cnc machining materials
Selecting the right metal, plastic, or alloy is critical to product performance, manufacturing cost, and long-term reliability.
CNC Machining (Metals)
Material
Characteristics & Applications
Cost
Aluminum 6061Aluminum 6061-T6
The most common aluminum alloy. Excellent mechanical properties, weldability, and corrosion resistance. Used for machine parts, electronic enclosures, and fixtures.
Cost Level$
Aluminum 7075Aluminum 7075-T6
Aerospace-grade aluminum. Extremely high strength (comparable to steel) and fatigue resistance, but less corrosion-resistant than 6061. Used for high-stress structural parts.
Cost Level$$
Magnesium AZ31Magnesium AZ31
35% lighter than aluminum with high specific strength and excellent vibration damping. Used for high-end laptop casings and camera equipment.
Cost Level$$
Stainless Steel 304Stainless Steel 304
The most versatile stainless steel. Non-magnetic and excellent corrosion resistance. Suitable for chemical equipment, food processing machinery, and medical devices.
Cost Level$$
Stainless Steel 316Stainless Steel 316L
Contains molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance (especially against salt water) compared to 304. Ideal for marine environments and premium medical implants.
Cost Level$$$
Mild Steel 1018Mild Steel 1018
Standard low-carbon steel with good weldability, formability, and machinability. Requires surface finishing to prevent rust. Cost-effective for general structural parts.
Cost Level$
Brass C360Brass C360
Free-machining brass with excellent machinability and a polished finish. Features a natural golden luster. Used for fittings, decorative parts, and gears.
Cost Level$$
Copper C110Copper C110
High purity with exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity. Ideal material for heat sinks, electrodes, and bus bars.
Cost Level$$$
TitaniumTitanium Ti-6Al-4V
Highest strength-to-weight ratio, outstanding corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. Used in aerospace and medical industries. Difficult to machine.
Cost Level$$$$
CNC Machining (Plastics)
Material
Characteristics & Applications
Cost
ABSEngineering Plastic
Good impact resistance, easy to machine and bond. Surface is suitable for painting. Commonly used for product prototypes and electronic housings.
Cost Level$
POM / AcetalDelrin
High stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability. The preferred plastic for precision gears, bearings, and sliding mechanisms.
Cost Level$$
PC / PolycarbonatePolycarbonate
High optical clarity and extreme impact strength (bulletproof glass material). Suitable for transparent windows, lenses, or tough enclosures.
Cost Level$$
NylonNylon PA6 / PA66
Wear-resistant, fatigue-resistant, and tough. Used for mechanical structural parts. Note: Nylon absorbs moisture which may affect dimensional precision.
Cost Level$$
G10 / FR4Glass Epoxy Laminate
Glass-reinforced epoxy laminate. Extremely high strength, low moisture absorption, and excellent electrical insulation. Used for test fixtures and insulators.
Cost Level$$
Acrylic / PMMAAcrylic
Excellent optical clarity and weather resistance. Used for transparent panels, display stands, and light guides. More brittle than Polycarbonate.
Cost Level$$
PTFETeflon
Chemically inert to almost all substances, lowest coefficient of friction, and high heat resistance. Used for seals, insulators, and non-stick linings.
Cost Level$$$
PEI / UltemPolyetherimide
Amber transparent solid. Outstanding high-heat resistance and chemical resistance with high strength. Used in medical devices and aerospace components.
Cost Level$$$$
PEEKPolyetheretherketone
High-performance polymer with extreme heat resistance, high strength, and chemical resistance. Often used to replace metal in harsh environments.
Cost Level$$$$$
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Material
Characteristics & Applications
Cost
Cold Rolled SteelSPCC
Smooth surface and easy to form. Must be treated (painted, powder coated, plated) to prevent rust. Standard for chassis and cabinets.
Cost Level$
Galvanized SteelSECC / SGCC
Steel sheet coated with a zinc layer for basic rust protection. Used for internal appliance parts and computer cases.
Cost Level$
Spring SteelSpring Steel
Heat-treated to achieve high yield strength, allowing it to return to its original shape after deformation. Used for clips, springs, and washers.
Cost Level$$
Aluminum 5052Aluminum 5052
The best aluminum alloy for bending with good corrosion resistance. Suitable for anodizing. Used for aerospace panels and high-end electronic enclosures.
Cost Level$$
Copper / Brass SheetC11000 / C26000
Includes Brass and Copper sheets. Used for electrical contacts, bus bars, or premium decorative panels. Good conductivity and aesthetics.
Cost Level$$$
Stainless Steel SheetSS304 / SS316
No surface treatment required for rust prevention. High strength and attractive finish. Used for kitchen equipment, outdoor enclosures, and medical devices.
Cost Level$$$
3D Printing (Plastics)
Material
Characteristics & Applications
Cost
SLA ResinStandard Resin
Produces parts with smooth surface finishes and high detail. Ideal for visual prototypes and master patterns. Brittle compared to other plastics.
Cost Level$$
FDM PLAPLA Plastic
The most economical printing method. Visible layer lines. Suitable for form-fit testing and non-structural models.
Cost Level$
FDM PETGPETG Plastic
Tougher and more heat-resistant than PLA, with better impact resistance. Balances printability with functional performance.
Cost Level$
TPU / FlexibleRubber-like Material
Rubber-like elastic material. Used for printing flexible parts such as shoe soles, gaskets, seals, and hoses.
Cost Level$$
Nylon PA12SLS / MJF Nylon
Powder sintering process. High strength, durable, and isotropic mechanical properties. Ideal for functional end-use parts, snaps, and complex geometries.
Cost Level$$$
Clear ResinSLA Clear Resin
Can achieve near-acrylic transparency after sanding and polishing. Used for lenses, light pipes, and fluid flow visualization.
Cost Level$$$
3D Printing (Metals)
Material
Characteristics & Applications
Cost
Stainless Steel 316LStainless Steel 316L
Widely used metal printing material. Offers high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. Used for tools, mold components, and functional prototypes.
Cost Level$$$
AluminumAlSi10Mg
SLM process. The top choice for lightweight structures, ideal for printing complex internal channels and lattice structures.
Cost Level$$$
Maraging SteelMaraging Steel MS1
High strength and hardness. Commonly used for printing injection mold inserts with conformal cooling channels to improve cooling efficiency.
Cost Level$$$$
TitaniumTi6Al4V
Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Used for custom medical implants (e.g., bone replacements) and aerospace components.
Cost Level$$$$$
InconelInconel 718
Superalloy that maintains strength at extreme temperatures. Used for rocket engine components and gas turbine blades.
Cost Level$$$$$
Material Selection Support
Selecting the right metal, plastic, or alloy is critical to product performance, manufacturing cost, and long-term reliability.
✓Mechanical strength requirements
✓Weight reduction goals
✓Corrosion and wear resistance
✓Electrical and thermal conductivity
✓Environmental exposure conditions
✓Production volume and budget
Metals
Engineering Plastics
High-Performance Polymers
Alloy Materials
Composite Materials
Trusted Material Sources for Consistent Quality
Long-term partnerships with raw material suppliers help ensure stable sourcing, consistent quality, and reliable lead times.
01
Material Certificates02
Inspection Reports03
FAI Reports04
CMM Reports05
RoHS Documentation06
REACH Documentation07
Third-Party Testing Reports
Every material batch is verified before entering production to help ensure consistency across high-precision components and critical applications.
From Material Selection to Finished Parts
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CNC Machining
CNC Turning
Precision Grinding
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Metal 3D Printing
Plastic 3D Printing
Surface Finishing
Assembly Services
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Available Materials
Prototype → Production
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