With so many metals on the table for custom metal stamping services, picking the right one for your project can feel like a maze. Is carbon steel tougher than stainless steel? Is aluminum the right call, or do specialty alloys bring more to the table? Beyond the basic differences, you’ve got to think about things like the metal’s quality, how easily it can be worked, and whether it lines up with all the compliance boxes. Zeroing in on the best material isn’t always simple, especially for demanding applications like metal stamping medical parts, but a closer look at each option’s properties can help you sort through the noise. This blog breaks down those choices, so you can make the call with confidence.
Key Properties to Consider in Metal Stamping
Every stamped part must meet a unique set of requirements, and the metal stamping material you select will shape everything from formability and strength to biocompatibility and cost. When evaluating metals for stamping, pay close attention to:
- Mechanical strength and hardness
- Corrosion resistance
- Formability
- Electrical/thermal conductivity
- Magnetic properties
- Biocompatibility and cleanliness
- Cost and supply chain reliability
Most Popular Metals in Precision Metal Stamping
Stainless Steel
Renowned for its strength, corrosion resistance, and workability, stainless steel is a staple in both aerospace metal stamping and metal stamping medical projects. Grades like 301, 304, and 316 are frequently used in:
- Surgical and diagnostic device components
- Aerospace brackets, connectors, and shields
- Applications requiring strict ISO 13485 and AS9100 compliance
Aluminum Alloys
When lightweight construction, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication are priorities, aluminum alloys (such as 5052 and 6061) come to the forefront. They are ideal for:
- Aircraft and aerospace metal stamping assemblies
- Non-magnetic, non-corrosive medical housings
- Complex or delicate stamped geometries
Carbon Steel
Affordable, strong, and highly machinable, carbon steel remains a go-to for:
- Automotive fasteners, brackets, and clips
- Industrial parts that can benefit from heat treatment or plating
- High-volume projects requiring cost efficiency
Copper, Brass, and Bronze
Copper and its alloys are irreplaceable for electrical and electronic components due to their superior conductivity and formability. Typical applications include:
- Battery contacts and electronic connectors
- EMI/RFI shielding
- Decorative or functional trim pieces
Advanced Alloys for Extreme Applications
For mission-critical parts, some applications require stepping up to high-performance alloys. These include:
- Titanium: Used in surgical implants, aerospace metal stamping fasteners, and medical housings requiring strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility
- Nickel alloys (e.g., Inconel): Trusted for jet engine components, high-temperature or corrosive environments, and demanding aerospace uses
Making the Right Choice: Tips from Industry Experts
Selecting the best metal stamping material for your stamped part is about matching your design, performance goals, and regulatory environment. Industry leaders recommend:
- Consulting early with your custom metal stamping services provider or materials engineer
- Weighing all end-use and processing requirements, from corrosion to electrical needs
- Prototyping with multiple candidates if your application is new or highly regulated
Need Help Choosing the Best Metal for Your Next Stamping Project?
For complex jobs, tight specs, or regulated industries like medical and aerospace, it pays to work with a partner that understands both the science and the art of custom metal stamping services. LCS Company brings decades of hands-on experience in selecting, sourcing, and stamping the best materials for critical applications. Our engineers collaborate with you at every stage, from concept and prototyping through to high-volume production, so your parts perform exactly as intended.
Contact us today to put our custom metal stamping expertise to work for your business.