The material used in sheet metal work determines cutting parameters, bendability, weldability, and surface behaviour. A poorly chosen base material comes back later at a higher cost.

S235JR — general structural steel

The most common, cheapest choice. Low carbon and alloy content, easy to weld and bend. Typical material for housings, frames, non-critical structural parts.

S355 — higher strength

Higher yield point (355 MPa), strong enough at thinner gauges. Load-bearing structures, brackets, automotive chassis parts. Slightly harder to bend — designers should allow larger bend radii.

Stainless steel (304, 316)

  • 304 (1.4301): general use, food industry, cabinets. 18% chromium, 8% nickel.
  • 316 (1.4404): resistant in chloride / salt environments (marine, pharma). Added molybdenum.

Laser cutting stainless requires different settings (nitrogen assist gas), and tooling must not be contaminated with carbon steel — otherwise it corrodes.

Aluminium (5754, 6082)

  • EN AW-5754 (AlMg3): soft, well bendable and weldable alloy — enclosures, tanks, automotive sheet parts. Excellent corrosion resistance even in salty and industrial environments.
  • EN AW-6082 (AlMgSi1): stronger structural alloy — frames, mechanical engineering parts. Improved strength after heat treatment (T6 condition).

Aluminium cuts well with fiber laser, but CO₂ laser is limited by its high reflectivity. Deburring needs care — abrasive tools damage the soft material easily.

Non-ferrous metals (copper, brass)

  • Copper (Cu-DHP): electrical conductivity, bus bars, switchgear wiring. High thermal conductivity requires fiber laser and nitrogen gas.
  • Brass (CuZn37): decorative sheets, handles, industrial fittings. Machinable, aesthetic golden-yellow surface.

Cutting non-ferrous metals with laser requires specialist know-how due to high reflectivity and thermal conductivity. Typical thickness limit is 8 mm — handled by the Linardics TRUMPF TruLaser 3030 Fiber.