When it comes to a successful sheet metal fabrication project, choosing the right material is often the key. The short version: steel is affordable, strong, and available laser-cut at Laserteile Online up to 20 mm thick. Stainless steel (up to 15 mm) scores on corrosion resistance and looks, aluminium on low weight. This guide walks you through the key criteria, a decision table and the real thickness and price ranges, so you can make the best choice.
The key factors in choosing a material
Before you settle on a material, consider several aspects: strength, corrosion resistance, aesthetic requirements, weight, processing options and cost. Choosing the wrong material can cause a range of problems – from higher costs to a lack of durability in the finished product.
Strength and stability
Strength significantly affects your project's durability and function. Steel offers high strength and very good weldability, making it ideal for load-bearing structures. For particularly stressed parts, Laserteile Online also offers the higher-strength S355 alongside S235, as well as HB 400 wear-resistant plate. Aluminium is less strong than steel, but that's offset in lightweight construction by its low weight.
Corrosion resistance
In damp or corrosive environments, corrosion resistance is a decisive factor. Stainless steel has clear advantages here – albeit at a higher price. For outdoor use, V4A (1.4404 / 1.4571) is the more resistant choice compared with V2A (1.4301). Unalloyed steel, on the other hand, needs protection – for example galvanising or powder coating; alternatively, S235 is also available pre-galvanised. Aluminium protects itself through its natural oxide layer.
Aesthetics and design
Stainless steel is widely used in architecture and anywhere appearance matters – its shiny surface makes it attractive for lift cabins or catering environments. At Laserteile Online, stainless steel and aluminium parts can also be ordered ground. Corten steel offers a look all of its own: its rust-brown patina is intentional and protects the material underneath – popular for façades, garden features and design objects.
Weight and load-bearing capacity
Aluminium is often used in lightweight construction, for example in aircraft and vehicles. Its low density enables significant weight savings compared with steel and stainless steel – particularly beneficial in the transport industry and anywhere parts need to be moved or carried.
Cost factors
Material costs can have a significant impact on your budget depending on the project. Steel is generally much cheaper than aluminium and stainless steel – although the need for corrosion treatment can increase the overall cost. You'll find concrete figures further down in the price overview.
Decision table: criterion × material
| Criterion | Steel (S235/S355) | Stainless steel (V2A/V4A) | Aluminium (AlMg3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | high (S355 higher-strength) | high | lower than steel |
| Corrosion protection | only with galvanising/coating | very good, even uncoated | good, via natural oxide layer |
| Weight | heavy | heavy | light |
| Weldability | very good | good | more demanding |
| Appearance | technical, usually coated | decorative, can be ground | matte silver, can be ground |
| Material cost | low | high | high |
| Typical uses | load-bearing structures, mechanical engineering | architecture, food industry, outdoor use | lightweight construction, vehicles, enclosures |
Thickness ranges at Laserteile Online
Which sheet thickness is actually available depends on the machine fleet. These ranges are available for selection in the online calculator:
| Material | Thicknesses in the calculator | Grinding available |
|---|---|---|
| Steel S235 / S355 | 0.5–20 mm | no |
| Galvanised S235 | 0.5–6 mm | no |
| DD11 / DC01 | 0.5–15 mm | no |
| HB 400 (wear-resistant plate) | 0.5–15 mm | no |
| Stainless steel V2A 1.4301 | 0.5–15 mm | yes |
| Stainless steel V4A 1.4404 / 1.4571 | 0.5–15 mm | yes |
| Aluminium AlMg3 | 0.5–15 mm | yes |
| Corten (weathering steel) | 0.5–15 mm | no |
Material prices for reference (as of August 2026)
For a rough sense of the cost relationship, here is the raw-material cost basis in euros per kilogram – note that this is the raw-material basis for the calculation, not the part price, which also factors in cutting time and processing:
- Steel S235: €1.10/kg · S355: €2.00/kg · galvanised S235: €1.30/kg
- DD11 / DC01: €1.20/kg · HB 400: €2.20/kg
- Stainless steel V2A 1.4301: €3.50/kg · V4A 1.4404 / 1.4571: €6.10/kg
- Aluminium AlMg3: €6.20/kg · Corten: €4.00/kg
The spread is significant: between S235 (€1.10/kg) and V4A (€6.10/kg) there's a difference of more than a factor of five. If corrosion protection is only needed indoors, galvanised or powder-coated steel can be the more economical alternative to stainless steel. The calculator gives you the exact price for your specific part in seconds – with no registration.
Processing options
All materials offered by Laserteile Online come with extensive processing options: laser cutting, bending, deburring, tumbling, threading, powder coating – plus grinding for stainless steel and aluminium. Whether cutting, bending or welding: choosing the right material can noticeably simplify the manufacturing process.
Choosing a material in the online calculator
In the online calculator, you simply choose your material from a dropdown menu – including material numbers such as 1.4301 or 1.4404, so there's no room for confusion. For detailed material questions, Laserteile Online is happy to help you personally.
Conclusion
Choosing the right material is essential to the success of your sheet metal fabrication project. Consider the specific requirements – strength, corrosion protection, weight, appearance – as well as your budget. As a rule of thumb: steel for load-bearing, cost-sensitive parts, stainless steel for corrosive environments and visible surfaces, aluminium for lightweight construction. The best way to compare materials is with real prices in Laserteile Online's calculator.