Fuel Storage
How to Choose the Right Diesel Tank Size for Your Business
A simple way to work out what size diesel tank your factory, estate, site or farm needs, based on generator use, delivery schedule and space.
Read guide →The metal you choose decides how long your tank, truck body, platform or machine part will last, and how much it costs. Here is a plain comparison of the metals we work with most.
Mild steel
Strong, affordable and easy to cut, weld and repair. It is the most common choice for frames, platforms, stands, tanks, truck bodies and shelving. Its weak point is rust, so it needs a good coat of paint, powder coating or galvanising, especially outdoors.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel resists rust and is easy to keep clean, which is why it is used for food processing, bakeries, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. It costs more and takes more skill to work. Grade 304 suits most indoor and food uses. Grade 316 handles salt air and harsher chemicals better, which matters for sites close to the sea.
3CR12
A utility stainless steel with about 12 percent chromium. It sits between mild steel and full stainless on both cost and rust resistance, and it is a popular choice for truck bodies, chutes and wet working areas.
Aluminium
Aluminium weighs about a third as much as steel and does not rust. That makes it a good fit where weight matters, such as truck bodies. It is softer and costs more than mild steel, and it needs skilled welding.
Side by side
| Metal | Cost | Rust resistance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild steel | Lowest | Low, needs coating | Frames, platforms, tanks, shelving |
| 3CR12 | Medium | Good | Truck bodies, chutes, wet areas |
| Stainless 304 | Higher | Very good | Food, bakery and pharmacy equipment |
| Stainless 316 | Highest | Excellent | Coastal sites, chemicals |
| Aluminium | Higher | Very good | Light truck bodies and parts |
Our advice
Start with what the part has to do: the load it carries, where it will sit and how it will be cleaned. Then pick the cheapest metal that will last in those conditions. If you are unsure, tell us about the job and we will recommend one. See our metal fabrication and welding services, or get a quote.
