Wide Material Capability
Metals & engineering plastics
CNC MACHINING MATERIALS
CNC Machining Materials for Custom Parts
We machine a wide range of metals and engineering plastics for prototypes and production parts. Upload your drawing for material, machining and finishing review.
Material and Engineering Capabilities
Engineering Review
DFM, material & process review
Finishing & Post-Processing
Anodizing, plating & heat-treatment review
Inspection & Documentation
Dimensional inspection · Documentation review
FROM GRADE TO FINISHED PART
View All Materials Materials We Machine
Aluminum
6061-T6 · 7075-T6 · 2024 · 6082
- Best for
- Lightweight structures, housings, brackets and fixtures.
- Machinability
- Excellent
- Common Finishes
- Anodizing, hard anodizing, chemical film
Stainless Steel
303 · 304 · 316 · 17-4PH
- Best for
- Corrosion-resistant parts and specified medical, food or marine applications.
- Machinability
- Good; grade dependent
- Common Finishes
- Passivation, electropolishing, bead blasting
Carbon / Alloy Steel
1018 · 1045 · 4140 · 4340
- Best for
- Shafts, fixtures, structural and high-strength parts.
- Machinability
- Good; condition dependent
- Common Finishes
- Black oxide, zinc plating, powder coating
Titanium
Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5)
- Best for
- High-performance and weight-critical parts, including specified aerospace components.
- Machinability
- Challenging
- Common Finishes
- Passivation / application-specific finishing
Brass & Copper
C360 Brass · C110 Copper
- Best for
- Electrical, plumbing, fittings and precision components.
- Machinability
- Excellent for C360; copper varies
- Common Finishes
- Nickel plating, tin plating, polishing
Engineering Plastics
POM / Delrin · Nylon · PEEK · PTFE
- Best for
- Insulation, wear parts, bushings, guides and lightweight components.
- Machinability
- Good to excellent; grade dependent
- Common Finishes
- As machined / application-specific
Exact grade, condition, geometry and finishing route are confirmed through drawing review before quotation.
Material Directory
16 material families & reference grades
Reference families for engineering discussion. Stock, process suitability and documentation are confirmed for each project.
Aluminum
A practical choice for lightweight housings, brackets, plates and fixtures that need good machinability and flexible finishing options.
Reference Grades
6061-T66082-T67075-T62024-T3 / T3515052-H32MIC-6 tooling plate
- Typical Parts
- Equipment housings, mounting brackets, fixture plates, mold components and structural hardware.
- Machining Notes
- Thin walls and broad flat areas benefit from suitable workholding and toolpaths to manage heat and movement.
- Finishing Options
- As-machined, bead blasted, anodized, polished, conversion coated or powder coated after review.
- Engineering Review
- Confirm alloy, temper, flatness needs and any finish-sensitive dimensions before quotation.
Titanium
Selected when a lightweight metal with corrosion resistance is needed for demanding brackets and industrial components.
Reference Grades
Grade 2Grade 5 / Ti-6Al-4V
- Typical Parts
- Lightweight structural brackets, corrosion-resistant hardware and development components.
- Machining Notes
- Heat concentration and tool wear call for rigid workholding, controlled cutting and realistic feature access.
- Finishing Options
- As-machined, bead blasted, polished, passivated or application-specific finishes after review.
- Engineering Review
- Confirm grade, section thickness, feature access and the required condition before process planning.
Magnesium
Considered for weight-sensitive parts where the design and handling plan support magnesium use.
Reference Grades
AZ31BAZ91DZK60
- Typical Parts
- Lightweight covers, instrument housings, brackets and development fixtures.
- Machining Notes
- Chip evacuation and heat control need planned handling because fine magnesium chips and dust are combustible.
- Finishing Options
- As-machined, conversion coating, painting or project-specific protective finishes after review.
- Engineering Review
- Combustible chip and dust controls require supplier and process review before machining.
Carbon and Free-Machining Steel
A familiar option for pins, shafts, fixtures and general machine parts where grade and supply condition guide the choice.
Reference Grades
10181020104512L141215
- Typical Parts
- Fixture blocks, pins, shafts, spacers, machine components and threaded hardware.
- Machining Notes
- Machinability and stability vary by grade, bar condition, heat treatment and part geometry.
- Finishing Options
- As-machined, black oxide, plating, phosphating, painting or protective oil after review.
- Engineering Review
- For 12L14, confirm lead-containing material acceptance and documentation requirements.
Alloy Steel
Chosen for machine elements where strength, toughness or a specified heat-treatment route is part of the design.
Reference Grades
414043408620
- Typical Parts
- Shafts, gears, fixture parts, machine components and wear-related hardware.
- Machining Notes
- Hardness, heat-treatment state and residual stress affect tooling, cutting time and distortion control.
- Finishing Options
- As-machined, black oxide, plating, phosphating, painting or protective oil after review.
- Engineering Review
- State the required supply and heat-treatment condition because it changes machining planning.
Tool and Mold Steel
Used for mold components, tooling inserts and wear parts that need a specified steel family and processing condition.
Reference Grades
P20H13D2A2S7
- Typical Parts
- Mold inserts, cores, cavity components, punches, dies and tooling fixtures.
- Machining Notes
- Pre-hardening, heat treatment and abrasive wear behavior influence tool choice, sequencing and final stability.
- Finishing Options
- As-machined, polished, nitrided, coated or protected after review of the grade and use.
- Engineering Review
- Confirm hardness, heat-treatment route and polishing or EDM requirements before quoting.
Stainless Steel
Selected for corrosion-conscious hardware, cleanable components, shafts and sleeves where grade selection matters.
Reference Grades
303304316 / 316L17-4 PH420440C
- Typical Parts
- Shafts, sleeves, valve parts, food-equipment hardware and corrosion-resistant fixtures.
- Machining Notes
- Work-hardening behavior, alloy condition and tool wear influence cutting data, burr control and distortion planning.
- Finishing Options
- As-machined, passivated, electropolished, mechanically polished, bead blasted or laser marked after review.
- Engineering Review
- Specify the exact grade and condition rather than relying on a generic stainless designation.
Nickel Alloys
Considered for demanding environments where the approved alloy and material condition drive the engineering decision.
Reference Grades
Inconel 625Inconel 718Monel 400
- Typical Parts
- High-temperature fixtures, corrosion-exposed hardware, valve components and development parts.
- Machining Notes
- Heat concentration and rapid tool wear require controlled parameters, rigid setup and careful toolpath planning.
- Finishing Options
- As-machined, bead blasted, polished, passivated or specified protective treatment after review.
- Engineering Review
- Review heat concentration, tool wear and stock condition before accepting the machining plan.
Brass
A machinable copper alloy family for fittings, connectors, threaded features and appearance-sensitive hardware.
Reference Grades
C360C385C464
- Typical Parts
- Fittings, connectors, spacers, valve components, threaded inserts and decorative hardware.
- Machining Notes
- Alloy selection affects chip formation, burr control and cosmetic handling for small or threaded features.
- Finishing Options
- As-machined, polished, nickel plated, chrome plated or clear protected after review.
- Engineering Review
- Confirm the alloy and any compliance, corrosion or cosmetic requirements with the drawing.
Copper
Selected for conductive or heat-transfer components where the specified copper alloy and geometry determine the route.
Reference Grades
C101C110C145C172C18150
- Typical Parts
- Cooling plates, heat-transfer blocks, busbars, contacts, electrodes and conductive hardware.
- Machining Notes
- Ductility can affect chip control, burr formation and surface finish; flat parts may need staged machining.
- Finishing Options
- As-machined, polished, nickel plated, tin plated or protected after review.
- Engineering Review
- C172 is beryllium-containing and requires controlled machining and EHS review.
Bronze
A copper alloy family for bushings, guide parts and sliding interfaces where alloy choice and clearances matter.
Reference Grades
C932C954C863
- Typical Parts
- Bushings, bearing components, wear plates, guide blocks, thrust washers and machine hardware.
- Machining Notes
- Alloy type affects chip behavior and finish; functional fits and running clearances should be defined clearly.
- Finishing Options
- As-machined, polished, oiled or application-specific protective treatment after review.
- Engineering Review
- Confirm the bronze grade and functional clearance or wear requirements before material selection.
Acetal / POM
A practical engineering plastic for low-friction guides, spacers and dimensional parts where metal is unnecessary.
Reference Grades
POM-HPOM-C
- Typical Parts
- Guides, spacers, low-load gears, fixture nests, insulators and wear pads.
- Machining Notes
- Thermal movement, clamping pressure and feature thickness affect dimensional stability and edge quality.
- Finishing Options
- Usually as-machined with deburring, polishing or marking considered by application.
- Engineering Review
- Confirm temperature, chemical exposure and tolerance needs because polymer movement can affect fit.
Nylon / PA
Used for wear pads, guides and insulating parts where toughness and a suitable polymer grade support the application.
Reference Grades
PA6PA66PA12glass-filled nylon
- Typical Parts
- Guides, bushings, wear pads, spacers, fixture components and insulating hardware.
- Machining Notes
- Moisture absorption, thermal movement and clamping pressure can affect size, flatness and finished features.
- Finishing Options
- Usually as-machined with deburring, polishing or marking considered by polymer grade.
- Engineering Review
- Review moisture conditioning and, for filled grades, abrasive fillers, anisotropy and thermal movement.
PTFE
Considered for seals, chemical-service parts and low-friction components where the approved grade suits the design.
Reference Grades
virgin PTFEfilled PTFE
- Typical Parts
- Seals, valve seats, chemical-service spacers, low-friction guides and insulating components.
- Machining Notes
- Softness, creep and thermal movement require conservative workholding and tolerance review.
- Finishing Options
- Usually as-machined with deburring and edge treatment reviewed for the part function.
- Engineering Review
- Confirm creep, temperature exposure and any filled-grade behavior before finalizing dimensions.
High-Performance Plastics
A selection-reference group for applications that need a specified engineering polymer beyond general-purpose plastics.
Reference Grades
PEEKglass-filled PEEKPPSPEI
- Typical Parts
- Insulating components, fixtures, wear parts, valve elements and temperature-conscious development parts.
- Machining Notes
- Material grade, filler content, heat during cutting and part geometry affect stability, tool wear and finished dimensions.
- Finishing Options
- Usually as-machined with deburring, marking or application-specific treatment reviewed by polymer grade.
- Engineering Review
- Filled plastics require review of abrasive fillers, anisotropy and moisture or thermal movement.
General Engineering Plastics
A practical reference group for covers, guards, spacers and low-load parts where the specified polymer fits the service needs.
Reference Grades
PCABSPMMAPVCUHMW-PE
- Typical Parts
- Covers, guards, spacers, fixtures, low-load housings and insulating components.
- Machining Notes
- Heat sensitivity, chip control, clamping pressure and thermal movement vary by polymer and feature geometry.
- Finishing Options
- Usually as-machined with deburring, polishing or marking reviewed by polymer type.
- Engineering Review
- Confirm the exact polymer, service environment and tolerance expectations before quoting.
Quick Material Comparison
Compare key material characteristics before detailed engineering review.
View Detailed Comparison| Material | Strength | Machinability | Weight | Corrosion Resistance | Relative Cost | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Medium–High | Excellent | Low | Good | $$ | Housings, brackets, frames |
| Stainless Steel | High | Good | High | Good–Excellent | $$$ | Shafts, fittings, corrosion-resistant parts |
| Carbon / Alloy Steel | High | Good | High | Low uncoated | $–$$ | Shafts, fixtures, structural parts |
| Titanium | High | Challenging | Medium | Excellent | $$$$ | Weight-critical, high-performance parts |
| Brass & Copper | Low–Medium | Grade dependent | High | Good | $$–$$$ | Fittings, connectors, electrical parts |
| Engineering Plastics | Grade dependent | Good–Excellent | Very low | Chemical dependent | $–$$$$ | Bushings, guides, insulators |
General comparisons only. Grade, condition, heat treatment and environment affect performance; cost symbols are relative guidance, not prices.
How to use this comparison
Compare candidates for the same duty and material condition. Stronger alloys may need more machining time; a lower raw-material price may not produce a lower finished-part cost. Confirm loading, temperature, exposure, dimensional stability, finishing and inspection together.
Not Sure Which Material Is Right?
Answer a few practical questions and we'll suggest suitable starting materials for your part.
What We Review Before Machining Your Parts
We connect material decisions to manufacturability, performance and the finished-part cost.
Learn About Our ProcessMaterial Grade & Condition
Alloy, temper, hardness and material specifications can affect machining strategy and performance.
Geometry & Tolerance
Complex features, thin walls and tight tolerances may affect stability and machining strategy.
Machining Behavior
Tool wear, heat generation, chip control and burr formation vary by material.
Finishing & Post Processing
Finishes and secondary processes should be considered before final machining.
Material × Finish Compatibility
Common finishing options for frequently machined materials.
View All Finishing OptionsAnodizing
- Aluminum
Passivation
- Stainless steel
- Titanium: process-specific review
Black Oxide
- Carbon / alloy steel
Electroless Nickel
- Steel
- Stainless steel
- Brass
- Aluminum
Powder Coating
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Stainless steel
Zinc Plating
- Steel
- Brass: application review
Compatibility is a starting point. Confirm alloy, preparation, masking, coating thickness and service requirements through engineering review.
Additional finishing routes & review notes
Hard anodizing, chemical film, electropolishing, bead blasting, tin plating and polishing may also be considered. Confirm the applicable specification and supplier route. Protect threads, sealing surfaces and fitted dimensions; allow for material removal or coating build-up.
START WITH THE DRAWING
Ready for Material & Machining Review?
Upload your drawing and requirements. Our engineering team will review material suitability, manufacturability, finishing and inspection needs before quotation.
STEP · PDF · CAD files / Up to 20 MBWhat to Include in Your RFQ
- 2D / 3D Drawing
- Key Tolerances / GD&T
- Material Grade & Condition
- Quantity
- Heat Treatment / Hardness
- Inspection Requirements
- Surface Finishing Requirements
- Target Lead Time, if applicable
Upload files & send your material requirements
DRAWING-BASED QUOTATION
Tell us about your part.
Include your preferred material, service environment and any alternatives you would like us to review.
Exact grade, condition, finishing and inspection requirements are agreed before production.
juliannar981@gmail.comCNC Machining Materials FAQs
Practical answers for engineers and buyers comparing material options.
What materials can be CNC machined?
Common CNC machining materials include aluminum, stainless steel, carbon and alloy steels, titanium, brass, copper and engineering plastics. The material directory provides reference grades; exact grade, condition, part geometry and process availability are reviewed before quotation.
How do I choose the right material for my part?
Start with the working load, weight, service temperature, chemical or moisture exposure, wear, required finish and budget. Share the drawing and critical requirements so material options can be reviewed against the intended function.
What is the difference between 6061-T6 and 7075-T6 aluminum?
7075-T6 generally offers higher strength, while 6061-T6 is a versatile choice for machinability, corrosion resistance and many anodized parts. The appropriate alloy depends on loading, geometry, finish, service conditions and cost; strength alone should not determine the choice.
Can you provide material certificates?
Request material certificates or supplier documentation in your RFQ. Availability, document type, supplier records and any traceability requirements must be confirmed before quotation; documentation is not assumed for every order.
What happens if I don't specify a material?
Send the drawing together with the application, working load, environment, quantity and budget priorities. We can review practical starting materials, but the exact grade and condition must be agreed before production.
Can you recommend material alternatives?
Yes. We can compare alternatives for machining, availability, finish and cost based on your requirements. Any substitution must be reviewed for function and approved by the customer or design authority before production.
Project Support & Quality Controls
Quality Management
IQC · FAI · IPQC · OQC
Inspection Capability
CMM & dimensional inspection
Material Documentation
Requirements confirmed per project
DFM & Process Review
Drawing-led manufacturing review
Project & Delivery Coordination
Drawing, quotation & delivery coordination