Help on most common used metals for manufacture

Hello, I am a 24 college student, who has invented a new product I would like to sell. I am starting my business by myself. I am trying to find out what are the most common metals used to create something that is small, fairly light weight and that could be plated well, also that will not bend with applied pressure after it is made. If anyone could help me out I would really really appreciate it- Thank you all so much.
~Brittany


bigfootnampa's picture

Brittany; Your question is

Brittany; Your question is too vague for anyone to give you a useful answer. How small? How light? How much pressure? Plating with what? Mild steel is cheap and ubiquitous and serves most such uses but perhaps you need something special depending on all of the answers above and perhaps a few more besides?