat or polish to prevent patina. |
| Mild Steel | Mild steel will rust quickly if left uncoated. | |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Our preferred material for signage and decorative items that will not be painted or coated. |
| Carbon Fiber | Cost-prohibitive for decorative uses. | |
| ACM | Yes | Excellent for signage. |
| Titanium | Cost-prohibitive for decorative uses. |
| Material | Recommended | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | This plastic has great impact and abrasion resistance, high tensile strength and heat and chemical resistance. | |
| Aluminum (6061, 7075) | Yes | 6061 and 7075 series Aluminum is much stronger and stiffer than our standard 5052 series. 7075 Aluminum is comparable to titanium for strength. |
| Brass | Brass is great for decorative use, but is very soft and ductile. Not recommended for any application subject to load or bending forces. | |
| Copper | Copper is great for decorative use, but is very soft and ductile. Not recommended for any application subject to load or bending forces. | |
| Delrin® 150 | Yes | High strength, great abrasion resistance, yet is still machinable. |
| Mild Steel (4130, AR500) | Yes | Our 4130 series and AR500 steel are very high strength and offer significant advantages over standard mild steel (A36). |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Significantly stronger than mild steel, with increased weight. Will not corrode or rust. |
| Carbon Fiber | Yes | Our highest strength-to-weight material. Incredibly strong and rigid. Not recommended for use in temperatures over 140 degrees F. |
| ACM | Not recommended for high-strength or load-bearing applications. | |
| Titanium | Yes | One of our highest strength-to-weight materials. Incredibly strong and rigid. |
