The most widely used structural steel in India. IS 2062 E250 is a hot-rolled low carbon steel with good plasticity, toughness, and weldability. Available in plates, HR sheets, and sections across Chennai steel yards. Sub-grades A, B, and C differ only in impact test temperature; sub-grade B (IS 2062 E250 B) is the standard mill supply.
- General fabrication, frames, brackets, supports
- Industrial enclosures and control panel boxes
- Construction structures, bridges, towers
- Automotive chassis and sub-frames
- Agricultural equipment and farm machinery
IS 513 cold-rolled sheets offer a superior surface finish and tighter dimensional tolerances than hot-rolled stock. The low carbon content makes them ductile and easy to form, stamp, and weld. CR1 is general purpose; CR2 is drawing quality; CR3 is deep drawing; CR4 is extra deep drawing (EDD). All grades carry ISI mark and are available skin-passed or bright annealed.
- Electrical panels, switchgear cabinets
- Automotive body panels and stampings (CR3/CR4)
- Appliance casings — washing machines, refrigerators
- Electronic enclosures requiring smooth exterior
- Furniture, racking systems
IS 2062 E350 is a high tensile structural steel with 40% higher yield strength than E250, making it the go-to for load-bearing fabrications where reducing weight or section size matters. IS 8500 covers weldable structural steels in similar strength ranges. Used extensively in Indian crane, conveyor, and heavy machinery fabrication.
- Crane booms, lifting beams, and rigging frames
- Heavy equipment and earthmoving attachments
- Structural columns and beams in mezzanine floors
- Pressure vessel shells and tank walls
| IS Grade | YS (MPa) | UTS (MPa) | Elong. % | C% max | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 513 CR1 | 140–280 | 270–380 | ≥28 | 0.12 | |
| IS 2062 E250 | 250 | 410–530 | ≥23 | 0.23 | |
| IS 2062 E350 | 350 | 490–630 | ≥20 | 0.20 | |
| IS 2062 E410 | 410 | 540–680 | ≥18 | 0.20 |
The most widely specified stainless steel globally. Its 18% chromium and 8–10% nickel composition delivers excellent corrosion resistance in most environments. Not susceptible to intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition unless heated in the sensitisation range (450–850°C). The IS 6911 designation 04Cr19Ni9 reflects carbon ≤ 0.04%, 19% Cr, 9% Ni — identical chemistry to the EN/AISI 304 you may know from overseas suppliers.
- Food processing equipment and kitchen surfaces
- Pharmaceutical equipment and clean-room fixtures
- Hospital and laboratory furniture
- Architectural cladding, handrails, signage
- Chemical storage tanks and pipework
The addition of 2–3% molybdenum to SS 304's chemistry elevates chloride pitting resistance dramatically — essential for coastal and marine environments across India's long coastline. The "L" (low carbon, ≤0.03%) prevents sensitisation in welded joints without post-weld annealing. Specified for anything exposed to seawater, salt fog, or aggressive cleaning chemicals.
- Offshore and marine equipment, boat hardware
- Chemical plant pipework and fittings
- Pharmaceutical primary packaging equipment
- Coastal architectural features and handrails
- Food processing in high-chloride environments
A chromium-only (nickel-free) ferritic stainless steel. SS 430 is magnetic, lower cost than 304, and has good oxidation resistance up to 870°C. It does not harden by heat treatment. Its lower nickel content makes it significantly cheaper — typically 30–35% less than 304 — while still delivering far better corrosion resistance than mild steel. Commonly used for decorative and general interior applications.
- Decorative trim, elevator panels, signage
- Automotive exhaust systems and heat shields
- Appliance backs, washing machine drums
- Interior architectural features
The most popular aluminium alloy for sheet metal fabrication. Magnesium (2.2–2.8%) as the primary alloying element provides high fatigue strength, excellent weldability (MIG/TIG), and superior resistance to seawater and atmospheric corrosion. Non-heat-treatable — strength is controlled by work-hardening (H-tempers). IS 737 Grade 51000 is the direct BIS equivalent of internationally known AA 5052.
- Marine and coastal equipment panels
- Chemical and food processing vessels
- Electronic enclosures and instrument panels
- HVAC ductwork and pressure vessels
- Lightweight structural brackets
The workhorse high-strength aluminium. The Mg-Si-Cu chemistry and T6 (solution heat treated + artificially aged) temper delivers the best strength-to-weight ratio among general engineering aluminiums. Machines beautifully, anodizes well, and welds with TIG/MIG — though note that the HAZ loses some T6 strength after welding. IS 733 HE20 covers extruded bar/section; IS 737 grade 63400 covers plate and sheet.
- Aerospace structures and aircraft fittings
- Rail coach and bus body panels
- Machinery parts, jigs, and fixtures
- Consumer electronics chassis
- Anodized architectural extrusions
The strongest of the non-heat-treatable aluminium alloys. The 4–4.9% Mg content (plus Mn and Cr) gives 5083 exceptional strength while retaining outstanding weldability and the best seawater corrosion resistance in the 5xxx series. Cannot be used above 65°C in sustained service as Mg precipitation at grain boundaries reduces corrosion resistance.
- Marine hulls, ship superstructure panels
- Cryogenic vessels and LNG equipment
- Military vehicle armour panels
- Pressure vessels and storage tanks
The strongest commercially available aluminium alloy. Zinc (5.6–6.1%) as primary alloying element with Mg and Cu delivers structural steel-class strength at one-third the weight. Poor weldability limits use to bolted or riveted assemblies. T6 temper maximises strength; T73 (overaged) improves stress-corrosion resistance where the part is under sustained load. Widely used in Indian aerospace and defence.
- Aircraft structural components and spars
- Defence / satellite structural brackets
- High-performance bicycle frames
- Rock climbing and rigging equipment
| IS Grade | Series | YS (MPa) | UTS (MPa) | Weldable | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gr.51000 (5052) | 5xxx Mg | 193 | 228–283 | Yes | |
| Gr.52000 (5083) | 5xxx Mg-Mn | 228 | 317 | Yes | |
| Gr.63400 (6061) | 6xxx Mg-Si | 276 | 310 | Yes (w/ loss) | |
| Gr.64430 (6082) | 6xxx Mg-Si-Mn | 260 | 310 | Yes | |
| Gr.74530 (7075) | 7xxx Zn-Mg | 503 | 572 | Poor |
IS 1897 Cu-ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch) copper strip and sheet is the standard for electrical applications — ≥99.9% copper purity with ≤0.04% oxygen delivers 100% IACS conductivity. IS 191 covers drawn copper sheets for general engineering. Cu-OF (oxygen-free) is used where hydrogen embrittlement must be avoided (welding, high-temp). Available annealed (O-temper) for forming or half-hard (H02) for busbars.
- Busbars, switchgear, and electrical terminals
- Transformer windings and motor laminations
- RF shielding panels and EMI enclosures
- Heat exchangers and cooling plates
- Printed circuit board blanks
IS 410 covers three brass compositions. Grade 1 (70Cu:30Zn, Cartridge Brass) is the most ductile, ideal for deep drawing and cold forming. Grade 2 (63:37) balances formability and machinability. Grade 3 (60:40, Muntz Metal) has the highest strength and is the most machinable, widely used for turned components and engraved plaques. All grades resist dezincification unless in aggressive chloride environments (use dezincification-resistant CW602N/CW617N for those).
- Decorative panels, nameplates, and signage
- Electrical connectors and contact springs
- Plumbing fittings and valve bodies
- Locks, hinges, and architectural hardware
- Automotive sensor housings and terminals
Cast acrylic (PMMA) is the benchmark laser-cut non-metal. CO₂ laser produces a flame-polished edge straight off the machine — no post-processing needed. Cast sheet (IS 6437) has better optical properties and chemical resistance than extruded; extruded is cheaper and has tighter thickness tolerance. Available in clear, opal, and 30+ solid colours. Excellent UV resistance means outdoor applications don't yellow.
- Display cases, signage, and point-of-sale
- Light diffuser panels for LED fixtures
- Machine guards and safety screens
- Architectural features and decorative panels
- Prototyping — visual mockups and enclosures
Polycarbonate is 250× tougher than glass by weight and virtually unbreakable, making it the choice for safety glazing, machine guards, and bullet-resistant panels. Polypropylene (IS 10910) offers outstanding chemical resistance and is the go-to for acid tanks, trays, and laboratory furniture. HDPE is food-safe and moisture-resistant. Nylon PA6 offers self-lubricating properties for wear pads and bushings. All are laser-cuttable with CO₂ — edges are not fire-polished but smooth and clean.
- PC: Machine guards, safety visors, riot shields
- PC: Greenhouse panels, skylights
- PP: Chemical tanks, acid trays, laboratory tops
- HDPE: Food processing surfaces, chopping boards
- Nylon PA6: Wear pads, bushings, guide rails
🦺 What loads will it carry?
Structural or load-bearing? Use IS 2062 E350 or Al 6061-T6. General sheet metal fabrication with no special loads: IS 2062 E250 or IS 513 CR1. Ultra-light & high strength: Al 7075-T6.
💧 What is the environment?
Outdoor / coastal India: SS 316L or Al 5052. General indoor: mild steel with powder coat. Food contact: SS 304 or SS 316L. Chemical exposure: PP, HDPE, or SS 316L.
⚡ Does it need to conduct?
Maximum electrical conductivity: Cu-ETP (IS 1897). Good conductivity, lighter: Al 6061 (30% IACS). Decorative connector: Brass Grade 2. Insulating: Acrylic or Polycarbonate.
⚖️ Does weight matter?
Weight-critical: any aluminium alloy (~2.7 g/cm³ vs steel 7.85). Extremely weight-critical with high loads: Al 7075-T6. Weight not a factor: mild steel is always the lowest cost. Need both light and corrosion-free: Al 5052 or 6061.
🔧 Does it need to be welded?
All grades weld except Al 7075 (bolted only) and copper / brass (brazed or soldered for joints). For stainless welding, prefer SS 316L (low carbon prevents sensitisation). For steel welding: IS 2062 — designed for it.
💰 What's the budget?
Most cost-effective: IS 2062 E250 or IS 513 CR1 mild steel. Mid-range with corrosion resistance: SS 430 (nickel-free). Premium: SS 316L or Al 6061. Prototyping on a budget: acrylic or IS 2062 CR1.
Standard stock thicknesses
All thicknesses cut to size. Tolerances per IS 1731 (steel) and IS 1260 (aluminium). ● In stock ● On request (5 days) ● Not available
| Thickness (mm) | IS 2062 Steel | IS 513 CR | SS 304/316L | Al 5052 / 6061 | Copper | Brass | Acrylic / PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | N/A | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock | N/A |
| 0.8 | N/A | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock | N/A |
| 1.0 | On request | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock | N/A |
| 1.6 | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock | On request | On request | N/A |
| 2.0 | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock |
| 3.0 | In stock | On request | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock | In stock |
| 4.0 | In stock | N/A | In stock | In stock | On request | On request | In stock |
| 5.0 | In stock | N/A | In stock | In stock | N/A | N/A | In stock |
| 6.0 | In stock | N/A | On request | In stock | N/A | N/A | In stock |
| 8–10 | In stock | N/A | On request | On request | N/A | N/A | In stock |
| 12–25 | In stock | N/A | N/A | On request | N/A | N/A | In stock |
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