CNC Machining Metals Comparison

MaterialDescriptionKey PropertiesCommon Uses
AluminumLightweight metal with high machinability, good strength, and corrosion resistance.High thermal/electrical conductivity, corrosion-resistant, good strength-to-weight ratio.Automotive parts, aerospace components, structural applications.
BrassAlloy of copper and zinc, with excellent machinability and corrosion resistance.High machinability, moderate strength, minimal need for coolant.Valves, fittings, decorative hardware, gears.
CopperHighly conductive metal with excellent ductility and corrosion resistance.Excellent electrical/thermal conductivity, ductile, forms natural patina.Electrical contacts, heat exchangers, busbars.
Stainless SteelCorrosion-resistant steel with excellent machinability and mechanical uniformity.Good weldability, high ductility, corrosion resistance.Medical instruments, kitchenware, structural parts.
Steel Alloy (4140)Low alloy steel known for toughness and fatigue resistance.High fatigue strength, impact and wear resistance, tough.Tooling, dies, automotive parts, gears.
Steel Mild (Low Carbon)Cost-effective material with good ductility and ease of machining.Low strength, easy to weld and form, high ductility.General structural components, enclosures, machine parts.
TitaniumHigh-performance material with excellent strength-to-weight and corrosion resistance.Biocompatible, corrosion-resistant, high strength, low thermal conductivity.Aerospace parts, medical implants, high-performance components.

CNC Machining Plastics Comparison

MaterialDescriptionKey PropertiesCommon Uses
ABSLow-cost engineering plastic with excellent dimensional stability.Impact resistance, stiffness, easy to paint/glue, good machinability.Prototypes, enclosures, structural components.
Acetal (Delrin 570)Glass-filled homopolymer with high stiffness and low warpage.Low creep, dimensionally stable, strong at high temperatures.Precision mechanical parts, bushings, gears.
CPVCChlorinated PVC ideal for high-temp and corrosion-resistant structures.Excellent corrosion resistance, good at elevated temperatures.Pipe fittings, valves, chemical processing equipment.
Delrin (POM)High-performance plastic with low friction and excellent wear resistance.High strength, low friction, wear resistance, good machinability.Bearings, gears, fasteners, electrical insulators.
HDPEHigh-density, chemically resistant plastic with good strength.Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, low moisture absorption.Water tanks, orthotics, marine applications.
LDPEFlexible version of HDPE, ideal for soft, formed components.Flexible, corrosion-resistant, lightweight, impact-resistant.Thermoformed parts, prosthetics, liners.
NylonDurable engineering plastic with high strength and wear resistance.Low friction, abrasion-resistant, strong, stable in humidity.Gears, bushings, rollers, pulleys.
PEEKHigh-performance thermoplastic for critical engineering applications.Thermal/chemical resistance, high strength, biocompatible.Aerospace, medical implants, electronics.
PEI (ULTEM)Amorphous thermoplastic with strong mechanical and thermal performance.High heat resistance, stress resistance, electrical insulation.Electronics, automotive, aerospace housings.
PETSemi-crystalline polyester with great dimensional stability.Low friction, wear-resistant, high flexural modulus.Gears, electrical insulators, food contact parts.
PMMA (Acrylic)Optically clear plastic with UV resistance and good surface quality.High light transmission, weatherable, impact resistance.Light covers, signage, display panels, lenses.

Tolerances for CNC Machining

Factory TypeTolerancesLead Times
Traditional Factory±0.002 in.5–15 days
Network±0.001 in.5–20+ days

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