What Can-Cut Stocks
Can-Cut carries five materials and grades, from 18 gauge through 3/4" on steel and 1/2" on the others. All are cut on the same fine-cut plasma table to the same dimensional standard. The differences between them are about chemistry, mechanical properties, and the right fit for your application.
Here is a plain-language breakdown of each.
Mild Steel A36
A36 is structural carbon steel -- the most common, most cost-effective material we cut. If you have not specified otherwise and the application does not demand corrosion resistance or aluminum weight savings, A36 is probably the right choice.
Why it works well:
- Excellent weldability with MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core processes
- Easy to machine, drill, tap, and grind
- Accepts primer, powder coat, and paint without special surface prep
- Wide availability of compatible fasteners, tube, and bar stock for fabrication
What to know about the cut edge:
A36 has mill scale -- a thin, dark oxide layer from the rolling process -- on its surface. The plasma cut edge itself is clean and square, but it will oxidize quickly in exposed environments. Prime or coat within a day or two of cutting if the part will be outdoors.
Available thicknesses: 18 gauge through 3/4"
Applications: structural brackets and gussets, frame components, agricultural equipment, machine guards, conveyor parts, automotive skid plates and crossmembers, shop jigs and fixtures, decorative panels and signage that will be painted.
Stainless Steel 304
304 is the most widely used stainless steel in the world, and for good reason. The chromium-nickel content gives it excellent corrosion resistance in most environments, a clean appearance, and compatibility with food-processing and sanitary applications.
Why it works well:
- Resists rust and staining in normal indoor and outdoor environments
- Cleanable and hygienic -- the passive oxide layer is self-repairing
- Welds well with appropriate filler (308L is standard for 304-to-304)
- Does not require surface coating; a brushed or bead-blast finish holds up on its own
What to know about the cut edge:
The plasma cut edge on stainless will show heat tint -- a blue or golden discoloration from oxidation at cutting temperature. For structural or hidden applications this is a non-issue. For visible or food-contact parts, a light grind, wire brush, or passivation treatment removes it cleanly.
Available thicknesses: 18 gauge through 1/2"
Applications: food processing equipment and surfaces, kitchen fixtures, restaurant equipment, architectural panels and trim, exhaust components, decorative elements, signage.
Stainless Steel 316
316 is the marine grade. It adds molybdenum to the 304 chemistry, which dramatically improves resistance to chlorides, salt water, and acids. Where 304 will eventually pit or corrode in coastal or chemical environments, 316 holds up.
When 316 is worth it:
The cost premium over 304 is real -- typically 20-40% more per pound. That premium is justified only when the environment actually demands it: marine hardware exposed to salt spray, chemical processing equipment, coastal architectural elements, or medical-grade applications.
For anything in a typical shop, building, or dry outdoor environment, 304 is almost always sufficient.
Available thicknesses: 18 gauge through 1/2"
Applications: marine hardware and boat fittings, coastal railings and structural components, chemical processing tanks and brackets, aquaculture equipment, pharmaceutical and medical hardware.
Aluminum 5052
5052 is the forming and marine aluminum alloy. Its magnesium content (2.2-2.8%) gives it excellent corrosion resistance and good ductility -- it bends without cracking better than any other common aluminum alloy. It is the right choice when the part will be formed, bent, or shaped after cutting.
Why it works well:
- Outstanding corrosion resistance, particularly in salt water and marine environments
- Very good weldability (TIG with 5356 filler is standard)
- Bends and forms well without cracking, even in thicker gauges
- Good fatigue strength for parts under cyclic loading
Where it falls short:
5052 is softer than 6061 and does not machine or thread as cleanly. If the part needs machined features, threaded holes, or tight-tolerance bores, 6061 is the better choice.
Available thicknesses: 18 gauge through 1/2"
Applications: marine panels, fuel tanks, boat components, enclosures and housings, ducting, panel brackets, forming blanks, food and beverage equipment.
Aluminum 6061
6061 is the structural aluminum alloy. The addition of magnesium and silicon (and its T6 heat treatment) makes it significantly stronger and harder than 5052. It is the right choice when the part needs to carry load, accept a thread, or be machined after cutting.
Why it works well:
- High strength-to-weight ratio -- stronger than 5052, still much lighter than steel
- Machines and drills cleanly; threads hold well in adequate thickness
- Good weldability (TIG with 4043 or 5356 filler)
- Anodizes well for a durable, corrosion-resistant surface finish
Where it falls short:
6061 is less corrosion resistant than 5052 in salt water or chloride-heavy environments without anodizing. It also does not form and bend as cleanly -- tighter bend radii will crack the T6 temper.
Available thicknesses: 18 gauge through 1/2"
Applications: structural brackets, jigs, and fixtures, aerospace and UAV components, automotive structural and suspension parts, tooling and machine components, load-bearing panels.
How to Choose
If you are not sure where to start, here is a simple decision framework:
Cost is the priority: Mild steel A36. It is the least expensive material we stock and handles the vast majority of fabrication applications.
Outdoor exposure without paint or coating: 304 stainless or aluminum (either grade). Both resist rust; aluminum is lighter, stainless is tougher.
Marine, coastal, or chemical exposure: 316 stainless or 5052 aluminum. The chloride resistance of 316 or the forming flexibility of 5052 will both outlast 304 in harsh environments.
Bending or forming after cutting: 5052 aluminum or mild steel in thinner gauges. Both form without cracking. Avoid 6061 T6 for tight bends.
Strength plus machinability: 6061 aluminum or mild steel plate. Both machine cleanly and hold threads. Choose aluminum for weight savings.
Cleanroom, food, or medical use: 304 or 316 stainless, depending on the chemical environment.
Get an Instant Quote
All five materials are available for instant online quoting. Upload your DXF at can-cut.ca, choose your material and thickness, and see your price in seconds -- no account required.