Compare CNC Machining Materials
*The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications for quality control.
□ Antistatic
□ Fatigue Resistance
□ Low Friction
□ Thread Rolling
□ Chemical Resistance
□ Flame Resistance
□ Machinability
□ Toughness
□ Corrosion Resistance
□ Flexible
□ Moisture Resistance
□ Transparent
□ Cost Effective
□ Heat Resistance
□ Noise Dampening
□ UV Resistance
□ Creep Resistance
□ High Conductivity
□ Stiffness
□ Wear Resistance
□ Dimensional Stability
□ High Density
□ Strength
□ Weldability
□ Ductility
□ Impact Resistance
□ Stress Resistance
□ Electrical Properties
□ Lightweight
□ Temperature Resistance
□ Antistatic
□ Fatigue Resistance
□ Low Friction
□ Thread Rolling
□ Chemical Resistance
□ Flame Resistance
□ Machinability
□ Toughness
□ Corrosion Resistance
□ Flexible
□ Moisture Resistance
□ Transparent
□ Cost Effective
□ Heat Resistance
□ Noise Dampening
□ UV Resistance
□ Creep Resistance
□ High Conductivity
□ Stiffness
□ Wear Resistance
□ Dimensional Stability
□ High Density
□ Strength
□ Weldability
□ Ductility
□ Impact Resistance
□ Stress Resistance
□ Electrical Properties
□ Lightweight
□ Temperature Resistance
□ Antistatic
□ Fatigue Resistance
□ Low Friction
□ Thread Rolling
□ Chemical Resistance
□ Flame Resistance
□ Machinability
□ Toughness
□ Corrosion Resistance
□ Flexible
□ Moisture Resistance
□ Transparent
□ Cost Effective
□ Heat Resistance
□ Noise Dampening
□ UV Resistance
□ Creep Resistance
□ High Conductivity
□ Stiffness
□ Wear Resistance
□ Dimensional Stability
□ High Density
□ Strength
□ Weldability
□ Ductility
□ Impact Resistance
□ Stress Resistance
□ Electrical Properties
□ Lightweight
□ Temperature Resistance
Aluminum 6061
Corrosion Resistance
Cost Effective
Aluminum 6061 is favored in CNC machining for its good strength, machinability, and cost-effectiveness, suitable for automotive and machinery parts. In contrast, 7075 aluminum provides superior strength but is more expensive and harder to machine, ideal for high-stress aerospace components.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
35 ksi
10%
95 HB
Max. Part Size:
22 in. x 14 in. x 3.75 in.
Aluminum 7075
Corrosion Resistance
Toughness
Ductility
Aluminum 7075 is highly valued in CNC machining for its exceptional strength and stress resistance, making it ideal for aerospace and military applications. It has higher tensile strength compared to 6061 but is less ductile, making it more challenging to machine and generally more expensive. In comparison, 6061 aluminum offers greater machinability and weldability, with reduced strength, making it cost-effective for less demanding applications like automotive parts and consumer goods.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
83 ksi
11%
150 HB
Max. Part Size:
22 in. x 14 in. x 3.75 in.
Aluminum 2024
Corrosion Resistance
Thread Rolling
Strength
Aluminum 2024 is used in CNC machining for aerospace parts due to its good strength and fatigue resistance. It machines well but is less corrosion-resistant. In contrast, 7075 offers higher strength and durability but is costlier and tougher to machine, making 2024 more cost-effective for less demanding applications.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
68 ksi
19%
120 HB
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 3.75 in.
Brass C260
Corrosion Resistance
Ductility
Brass C260 is favored in CNC machining for its ductility and corrosion resistance, suited for decorative items. It’s more weldable than C360, which excels in machinability and strength but is less ductile and corrosion-resistant, making C260 more suitable for corrosive environments.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
62 ksi
48%
90 HRB
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 1.75 in.
Brass C360
Corrosion Resistance
Machinability
Brass C360 is ideal for CNC machining due to its excellent machinability and strength, suited for precise parts. It’s costlier than C260, which has better ductility and corrosion resistance, making C260 better for corrosive environments and forming operations.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
58 ksi
25%
78 HRB
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 1.75 in.
Copper C101
Corrosion Resistance
High Conductivity
Ductility
Copper C101 is favored in CNC machining for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for electrical components. It offers great ductility and high purity, allowing precise machining for applications requiring durability and resistance to environmental conditions.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
32 ksi
45%
60 HRB
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 3.75 in.
Tool Steel (D2)
Cost Effective
Ductility
D2 tool steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium steel known for its exceptional wear and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for durable cutting tools like dies and punches. It achieves high hardness (up to 61 Rockwell C) after heat treatment but can be brittle, limiting its use in impact applications. Despite its toughness, D2 is challenging to machine and often requires specialized tooling. It is particularly valued for applications requiring sharp, long-lasting edges.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
250 ksi
13%
58 HRB
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 1.75 in.
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH
Corrosion Resistance
Strength
Ductility
Stainless steel 17-4PH offers high strength and corrosion resistance, ideal for durable CNC parts, while 303 is more machinable and cost-effective but less robust. Choose 17-4PH for toughness or 303 for budget-friendliness in CNC projects.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
150 ksi
8%
33 HRB
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 1.75 in.
Stainless Steel 303
Corrosion Resistance
Weldability
Ductility
Stainless steel 303 is highly machinable and cost-effective, making it preferred for CNC projects requiring extensive machining with moderate durability. In contrast, 17-4PH stainless steel boasts superior strength and corrosion resistance, suited for high-stress applications but at a higher cost. While 303 is economical for standard parts, 17-4PH is better for long-lasting, high-performance components in CNC machining.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
75-90 ksi
50%
160 HRB
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 1.75 in.
Stainless Steel 304
Corrosion Resistance
Machinability
Ductility
Stainless steel 304 is favored in CNC machining for its superior corrosion resistance and strength compared to 303, which is more machinable and cost-effective but less durable. While 304 is better for parts requiring long-term durability in harsh environments, 303 is ideal for simpler projects where cost and easy machining are more crucial.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
85 ksi
52%
85 HRB
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 1.75 in.
Stainless Steel 316
Corrosion Resistance
Machinability
Cost Effective
Stainless steel 316 excels in CNC machining for its superior corrosion resistance, crucial in marine and chemical industries, thanks to added molybdenum. While 304 is more cost-effective and suitable for general applications, 316 is the better choice for environments where higher corrosion resistance is essential, despite its higher cost.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
85 ksi
56%
95 HRB
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 1.75 in.
Steel Alloy 4140
Toughness
Impact Resistance
Fatigue Resistance
Steel alloy 4140 is favored in CNC machining for its toughness and high fatigue strength, making it ideal for parts like gears and axles. This alloy’s chromium and molybdenum content allows for effective heat treatment, improving machinability and durability for heavy-duty applications.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
95 ksi
26%
92 HRB
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 1.75 in.
Titanium
Corrosion Resistance
Strength
Heat Resistance
Titanium is prized in CNC machining for its strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, ideal for aerospace and medical parts. Its high machining costs are offset by its durability and lightweight properties, making it suitable for advanced applications where precision and longevity are crucial.
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
120 ksi
10%
217 HRB
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 1.75 in.
ABS
Strength
Cost Effective
Stiffness
ABS is favored in CNC machining for its strength, impact resistance, and ease of machining. Commonly used in automotive and consumer goods, it machines well into complex shapes and is durable for various applications.
Tensile Strength
Impact Strength
Heat Deflection
6,000 PSI
7.7 ft-lbs/in
201 °F
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 3.75 in.
Acetal 20% Glass Filled/Delrin 570
Strength
Temperature Resistance
Acetal 20% Glass Filled, or Delrin 570, is designed for CNC machining with enhanced strength and stiffness from glass fibers, increasing its dimensional stability. This makes it suitable for parts under high mechanical loads, offering precise dimensions and reduced shrinkage for applications requiring high accuracy and durability.
Tensile Strength
Impact Strength
Heat Deflection
8,500 PSI
2.85 ft-lbs/in
329 °F
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 1.75 in.
POM (Acetal Copolymer)
Chemical Resistance
Dimensional Stability
Low Friction
POM (Acetal Copolymer) is highly regarded for its stiffness, low friction, and excellent wear resistance. It is commonly used in making precision components like gears and hinges that demand durability and smooth operation, maintaining tight tolerances effectively.
Tensile Strength
Impact Strength
Heat Deflection
8,800 PSI
1 ft-lbs/in
316 °F
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 3.75 in.
Nylon 6
Strength
Wear Resistance
Nylon 6 is used in CNC machining for its impact resistance and shock absorption, making it suitable for durable parts like gears and bearings. It has good wear resistance and lower moisture absorption, enhancing stability and performance in varied environments.
Tensile Strength
Impact Strength
Heat Deflection
10,000 PSI
0.7 ft-lbs/in
110 °F
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 3.75 in.
Nylon 6/6
Lightweight
Fatigue Resistance
Noise Dampening
Nylon 6/6 is widely used in CNC machining due to its excellent strength and stiffness. It’s particularly effective for components like gears and bushings that require durability and resistance to wear and chemicals. This material maintains its properties under thermal stress, making it reliable for industrial and mechanical applications.
Tensile Strength
Impact Strength
Heat Deflection
12,000 PSI
1.1 ft-lbs/in
194-455 °F
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 3.75 in.
PMMA (Acrylic)
Transparent
UV Resistance
PMMA (Acrylic) is favored in CNC machining for its optical clarity and UV resistance, making it ideal for products like lenses and signage. It machines easily to produce smooth, precise finishes but is brittle, requiring careful handling to avoid cracking.
Tensile Strength
Impact Strength
Heat Deflection
8,038 PSI
0.4-0.5 ft-lbs/in
264 °F
Max. Part Size:
10 in. x 7 in. x 3.75 in.