Which steel grades are available at RapidDirect?

RapidDirect offers SPCC cold-rolled steel plus 1018, 1020, 1040, 1045, A36, and S355 carbon and structural steels for CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication. Alloy and tool steels such as 4140, 4130, 4340, A2, D2, and P20 are available for CNC machining.

What is the difference between SPCC and structural steel?

SPCC is cold-rolled steel with a smooth surface and excellent formability, which suits enclosures and precision sheet parts. Structural grades such as A36 and S355 are hot-rolled and chosen for load-bearing frames and brackets.

What is the difference between 1018 and 1045 carbon steel?

1018 is a low-carbon steel that welds easily and cannot be through-hardened. 1045 is a medium-carbon steel that can be quenched and tempered or induction hardened when higher strength is needed.

Can steel parts be CNC machined and fabricated from sheet metal?

Yes. RapidDirect offers CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication for custom steel prototypes and production parts.

How can I protect steel parts from corrosion?

Choose a coated or galvanized stock where available, or add a protective finish such as zinc plating, galvanizing, painting, powder coating, or black oxide.

Steel for Custom Parts

Steel Material Overview

Steel combines high strength, durability, formability, weldability, and cost efficiency. RapidDirect CNC machines and fabricates steel parts for automotive, aerospace, construction, energy, medical, and industrial applications.

Strength and durability: Steel provides structural strength and long-lasting performance for demanding components.
Formable and weldable: Steel sheets can be cut, bent, welded, and assembled into custom parts.
Cost-effective: Mild and carbon steels offer strong, economical options for prototypes and production.
Broad grade range: Select SPCC, 1018, 1020, 1040, 1045, A36, or S355 for machined and fabricated parts, or 4140, 4130, 4340, A2, D2, and P20 where higher strength and hardness are needed.

Selection note: Choose from cold-rolled, carbon, structural, alloy, and tool steel grades. Steel parts can be machined or made from sheet, then finished with coatings, plating, brushing, or polishing.

Manufacturing Processes for Steel

Steel CNC Machining

Custom Steel CNC machined parts for prototypes and production, with fast turnaround from RapidDirect.

Explore Steel CNC Machining

Steel Sheet Metal Fabrication

Custom Steel sheet metal parts, cut, bent, and finished by RapidDirect for prototypes and production.

Explore Steel Sheet Metal Fabrication

Compare Steel Grades

Compare SPCC, 1018, 1020, 1040, 1045, A36, S355, 4140, 4130, 4340, A2, D2, and P20 by yield strength, ductility, hardness, and density.

Material & condition	Applicable processes	Tensile strength, yieldMPa	Elongation at break%	HardnessBrinell	Densityg/cm³	Material data
SPCC Steel	cnc machining sheet metal	270–410	28–44	70–90	7.85	View data
1566 Spring Steel	cnc machining sheet metal	1470–1620	8–12	461–534	7.85	View data