Guide to selecting materials for manufacturing in China. Compare steel grades, aluminum alloys, engineering plastics, and specialty materials for product sourcing.
Material choice is the most fundamental decision in manufacturing. Chinese factories have access to virtually all standard materials, but quality and sourcing can vary. This guide helps foreign buyers understand common material grades and their Chinese equivalents.
| Chinese Grade | Equivalent | Common Uses | Machinability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q235 | A36 / S235JR | Structural frames, brackets, general fabrication | Good |
| Q345 | A572 Gr.50 / S355JR | Higher strength structures, bridges, buildings | Good |
| 45# (C45) | 1045 / C45E | Shafts, gears, spindles, medium-strength parts | Good |
| 40Cr | 5140 | Gears, axles, connecting rods (improved toughness) | Moderate |
| 20Cr | 5120 | Carburized parts, gears with case-hardened surface | Moderate |
Chinese carbon steel is generally reliable. Q235 and 45# are the most widely used grades for machined parts. Always specify whether you need hot-rolled or cold-drawn material.
| Chinese Grade | Equivalent | Properties | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cr12MoV | D2 (approx.) | High wear resistance, moderate toughness | Cold work dies, punches, gauges |
| Cr12 | D3 (approx.) | High hardness, low toughness | Thread rolling dies, blanking dies |
| H13 | H13 | Excellent hot hardness and toughness | Hot work dies, extrusion dies, die casting dies |
| 3Cr2W8V | H21 (approx.) | Good high-temperature strength | Hot forging dies, hot extrusion tools |
| W6Mo5Cr4V2 | M2 HSS | High-speed steel, excellent wear resistance | Cutting tools, drills, end mills |
Note: Chinese tool steel quality has improved significantly, but for critical mold/die applications, specify the desired hardness range (HRC) and request a material certificate (mill test report).
| Chinese Grade | AISI Equivalent | Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | (No direct AISI eq.) | Lower nickel content, magnetic, cheaper | Kitchenware, decorative trim, tubing |
| 304 | 304 / 1.4301 | Excellent corrosion resistance, non-magnetic | Food equipment, chemical processing, architectural |
| 316 | 316 / 1.4401 | Mo added for pitting resistance in chloride environments | Marine equipment, medical implants, chemical plants |
| 430 | 430 / 1.4016 | Ferritic, magnetic, good corrosion resistance | Appliances, automotive trim, exhaust systems |
Caution: Chinese 201 stainless is often substituted for 304 in low-cost production. Verify material composition with a PMI (Positive Material Identification) test gun if corrosion resistance is critical.
| Chinese Grade | International | Properties | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061 | 6061-T6 | Good strength, weldability, machinability | CNC parts, structural components, frames |
| 6063 | 6063-T5 | Excellent extrudability, good surface finish | Aluminum profiles, window frames, rails |
| 7075 | 7075-T6 | Very high strength, lower corrosion resistance | Aerospace, high-stress mechanical parts, molds |
| 5052 | 5052-H32 | Good corrosion resistance, formability | Sheet metal, marine parts, fuel tanks |
| ADC12 / A380 | A380 | Standard die casting alloy | Die cast enclosures, housings, brackets |
China is the world's largest aluminum producer. Material availability is excellent and prices are competitive. Always specify temper condition (T6, T5, H32, etc.) when ordering.
| Material | Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Good impact strength, easy to mold, paint-friendly | Enclosures, consumer products, automotive interior |
| Nylon (PA6, PA66) | High strength, wear resistant, self-lubricating | Gears, bushings, slides, structural parts |
| POM (Acetal/Delrin) | Low friction, high stiffness, excellent dimensional stability | Precision gears, sliding parts, pump impellers |
| PC (Polycarbonate) | High impact strength, transparent options | Safety glazing, lenses, electronic housings |
| PEEK | High temperature resistance (250°C+), chemical resistant | Aerospace bearings, medical implants, semiconductor parts |
Chinese factories also commonly work with:
Key considerations when sourcing materials in China: