CNC Machining Materials
Common Materials for CNC Machining
Choosing the right material is critical for CNC machining success. We provide comprehensive CNC machining services with a wide range of materials including metals, plastics, and composites. Our team helps you select the optimal material based on strength, machinability, corrosion resistance, and cost.
Metals for CNC Machining
| Material | Description | Applications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, excellent machinability | Aerospace, automotive, electronics | Easy to mill and cut, suitable for high-volume production |
| Stainless Steel | Strong, corrosion-resistant, harder to machine than aluminum | Medical, food, industrial equipment | Requires proper tooling and feed rates |
| Brass | Good corrosion resistance, low friction, easy to machine | Plumbing, electrical components | Excellent for decorative and precision parts |
| Carbon Steel | Strong and versatile, can be hardened or annealed | Automotive, machinery, structural components | Requires sharp tooling for precise cuts |
| Titanium | High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion-resistant | Aerospace, medical implants, high-performance parts | Difficult to machine, requires specialized tooling |
Plastics & Composites
We also machine a variety of plastics and composite materials suitable for prototypes and functional parts:
- ABS – durable and lightweight, commonly used in electronics and automotive parts
- Delrin / Acetal – low friction, high stiffness, ideal for gears and bearings
- POM, Nylon – strong, machinable plastics for mechanical components
- Carbon fiber reinforced plastics – lightweight and rigid, used in aerospace and automotive
- MDF and Plywood – used for decorative panels, jigs, and molds (not for high-precision applications)
Material Selection Tips
When selecting CNC materials, consider:
- Strength and hardness requirements
- Corrosion resistance and environmental exposure
- Precision and tolerance needs
- Surface finish requirements
- Cost and availability
FAQ: CNC Machining Materials
What materials are used in CNC machining?
CNC machining uses metals like aluminum, stainless steel, brass, titanium, carbon steel, as well as plastics such as ABS, Nylon, POM, and composites. The material choice depends on part requirements and application.
Which material is used in a CNC machine?
The term “material used in CNC machine” typically refers to the workpiece materials. Common materials include metals for strength-critical components and plastics for lightweight or insulating parts.
What materials cannot be CNC machined?
Materials that are extremely brittle, abrasive, or contain embedded contaminants can be difficult or impossible to machine. Examples include ceramics (without specialized tools), glass, and some composite laminates.
Is MDF good for CNC?
MDF is machinable and widely used for decorative panels, jigs, and molds. However, it is not suitable for high-precision or load-bearing components due to its lower strength and susceptibility to moisture.
Contact Us for Expert CNC Material Solutions
Our team provides expert guidance on material selection and precision CNC machining for your custom parts. From metals to plastics, we ensure the right material choice for your application.
Aluminum CNC Machining Service
Professional aluminum CNC machining service for precision parts. Custom solutions for milling, turning, and complex aluminum components.
Stainless Steel CNC Machining Service
Professional stainless steel CNC machining services. High precision, ISO 2768 tolerances, rapid prototyping, and mass production solutions for custom CNC parts.