Materials

Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum is one of the most popular CNC machining materials.

 Advantages: Excellent machinability, good thermal conductivity, high strength-to-weight ratio.

 Limitations: Softer than steels, lower wear resistance.

 Applications: Electronic housings, heat sinks, automotive parts, aerospace components.

 Cost: Low to medium.

Known for its durability and corrosion resistance, stainless steel is ideal for functional and structural parts.

 Advantages: High strength, temperature resistance, hygienic surface.

 Limitations: Heavier and harder to machine, higher machining costs.

 Applications: Medical devices, food equipment, automotive components, precision enclosures.

 Cost: Medium to high.

A cost-effective option with strong mechanical properties, widely used for industrial parts.

 Advantages: High strength, easy heat treatment, affordable.

 Limitations: Poor corrosion resistance, requires surface finishing.

 Applications: Shafts, gears, tooling, machine components.

 Cost: Low.

An alloy of copper and zinc, brass offers excellent machinability and electrical conductivity.

 Advantages: Easy to cut, corrosion-resistant, attractive appearance, conductive.

 Limitations: Lower strength than steel, not suitable for heavy loads.

 Applications: Electrical connectors, precision fasteners, decorative hardware.

 Cost: Medium.

Renowned for superior electrical and thermal conductivity.

 Advantages: Excellent conductivity, good corrosion resistance.

 Limitations: High cost, surface oxidation, more difficult to machine.

 Applications: Electrical contacts, heat exchangers, electronic components.

 Cost: High.

Premium material with high strength and low weight, ideal for demanding industries.

 Advantages: Strong yet lightweight, biocompatible, outstanding corrosion resistance.

 Limitations: Difficult to machine, tool-wear intensive, expensive.

 Applications: Aerospace structures, medical implants, performance automotive parts.

 Cost: High.

The lightest structural metal, used where weight reduction is critical.

 Advantages: Very light, high specific strength, excellent machinability.

 Limitations: Lower corrosion resistance, flammability concerns, relatively costly.

 Applications: Consumer electronics, automotive lightweight parts, aerospace housings.

 Cost: Medium to high.

Designed for strength, hardness, and wear resistance, often used in tooling.

 Advantages: Very hard, heat-treatable, wear-resistant.

 Limitations: Expensive, more challenging to machine.

 Applications: Dies, molds, cutting tools, industrial fixtures.

 Cost: Medium to high.

Affordable and versatile, often used in die casting and decorative components.

 Advantages: Low cost, good machinability, smooth surface finish.

 Limitations: Lower strength, moderate corrosion resistance.

 Applications: Decorative hardware, small precision parts, electronic accessories.

 Cost: Low.

Lightweight and versatile, suitable for prototypes and functional parts.

 Advantages: Easy to machine, corrosion-resistant, insulating, flexible in design.

 Limitatons: Lower strength and heat resistance compared to metals.

 Applications: Medical housings, insulating components, automotive interiors, prototypes.

 Cost: Low to medium.