CNC Material Selection Guide
12 common engineering materials compared: machinability, strength, cost, corrosion resistance, and applications.
I've machined thousands of parts in 40+ different metals and plastics over 18 years. Material selection is where most project mistakes happen — picking the wrong grade costs far more than the material itself when you account for tool wear, cycle time, and scrap.
Here's what I tell every customer who asks "what material should I use?"
Engineering Alloy Matrix
| Material | Machinability | Tensile Strength | Corrosion | Cost | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 Aluminum | Excellent | 310 MPa | Good | $ | Prototypes, structural, aerospace brackets, automotive |
| 7075-T7351 Aluminum | Good | 570 MPa | Good | $$ | High-stress aerospace, missile components, gears |
| 303 Stainless | Excellent | 690 MPa | Good | $$ | Fittings, fasteners, shafts, connectors |
| 304 Stainless | Good | 760 MPa | Excellent | $$ | Food equipment, medical devices, enclosures |
| 316 Stainless | Fair | 620 MPa | Excellent | $$$ | Marine, pharmaceutical, chemical equipment |
| 17-4PH Stainless | Good (annealed) | 1,100 MPa | Excellent | $$$ | Aerospace shafts, valve components, surgical tools |
| Ti 6Al-4V Grade 5 | Fair | 950 MPa | Excellent | $$$$ | Aerospace structural, medical implants, motorsport |
| Inconel 718 | Challenging | 1,350 MPa | Excellent | $$$$$ | Turbine blades, exhaust, oil & gas downhole |
| Brass C360 | Excellent | 400 MPa | Good | $$ | Fittings, valves, electrical components, decorative |
| Copper C110 | Good | 350 MPa | Good | $$$ | Electrical bus bars, heat sinks, welding tips |
| PEEK | Good | 100 MPa | Excellent | $$$$ | Medical implants, aerospace, semiconductor, bearings |
| Acetal / Delrin | Excellent | 70 MPa | Excellent | $$ | Bushings, gears, jigs, food-grade parts |
See detailed guides: Aluminum · Stainless · Titanium · Inconel · PEEK
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