Material Properties

Detailed property data sheets for common engineering metals and plastics: mechanical, physical, and thermal properties for each material, grade by grade.

How to read the data

Each data sheet lists the properties you need to choose and design with a material. Density tells you how heavy a part will be. Yield strength is the stress at which the material starts to deform permanently, and ultimate tensile strength is the most it can take before breaking. The modulus of elasticity measures stiffness, and hardness relates to wear resistance. Thermal properties such as conductivity and expansion matter when parts get hot or must stay in tolerance.

Using it with care

The values shown are typical, and real properties depend on the grade, the temper or heat treatment, the form of the stock, and the supplier. Plastics change with temperature, moisture, and the loading time, so check the data for your conditions. When a part carries a load, apply a factor of safety, and for critical or regulated work, rely on the certified data from your supplier and on a qualified engineer.