9 Types of Metal and Their Uses

Choosing the right metal isn’t just about strength or price – it’s about understanding what each type brings to the table. Whether you’re designing a product, specifying parts for construction, or planning fabrication, your material decision can affect everything from cost to corrosion resistance.

At Greengate Metal Components, we regularly help clients weigh up different metals and their uses. Below is a simple breakdown of nine common metal types and where they typically work best – a solid starting point for early-stage planning.

Stainless Steel

Key Traits: Resists corrosion, easy to clean, strong under pressure
Common Uses:

Food processing equipment
Medical instruments
Kitchenware
Construction cladding

Stainless steel is, in a way, the all-rounder of metals. It looks clean, performs well in harsh environments, and doesn’t rust easily. In areas where hygiene matters – think catering, healthcare, or clean manufacturing – it’s often the safest bet. Greengate’s stainless steel components are used across projects where durability and compliance go hand-in-hand.

Mild Steel

Key Traits: Affordable, easy to work with, welds cleanly
Common Uses:

Automotive panels
Construction beams
Furniture
Sheet metal fabrication

Mild steel might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the most widely used metals for a reason. It shapes well, doesn’t cost much, and suits a range of finishes. Greengate supplies a lot of this material for jobs where cost-effectiveness and speed are key – particularly in building frameworks and general-purpose brackets or panels.

Aluminium

Key Traits: Lightweight, naturally corrosion-resistant, conducts electricity
Common Uses:

Aerospace and automotive
Consumer electronics
Window frames
Packaging

Aluminium properties make it ideal where weight and strength need to be balanced. It’s lighter than steel but still surprisingly strong for its mass. It doesn’t rust in the usual way, either. This makes it a favourite in transportation and electronics. Our aluminium fabrication work often features in energy-efficient builds or precision components.

Copper

Key Traits: Excellent at conducting electricity, naturally antimicrobial
Common Uses:

Electrical wiring
Plumbing
Roofing
Decorative finishes

Copper doesn’t just conduct – it does so better than almost any other metal. That’s why you see it in wires and circuit boards. It also stops bacteria from lingering on its surface, which is useful in healthcare and water systems. It’s a bit softer and more expensive than other options, but in the right place, it’s extremely effective.

Brass

Key Traits: Decorative, corrosion-resistant, easy to machine
Common Uses:

Musical instruments
Door handles and fixtures
Interior fittings
Architectural accents

Brass is a blend of copper and zinc. It looks warm, machines easily, and handles weather reasonably well. From a design point of view, it’s often chosen more for appearance than performance. That said, it’s a great fit for fittings, signage, and interiors where both form and function matter.

Galvanised Steel

Key Traits: Coated with zinc to protect against rust
Common Uses:

Outdoor structures
HVAC systems
Car body parts
Fencing

Galvanised steel starts life as regular steel, but it’s coated with a layer of zinc to stop it rusting. This gives it a longer life outdoors or in damp conditions. If you’re comparing galvanised vs carbon steel, the big difference is corrosion resistance – and it’s often a top choice for ductwork or site infrastructure.

Tool Steel

Key Traits: Incredibly hard, keeps its shape under heat or pressure
Common Uses:

Cutting blades
Drills and dies
Injection moulds
Industrial tooling

Tool steel is built to last. It can be hardened through heat treatment, meaning it won’t deform under stress. That makes it ideal for tools, dies, and forming equipment. If you’re looking at metal types for fabrication equipment or long-life tools, this one usually ends up on the list.

Carbon Steel

Key Traits: Tough and strong, used in structural applications
Common Uses:

Pipelines
Support beams
Train tracks
Storage tanks

Carbon steel is similar to mild steel but with higher carbon content. That makes it stronger, though slightly less ductile. It works well in large, load-bearing structures and is often used when safety and durability are at the forefront. At Greengate, we often work with clients comparing galvanised vs carbon steel for structural metalwork, depending on whether appearance or longevity matters most.

Zinc

Key Traits: Resists corrosion naturally, often used as a protective layer
Common Uses:

Die-cast parts
Battery cases
Galvanisation
Small machine components

Zinc might not always be used on its own, but it’s everywhere once you know what to look for. It’s often applied as a coating to protect other metals, and its low melting point makes it perfect for detailed die-casting. In short, it’s a quiet workhorse in many components, especially in electronics and mechanical parts.

Every metal on this list serves a purpose. Some offer strength, others give you corrosion resistance, conductivity, or aesthetic appeal. The trick is understanding what your build really needs – and choosing a metal that fits both your performance expectations and your budget.

If you’re still working through options, Greengate Metal Components can help. We’ve supported hundreds of teams with material selection, fabrication advice, and production-ready solutions. Get in touch if you’d like to talk through your project.