2 Replies Latest reply on Apr 5, 2013 12:20 PM by Walter Fetsch

    What materials to use?

    Dene Staples
    Dene Staples Apr 4, 2013 4:14 AM

      Hi

       

      Does anyone know of a general guide to materials that gives examples of what they could be used for and/or a general list of parts and what materials can be used for them?

       

      I am after something that would point me in the right direction.

       

      In the SW materials list there is a lot of different types of steels, but I wouldn't know what is the best for what. Thanks

        • Re: What materials to use?
          Jerry Steiger
          Jerry Steiger Apr 4, 2013 8:30 PM (in response to Dene Staples)

          Dene,

           

          That's a pretty big question! I don't have a good answer for you. I have old copies of Materials Engineering magazine that list typical uses for different steel alloys. I see that MatWeb gives "Applications" for at least some steels under the "Material Notes", but working your way through thousands of entries would be a bit of a drag.

           

          You can quite likely get some answers if you asked what material to use to make a particular type of part.

           

          Jerry S.

          • Re: What materials to use?
            Walter Fetsch
            Walter Fetsch Apr 5, 2013 12:20 PM (in response to Dene Staples)

            Dene, a better approach might be to consider what characteristics are desirable for your application, then seek a material that possesses those characteristics.  It should narrow the choices to a manageable number.