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Protoboxes

Aluminum material profiles

Keep versatile material on hand for prototypes, fixtures, testing, training and unexpected projects.

Protoboxes from our sister company, OnlineMetals.com, contain assorted pre-cut material packaged into convenient weight-based bundles. They give you usable stock for projects that do not require exact dimensions - often at a lower cost than purchasing individual cut pieces.

Shop All Protoboxes
Our sister company OnlineMetals.com

What Is a Protobox?

A Protobox is a packaged assortment of pre-cut material in a variety of sizes, thicknesses and shapes. Because the pieces are already cut and dimensions vary, protoboxes provide a cost-effective way to purchase useful material for jobs where exact sizing is not required.

Depending on the protobox selected, each package may include a mix of:

  • Thicknesses
  • Widths
  • Lengths
  • Shapes or profiles
  • Pre-cut usable material

Rather than purchasing individual pieces for every project, protoboxes give you a ready supply of material for prototyping, machining, testing, training and other small-scale work.

Unpacking an aluminum protobox

Why Buy Protoboxes?

Protoboxes give you a cost-effective way to keep versatile material on hand for machining, fabrication, prototyping, training and other small projects.

  • More Material for Your Budget
    Get usable pre-cut material at a lower cost than purchasing individual pieces.
  • Ready When You Need It
    Keep assorted stock available for prototypes, fixtures, machining, fabrication and unexpected shop projects.
  • Variety Included
    Receive a range of sizes and dimensions in one convenient package.
  • Great for Experimentation
    Use assorted material for testing, practice, design iteration and small projects without committing to individually cut pieces.
  • Reduce Lead Time
    Avoid sourcing a new piece of material for every prototype, test part or small project.

Who Are Protoboxes For?

Machine Shops

Stock versatile material for fixture work, prototypes, tooling and small production needs.

Research & Development

Keep assorted material available for testing, proofs of concept and design iteration.

Learning & Practice

Ideal for CNC training, machining practice, welding exercises and educational programs.

Product Development

Have material ready for rapid prototyping and unexpected project requirements.

Aluminum Protoboxes

While protoboxes are available in several materials, aluminum offers some of the broadest options for machining, prototyping, fixture work and general shop use.

OnlineMetals.com offers general aluminum protoboxes as well as more focused 6000 Series and 7000 Series Aluminum Protoboxes for projects where alloy family and performance characteristics matter.

Shop Aluminum Protoboxes
Aluminum protobox material on a pallet

6000 Series Aluminum Protoboxes

A versatile choice for general machining and everyday prototyping.

Best for:

  • General machining
  • Weldability
  • Structural applications
  • Everyday prototyping

6000 Series protoboxes commonly include material from the versatile 6061 aluminum family.

7000 Series Aluminum Protoboxes

A strong option for applications where higher-strength aluminum is needed.

Best for:

  • High-strength projects
  • Aerospace applications
  • Performance components
  • Fixture tooling

7000 Series aluminum is often preferred when strength is more important than weldability.

Protobox Sizes for Projects Big and Small

Aluminum protoboxes are available in a range of weights to support everything from occasional experimentation to ongoing shop and prototype work.

  • 5–10 lbs
    Small projects and experimentation
  • 25 lbs
    Starter shop inventory and prototyping
  • 50–100 lbs
    Machine shops, fixture work and frequent prototyping
  • 250–500 lbs
    Department-level inventory and continuous prototype development

Aluminum protobox material on a table

Other Protobox Materials

OnlineMetals.com also offers protoboxes in select additional materials, including:

  • Brass
  • Carbon steel
  • Copper
  • Stainless steel

Availability and assortment vary by material.


Keep Material Ready for the Next Idea

Whether you are machining a fixture, testing a design, training an operator or building your next prototype, protoboxes make it easier to keep useful metal within reach.