Automation equipment consist of standard and non-standard components. The quality of non-standard component is related to the normal running of whole equipment and material is the key factor for quality, so for designer, it is really important to know the performance and application of different material well.
The main category of material is: metal and non-metal.The sheet below is the most common material category for automation industry.
The picture below shows material selection of an automation equipment non-standard components: