Metal Properties Chart

One table to compare the metals you are most likely to specify. Use it to sanity-check weight, set welding and cutting expectations, and shortlist candidates before opening the detailed datasheets. Values are typical for the common grade/temper and vary with exact alloy.

Common engineering metals (typical values)

Metal	Density g/cm³	Melt °C	Yield MPa	Tensile MPa	Thermal W/m·K
Aluminum 6061-T6	2.70	≈ 650	≈ 276	≈ 310	167
Aluminum 7075-T6	2.81	≈ 635	≈ 503	≈ 572	130
Stainless 304	8.00	≈ 1450	≈ 215	≈ 515	16
Stainless 316	8.00	≈ 1400	≈ 240	≈ 515	16
Mild steel A36/Q235	7.85	≈ 1500	≈ 250	≈ 450	50
Steel 1045	7.85	≈ 1495	≈ 310	≈ 565	50
Titanium Gr5	4.43	≈ 1660	≈ 880	≈ 950	6.7
Copper C110	8.96	≈ 1085	≈ 70	≈ 220	400
Brass C360	8.50	≈ 900	≈ 124	≈ 340	120

Reading the table

Need light + strong → aluminum 7075 or titanium (check the strength-to-density ratio, not raw strength).
Need to carry current or heat → copper, then brass; stainless and titanium are poor conductors.
High melting point (stainless, steel, titanium) means more energy to weld and laser cut.

Open the full datasheets for aluminum, stainless, carbon steel and copper alloys.

Frequently asked questions

Why does melting point matter for fabrication?

It governs welding and laser cutting: high-melting metals need more energy, and very different melting points make dissimilar-metal joining hard. It also sets service temperature limits.

Which common metal is strongest by weight?

Titanium has the best strength-to-weight ratio of the common engineering metals, followed by 7075 aluminum, which is why both are used in aerospace.

What units are these in?

Density in g/cm³, melting point in °C, yield/tensile in MPa, thermal conductivity in W/m·K. Values are typical for the common temper of each metal and vary by exact grade.