Common Materials Found in CNC Milling Parts Production
When you look at materials used in cnc milling, you see metals and plastics. These materials have special benefits. The most common ones are:
Aluminum alloys
Stainless steel
Carbon steel
Brass
Copper
Titanium
ABS
Nylon
Polycarbonate
Picking the right material changes how your parts work and last. A cnc milling parts factory like Waltay can help you choose the best one for your project. Many industries like aluminum for cnc parts because it is light, strong, and easy to shape.
Key Takeaways
Picking the right material for CNC milling is important. It changes how well your parts work and how long they last. Metals like aluminum and stainless steel are strong. They do not rust easily. Plastics like ABS and nylon are light. They keep parts safe from chemicals. This makes them good for many uses. CNC experts can help you choose the best materials. They make sure your parts follow the rules for your industry. Getting fast delivery and accurate work from a trusted CNC factory helps your project go better. It can make your work faster and easier.
Metals Used in CNC Machining
Picking the right metals for cnc machining makes parts strong and dependable. Factories use many metals. Each metal has its own special qualities. Here are the most common metals used in cnc machining.
Aluminum Alloys
Aluminum alloys are liked because they are light and tough. You can use them for lots of things. Waltay’s Customized Aluminum CNC Machined Parts show how aluminum alloys work in electronics, cars, and medical tools. These alloys do not rust easily. You can add finishes like anodizing or powder coating. This helps parts last longer and look nicer.
Here is a table that lists some aluminum alloys and what they are used for:
Alloy
Mechanical Properties
Typical Applications
6082
High corrosion resistance, high strength
Aircraft parts, structural parts, trusses, bridges
7075
Highest strength-to-weight ratio, varies by temper
Aircraft, aerospace, gears, shafts
2024
Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, high fatigue resistance
Commercial & military aircraft, automotive components
5052
Medium to high strength, excellent corrosion resistance
Pressure vessels, kitchen appliances, hydraulic tubes
5080
High precision, fine grain structure
PCB substrate, gages, molds
MIC-6
Good weldability, high resistance to corrosion cracks
Tooling, base plates, jigs and fixtures
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is strong and does not rust easily. You see stainless steel in food machines, medical tools, and building parts. It is good for places that need clean and tough materials. Different grades of stainless steel have different levels of strength and hardness.
Grade
Tensile Strength (MPa)
Yield Strength (MPa)
Corrosion Resistance
Hardness (Brinell)
15-5
1280
N/A
Moderate
388
17-4
1379
N/A
High
419
18-8 (304)
215
N/A
Good
123
303
240
N/A
Lower than 304
160
304
215
N/A
Good
123
316
N/A
N/A
Excellent
N/A
Steel
Steel is very strong and tough. You find steel in cars, planes, and military gear. Factories use steel for engines, gearboxes, and sturdy frames. Steel is good for parts that carry heavy loads and face stress.
Automotive: Engine parts and gearboxes use steel for strength.
Aerospace: Steel helps make strong engine mounts and landing gear.
Defense: Steel is used for guns and armored vehicles.
Brass and Copper
Brass and copper move heat and electricity well. You use them for electrical parts, plumbing, and decorations. Copper is best when you need high conductivity. Brass is strong and looks nice.
Material
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)
Electrical Conductivity (x10^6 S/m)
Copper (C11000)
400
59.6
Brass (C26000)
120
28
Titanium
Titanium is light and very strong. You see titanium in planes, cars, medical implants, and sports gear. It does not rust and works well in hard places. Titanium is good for parts that need to be strong but not heavy.
Industry
Applications
Aerospace
Turbine blades, airframe parts, engine components, fasteners
Automotive
Fasteners, exhaust systems, suspension, brake calipers, tire rims
Defense
Armor components, equipment housings, guidance systems
Medical
Implants, surgical instruments, prosthetics, dental implants
Marine
Propeller shafts, pumps, underwater equipment
Chemical
Reactors, heat exchangers, storage vessels
Energy
Geothermal, nuclear, offshore installations
Sports
Bicycle frames, golf clubs, tennis rackets
Tip: Picking the right metals for your CNC parts helps you get the best results. Each metal works best for different jobs and industries.
Plastics and Non-Metals in CNC Milling
You can pick from many plastics for CNC milled parts. These materials make parts light and strong. They also protect against chemicals. Plastics are popular because they weigh much less than metals. They can be up to 70% lighter. Plastics work well where you need protection from acids or solvents. You see these materials in electronics, cars, medical devices, and products people use every day.
Here is a table that shows how easy plastics are to machine and their main features:
CNC Plastic Type
Machinability
Key Characteristics
ABS
Excellent
Easy to shape, low cost, strong against impacts, and can be formed with heat.
Delrin (Acetal)
Excellent
Slides easily, very stiff, keeps its shape well, good for gears and bearings.
Nylon
Fair to Good
Wears well, but takes in water, which can change how it is machined.
Polycarbonate
Fair to Good
Very tough, handles impacts, but may crack sometimes.
PEEK
Fair
Handles heat well, very hard, but is harder to machine.
ABS
ABS is used a lot in CNC milling. It is easy to shape and does not break easily. You find ABS in car parts, cases for electronics, and toys. It protects against chemicals and keeps parts light.
Delrin (Acetal)
Delrin is smooth and very stiff. You use it for gears and moving parts. Delrin is good when you need parts to move exactly and last long. It also stands up to chemicals, so it works well in factories.
Nylon
Nylon wears down slowly. You use nylon for bushings, washers, and machine parts. Nylon takes in water, so you need to think about this if parts go outside or in wet places. Nylon still protects against chemicals and helps keep parts light.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is very strong and does not break easily. You see it in safety gear, covers for machines, and electronic parts. Polycarbonate is good when you need clear and tough parts. It also protects against chemicals.
PEEK
PEEK is a special plastic for tough jobs. You use it in planes, medical implants, and car parts. PEEK stands up to heat and chemicals. It is much lighter than metal, up to 70% less. You pick PEEK when you need parts that last in hard places.
Tip: If you choose plastic for CNC milling, your parts will be lighter and better at fighting chemicals. This helps your parts work better in many jobs.
CNC Milling Parts Factory: Material Choices
Customization and Surface Treatments
When you work with a cnc milling parts factory, you have many choices. Factories like Waltay help you pick the best alloys for your project. You can choose aluminum, stainless steel, titanium alloys, or copper for cnc components. Each material has its own benefits. Titanium alloys are strong and light. Copper for cnc components is great for carrying electricity.
Surface treatments help your parts last longer and look nicer. Here is a table that shows common treatments you can ask for at a cnc milling parts factory:
Surface Treatment
Description
Applications
Anodizing
Makes a tough layer on aluminum to stop rust and wear
Medical, Electronics, Automotive
Sn/Cu Plating
Helps parts solder well and carry electricity
Electronic components
Powder Coating
Adds a strong and colorful finish
Industrial and consumer applications
Passivation & Electroplating
Makes stainless steel and other metals resist rust
Various industries
Custom Coatings
Special coatings made for your needs
Varies based on client needs
You can ask for special coatings if you need them. This helps your parts meet strict rules for your industry.
Quality Standards and Tolerances
A good cnc milling parts factory checks quality all the time. You want your metal materials to be made very carefully, especially with alloys like 6061-T6 aluminum or titanium alloys. These alloys keep their shape well when machined. Factories use first checks, checks during making, and final checks to make sure your parts are correct.
Aluminum is easy to machine and keeps its shape.
Stainless steel and titanium alloys can change shape from heat or bending.
Plastics can bend if the rules are too strict.
Factories also keep good records. This helps you know where every part is and makes sure your metal materials are just right.
Tip: Being exact in cnc milling helps your parts fit and work well, even in tough jobs like aerospace or medical devices.
Fast Delivery and Service
Getting parts fast is important. A top cnc milling parts factory like Waltay can deliver quickly. Standard parts usually arrive in 1 to 3 weeks. Custom or tricky parts may take 5 to 8 weeks or more.
Part Type
Lead Time
Standard Parts
1 to 3 weeks
Custom or Complex Parts
5 to 8 weeks or longer
You get fast service and good quality. This helps you finish your projects on time. When you pick a trusted cnc milling parts factory, you know your metal materials and alloys will come on time and be just what you need.
Selecting the Right Material for Your Parts
Picking the right material is a big step in CNC milling. You want your parts to work well and last a long time. You also want to stay within your budget. The material you pick changes how your parts work, how much they cost, and how easy they are to make. You need to think about strength, how easy it is to machine, price, and what your parts will do.
Mechanical Properties
Start by looking at mechanical properties. These tell you how a material acts when used for cnc components or precision metal parts. If you want strong and tough parts, check these things:
Mechanical Property
Description
Strength
Shows how much force a material can take before it bends or breaks.
Hardness
Tells how well a material can resist scratches or dents.
Ductility
Shows if a material can stretch without breaking.
Impact Resistance
Tells if a material can handle hard hits without breaking.
Match the mechanical properties to what your parts need to do. If your parts need to hold heavy things, pick a strong material. If your parts might get dropped, pick one with good impact resistance. Hardness helps stop scratches and dents. Ductility lets parts bend instead of breaking.
Machinability is also important. If a material is easy to machine, you save time and money. Good machinability means you can make parts faster and better. If a material is hard to machine, you need special tools and more time. This can slow you down and cost more.
Good machinability helps you make parts faster and cheaper.
Bad machinability means you need special tools and more changes.
Machinability changes how good your finished parts are.
Think about how the material acts when you cut it. Machinability depends on how the material handles heat, how hard it is, and how it reacts to cutting.
Cost and Efficiency
The material you pick changes your budget and how fast you finish parts. Metals and plastics cost different amounts and take different times to machine. You need to balance price and how well the part works.
Category
Metals
Plastics
Material Costs
Usually cost more per pound
Cheaper for testing, but some plastics cost more
Machining Times
Need strong tools and take longer
Can be cut faster but may waste more if not careful
Compare the price and how well each material works. Metals like titanium or stainless steel cost more but are very strong. Aluminum and plastics are easier to machine and cost less. If you want to save money, pick a material that is easy to cut and does not wear out your tools.
Material
Cost Range
Machining Difficulty
Tool Wear
Aluminum Alloy (6061)
¥80-120/kg
Low
Lower
Stainless Steel (304)
¥150-250/kg
Medium
Higher
Titanium Alloy (Ti6Al4V)
¥800-1,200/kg
High
Needs special tools
Check how the material acts when you machine it. Look for problems like tool wear, speed, and accuracy. If you pick the wrong material, you might get rough parts or parts that do not fit. This can cost more and mean you need to change tools more often.
Tip: Always balance price and how well the part works. Do not pick the strongest material if you do not need it. You can save money and still get good parts.
Think about the environment too. If you want to be eco-friendly, pick materials like aluminum or steel that can be recycled. CNC machining helps you use less material and make less waste.
End-Use Requirements
The material you pick depends on what your parts will do. Think about where your parts will go, how they should look, and what rules they must follow.
Requirement Type
Description
Environmental
Includes heat and cold resistance, flame safety, or UV and chemical protection. Some jobs need food or medical grade materials.
Electrical
Some parts need to carry electricity or stop static. Pick the right material for this.
Mechanical
Think about how strong, tough, or wear-resistant your parts need to be.
Cosmetic
Some parts need to look good or have a certain color or texture.
Size
Some materials only come in certain sizes.
Cost
Price is important and can change what you pick.
Check if your parts need to handle heat, cold, or chemicals. Some materials can bend or break if the temperature changes a lot. If your parts will be near strong chemicals, pick a material that does not react. If you want your parts to look nice, pick a material with a good finish or color.
If you make cnc components for special jobs, you need to follow industry rules. Aerospace, car, and medical jobs have strict rules for materials. Pick materials that meet these rules so your parts work well and stay safe.
Note: Picking the wrong material can cause problems later. Your parts might wear out fast, break, or not work right. Always think about what your parts will do before you choose.
Think about the size of your parts too. Some materials only come in certain sizes. Make sure the material fits your design.
To avoid mistakes, keep your designs simple. Do not add tiny details that are hard to machine. Small letters, thin walls, or tiny holes can make machining harder and cost more. Make sure holes are the right size for threads.
Get Expert Advice for Material Selection
You do not have to pick alone. CNC experts, like the team at Waltay, can help you choose the right material. They know how to match materials to your needs. You can ask them about how long it takes to get materials, if they are easy to find, and how to test your parts. They help you balance price and how well your parts work, so you do not use more than you need. They also help with finishes and extra steps after machining.
Start with what your parts need to do. Pick materials for that.
Think about how long it takes to get the material.
Use test parts before making the final ones.
Match machinability to your budget.
Balance price and how well the part works. Do not pick materials that are too strong.
Think about how your parts should look from the start.
Tip: Working with CNC experts helps you avoid mistakes and get the best parts.
Picking the right material helps you make parts that work well, last long, and do not cost too much. Always think about mechanical properties, price, speed, and what your parts will do. If you need help, talk to CNC experts like Waltay. They can help you pick the best material for your cnc components and precision metal parts.
Metals like aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper, and titanium are used in cnc milling. Plastics such as ABS, nylon, polycarbonate, and PEEK are also important. Picking the right material for cnc milling changes how parts work, how much they cost, and how long they last. If you work with a cnc milling parts factory, you get accurate parts, more choices, and faster service. Customers say that picking the right cnc milling material gives better results. If you need help with cnc milling, you can ask Waltay for advice. This can help your cnc milling project succeed.
Cnc milling lets you use many metals and plastics.
The material you pick for cnc milling changes cost and quality.
Cnc milling experts help you choose the best material.
Waltay gives you custom cnc milling solutions.
Cnc milling factories deliver quickly and make precise parts.
Cnc milling makes parts that are always the same.
Cnc milling cuts down on waste and saves time.
Cnc milling helps industries like aerospace and medical.
Cnc milling makes parts that are strong and light.
Cnc milling helps you follow strict industry rules.
Cnc milling lets you add special surface treatments.
Cnc milling makes sure every part matches your design.
Cnc milling lowers mistakes made by people.
Cnc milling uses machines to keep making parts.
Cnc milling can make parts with very exact sizes.
Cnc milling gives you lots of material choices.
Cnc milling helps you get good parts for a fair price.
Cnc milling experts help you pick the right material.
Cnc milling makes your parts look and work better.
Cnc milling is a smart way to make strong and cheap parts.
Tip: You can get better cnc milling results by working with experts who know about materials and machining.
Benefit
Description
Precision
Cnc milling makes parts very accurate.
Flexibility
Cnc milling works for easy and hard designs.
Fast Turnaround
Cnc milling helps you finish parts quickly.
FAQ
What is cnc machining?
Cnc machining uses machines to make parts from metal or plastic. Computers tell the machines how to cut and shape the material. This makes parts that are very exact and always the same. Many companies use cnc machining for strong and dependable parts.
Why should you choose cnc machining for your project?
Cnc machining makes parts very exact and quickly. You can create shapes that are hard to make by hand. It works for both test parts and big orders. The parts are strong and fit what you need. Cnc machining also helps save time and cuts down on waste.
Which materials work best for cnc machining?
You can use metals like aluminum, steel, brass, and titanium. Plastics such as ABS, nylon, and PEEK are good choices too. The best material depends on what your part will do. Cnc machining lets you pick materials for strength, weight, or price.
How do you pick the right cnc machining factory?
Find a factory that knows a lot about cnc machining. Make sure they offer custom choices and deliver fast. Ask if they check quality and do surface treatments. A good factory helps you pick materials and meets your project needs.
Can cnc machining make custom parts for different industries?
Yes, cnc machining can make special parts for many industries. You see cnc machining in aerospace, cars, electronics, and medical jobs. You can get parts with different shapes, sizes, and finishes. Cnc machining helps you follow strict industry rules.