Choose the Right Metal for CNC Machining
Find the price, material properties, and key applications for the most popular metals used in CNC machining.
Choosing the suitable metal for your CNC machining project can be daunting. The wide range of metals available for CNC machining can be overwhelming. Each metal has a unique combination of strength, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and other properties that make it ideal for specific applications. That’s why we have prepared this guide. You’ll find a detailed overview of the most commonly used metal materials in CNC machining, including their compositions, key benefits, and typical applications.![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_452,h_394/https://www.makerverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/materials-1.webp)
Price Overview
The material you choose dramatically impacts the price you must pay for your part. In addition to the raw material cost, some materials require additional machining costs.![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_452,h_394/https://www.makerverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/materials-1.webp)
Material Overview
Aluminum 5083 (3.3547)
Aluminum 5083 (3.3547) is a high-strength, non-heat, treatable alloy known for its exceptional performance in extreme environments. It is composed of aluminum, magnesium, and small amounts of manganese. Benefits:- High Strength
- Superior Corrosion Resistance
- Excellent Formability
Aluminum 6060 (3.3206)
Aluminum 6060 (3.3206) is a medium-strength heat-treatable alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. This material consists of aluminum, magnesium, and silicon. Benefits: Medium Strength Excellent Corrosion Resistance Superior Weldability Key Applications: It’s mainly used in architectural applications, electrical components, and pipes.Start Your Manufacturing Project with MakerVerse
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Get QuoteAluminum 6061 (3.3211)
Aluminum 6061 (3.3211) is a versatile, medium to high-strength aluminum alloy typically used in structured environments. It consists primarily of aluminum, with magnesium and silicon contributing to its enhanced features. Benefits:- Medium to High Strength
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance
- Good Machinability
Aluminum 6082
Overview: Aluminum 6082 is a medium-strength alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. It contains aluminum, magnesium, and silicon. Benefits- Medium strength
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Good formability
Aluminum 7075 (3.4365)
Aluminum 7075 (3.4365) is a high-strength alloy with good fatigue strength and average machinability. It comprises aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and copper. Benefits:- High strength
- Good fatigue strength
- Average machinability
Brass C360
Brass C360 is a type of free-cutting brass known for its high machinability. It’s made up of copper, zinc, and lead. Benefits:- High machinability
- Good strength
- Excellent corrosion resistance
Copper C110
Copper C110 is the most common form of electrical copper and boasts high electrical conductivity. It’s virtually pure copper with minor amounts of oxygen. Benefits:- High electrical conductivity
- Good ductility
- Excellent corrosion resistance
Stainless Steel 304 (1.4306)
Stainless Steel 304 (1.4306) is a widely used stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance. It’s made primarily of iron, with substantial amounts of chromium and nickel. Benefits:- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Good mechanical properties
- Superior formability
Stainless Steel 316L (1.4404)
Stainless Steel 316L (1.4404) is a low-carbon, high-corrosion-resistant stainless steel used in environments exposed to salt water and various acids. It contains iron, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. Benefits:- High corrosion resistance
- Good mechanical properties
- Excellent weldability
Stainless Steel 17-4PH (1.4542)
Stainless Steel 17-4PH (1.4542) is a martensitic precipitation-hardened stainless steel alloy composed primarily of iron, chromium, nickel, and copper. Benefits:- Highs strength
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Good heat resistance
Tool Steel H13 (1.2344)
Tool Steel H13 (1.2344) is a high-quality, chromium-hot work steel characterized by its ability to withstand severe thermal conditions. It contains iron, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. Benefits:- High Toughness
- Excellent Thermal Fatigue Resistance
- Good Abrasion Resistance
Titanium Grade 2
Titanium Grade 2 is a commercially pure form of titanium characterized by its excellent balance of strength and ductility. It consists primarily of titanium with small amounts of iron and oxygen. Benefits:- High strength
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Superior formability
Titanium Grade 5
Titanium Grade 5 is an alpha-beta titanium alloy known for its high strength and toughness. It contains titanium, aluminum, and vanadium. Benefits:- High strength
- Good toughness
- Excellent corrosion resistance