When choosing a manufacturing partner, one of the first questions is: Can they work with the material I need?
The answer, in our case, is almost always yes. While our website highlights the most common metals and non-metals, Stephens Gaskets handles far more than what’s listed online. In fact, roughly 20% of our work involves specialised materials and grades not actively promoted on our digital platforms.
This blog outlines our material versatility and specialised materials capabilities, reassuring customers that whether it’s a common metal or a niche polymer, we can help.
More Than Just the Basics
Yes – we work with stainless steel, aluminium, copper, brass, and mild steel every day. These materials make up a large portion of the gaskets, washers, and pressings we produce.
However, we also support clients who need:
- Specific material grades.
- Unusual sheet sizes or thicknesses.
- Advanced engineering plastics.
- High-performance rubbers or cork blends.
- Custom-sourced substrates for unique projects.
We partner with trusted suppliers across the UK and internationally to source and manufacture from materials that go far beyond what’s commonly available.
Common Metals We Work With
These metals are well-suited for structural strength, conductivity, corrosion resistance, and temperature stability. We regularly cut, press, stamp, and machine:
- Stainless Steel (304, 316, 430).
- Mild Steel (CR4, HR4, galvanised, and zinc-coated).
- Aluminium (1050, 5251, 6082, and others).
- Brass (CZ108, CZ120).
- Copper (C101, C106).
- Phosphor Bronze and Beryllium Copper (on request).
We can manufacture parts from customer-supplied material or source the best match based on strength, conductivity, machinability, and environment.
Plastics and Non-Metals
We’re not just a metal gasket supplier – we manufacture parts and gaskets in a wide variety of non-metallics. These include:
1. Engineering Plastics
- PTFE – chemically inert and temperature-resistant.
- PEEK – ideal for aerospace and medical use.
- Acetal (Delrin) – strong and dimensionally stable.
- Nylon – versatile, impact-resistant.
- Polycarbonate – transparent and tough.
- UHMW-PE – wear-resistant and low friction.
2. Rubbers and Elastomers
- Nitrile (NBR) – oil and fuel resistant.
- EPDM – weather and UV resistant.
- Neoprene – excellent flexibility and seal integrity.
- Silicone – high-temperature stability.
- Viton® – chemical resistance in harsh environments.
3. Other Non-Metals
- Cork and rubber-cork blends – used in automotive and sealing applications.
- Graphite – high-temperature gaskets and compression seals.
- Fibre, composite, and mica – for insulating and high-temperature use.
Even if your chosen material isn’t featured on our main site, we probably work with it – or can source and trial it.
Sourcing Uncommon Materials
We’re often asked to manufacture components from unusual materials or specialised grades for industries like:
- Medical – requiring bio-compatible or sterile materials.
- Aerospace and defence – needing lightweight or fire-resistant substrates.
- Oil & gas – requiring high-pressure or chemically resistant properties.
- Motorsport – where strength-to-weight ratio is critical.
- Power generation – needing high thermal performance and electrical insulation.
Rather than turning these jobs away, we actively source and test lesser-used materials, providing samples and alternatives if availability or cost is an issue.
Materials for Every Process
Each of our core services – laser cutting, CNC turning, pressing, moulding, and folding – is supported by materials matched to the method.
For example:
- Laser cutting: best with flat, consistent gauge sheets (metal or plastic).
- Pressing: needs ductile or formable materials, often cold-rolled metals.
- CNC turning: suitable for rods, blanks, or discs in metal or plastic.
- Injection moulding: suited to thermoplastics and filled compounds.
- Gasket die-cutting: used for soft materials like rubber, cork, fibre.
If your application combines multiple materials (e.g. a metal washer with a rubber backing), we’ll advise on the best bonding or fabrication approach.
Why Customers Choose Us for Material Versatility
- Over 70 years of experience across materials and industries.
- Strong supply chain for uncommon or premium grades.
- Ability to machine, press, or cut metal and non-metal components.
- ISO 9001-certified quality control for every part.
- Flexible, solution-driven approach to sourcing and manufacture.
Whether you need off-the-shelf metals or non-metallic component manufacturing, we’re ready to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you work with customer-supplied material?
Yes. We’re happy to machine or cut free-issue stock if it meets our processing requirements.
2. Can you help recommend a material for my application?
Absolutely. We often advise customers based on thermal, mechanical, or chemical requirements.
3. Do you offer certificates of conformity or traceability?
Yes. Material certificates and traceability records are available on request.
4. What’s the lead time for uncommon materials?
It depends on availability, but we maintain relationships with specialist stockholders for rapid sourcing.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to materials, Stephens Gaskets is more than just metal. Our experience in material versatility and specialised materials allows us to produce custom parts others might turn away. Whether it’s a plastic washer, a composite gasket, or a niche alloy bracket, we have the expertise – and supply chain – to deliver.
If your material isn’t on the list, don’t assume we can’t help. Chances are, we already are.
Contact Us for Material Advice or Custom Part Requests
Not sure if your required material is something we can work with? Just ask. We pride ourselves on offering more than a catalogue – we offer real-world solutions, including those outside the standard list.
Request a quote or material recommendation today:
Phone: +44 (0)121 544 5808
Email: sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk