Material
Choosing the right cnc machining material is a critical step in achieving part performance, durability, and cost efficiency. Different CNC machining materials offer different mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, machinability, and pricing. This page provides a clear overview of common CNC machining materials and helps you select the best material for your application.
Why CNC Machining Material Selection Matters
The performance of a CNC machined part depends heavily on the selected cnc machining material. Material choice affects:
Mechanical strength and hardness
Corrosion and chemical resistance
Heat and temperature performance
Machinability and lead time
Overall CNC machining cost
Selecting the correct cnc machining material ensures reliable function and long service life.
Metal CNC Machining Materials
Metal materials are widely used in CNC machining for industrial, aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.
Metal cnc material type:
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most commonly used precision-machined component. It has a low density, a hard texture, and a soft material. Thanks to its corrosion resistance, it is widely used in aerospace, bionic bones, and automotive parts manufacturing.
Color : Silver.
Types : Aluminum 6061、7075、2024、5052、6063 and MIC-6.
Surface finish : Polishing, Brushing, Sandblasting, Chrome Plating, Anodizing, Electroplating, Powder Coating, Laser Etching.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel offers strong corrosion resistance and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. It is primarily used in kitchen equipment components, medical devices, building materials and construction, as well as automotive parts.
Color : Silver.
Types : Stainless steel 304/316/201/202/430/444/410/420/440c/2205/2507/17-4ph/17-7ph.
Surface finish : Polishing, Brushing, Sandblasting, Electroplating, Spraying, PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), Passivation, Pickling, Coloring.
Delivery time : 2-5 days.
Copper
Possesses electrical conductivity, tensile ductility, and antimicrobial properties, primarily used for processing into crafts, decorative items, and medical equipment.
Color :Orange,yellow.
Types : copper H59/H62/Hpb59-1/C36000/HAI77-2/HSN62-1/HPb/HMn/HAl/HSn/HNi.
Surface finish : Passivation, Electroplating, Chemical Plating, Shot Peening, Sandblasting, Chemical Film Treatment, Polishing, Bright Cleaning.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
Bronze
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin （possibly including lead, zinc, and phosphorus），low melting point (800-900°C) and excellent fluidity, along with corrosion resistance. Low-tin bronze exhibits a golden yellow hue, while high-tin bronze appears grayish-white or silver-gray. It is primarily used in mechanical manufacturing for sculptures, bearings, gears, valves, as well as in marine engineering components such as propellers, as well as marine engineering components like hull fittings and water pumps.
Color : gold/brown.
Types : Tin bronze, aluminum bronze, beryllium bronze, silicon bronze, manganese bronze.
Surface finish : Sandblasting, polishing, knurling, grinding, passivation, chemical film coating, impregnation coloring, brush/spray coloring, electroplating, anodizing, powder coating, brushing.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
Steel
Iron alloyed with carbon (typically 0.1%-1.7%) and other alloying elements (such as chromium, nickel, manganese, etc.). By adjusting composition and heat treatment processes, diverse properties can be achieved, including high strength, high toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. It is suitable for producing components such as bolts, shafts, gears, drill bits, milling cutters, and turning tools, and is also frequently used in manufacturing engine valves and turbine blades.
Color : Silver .
Types : Steel S20C,S45C,S50C,SK85,SK95,40Cr,4140,4130,H13,D2,W1,A2,D2,M2,SKD11,ASP-23,S136.
Surface finish :Sandblasting, Mirror Finish, PVD Coating, Brushed Finish, Spray Coating, Electroplating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days
Magnesium
Magnesium has a density approximately two-thirds that of aluminum and one-quarter that of steel. Its low hardness results in minimal cutting force and reduced tool wear. With superior thermal conductivity compared to aluminum, it saves CNC machining time and material. Its strength-to-weight ratio outperforms both aluminum alloys and steel, while its damping capacity is 1.5 times that of aluminum, effectively absorbing vibrations and noise. These properties make it an ideal material for aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries.
Color : Silver.
Types : Magnesium alloy AZ91D/AM60B/AM50A/AS41B/ZK60/MB8/AZ31/WE43/ZE41/LA141/LZ91.
Surface finish : Chemical conversion coating, anodizing, nickel plating, electroplating, composite coating, spray painting, powder coating, electrophoretic coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
Plastic CNC Machining Materials
Plastic cnc machining materials are ideal for lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and electrically insulating components.
Plastic cnc material type:
ABS
Combining the rigidity of acrylonitrile, the toughness of butadiene, and the processability of styrene, Suitable for precision components subjected to moderate loads, it is ideal for manufacturing precision parts such as electronic and electrical enclosures, automotive ducting, interior trim components, and exterior trim components.
Color : Beige,black.
Types : General-purpose, flame-retardant, heat-resistant, high-impact-resistant, transparent (MBS), filled modified, alloyed, functionalized ABS.
Surface finish :Spray coating, electroplating, screen printing, laser engraving, hot stamping, vacuum coating, water transfer printing, sandblasting, anti-fingerprint coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
POM
High tensile strength and low friction coefficient, excellent dimensional stability, easy machinability, can replace metal as raw material for wear-resistant components such as gears and bearings, widely used in automotive industry, industrial machinery,medical tools, etc.
Color : white,black,blue,yellow,etc.
Types : POM-H, POM-C.
Surface finish : Polishing, sandblasting, chemical polishing, laser polishing, anodizing/painting.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PMMA
With a light transmittance as high as 92%, it is hailed as “plastic crystal,” serving as material for optical components such as lenses and light guides. Its optical uniformity surpasses that of ordinary glass, while weighing only half as much. It offers easy machinability, moderate thermal stability, low shrinkage, and impact resistance. Primarily used in consumer electronics industries for display protective covers, lenses, and mobile phone frames.
Color : clear,white,black,colored.
Types : General-purpose / Impact-resistant / Heat-resistant / Pearlescent.
Surface finish : Polishing, enhanced coating, sandblasting for texture, printing for coloring, anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint treatments.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PC
High-performance thermoplastic with high toughness (low-temp resilient) and rigidity, ideal for CNC precision machining (cutting, drilling). Lighter than acrylic, it offers strong creep resistance and high-frequency insulation, suited for stress-resistant, insulated components. Eco-friendly via recycling by melting, used in electronics casings, spectrometer mounts, heat sinks.
Color : white or black.
Types : General Machinable/Flame Retardant/Reinforced/Blended PC.
Surface finish : Polishing, Hardening, Spraying, Laser Engraving, Electroplating, Hot Stamping.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PA
PA (Polyamide, Nylon) exhibits tensile strength ranging from 62 to 85 MPa, low friction coefficient, and excellent heat resistance. Primarily used in high-load structural components such as gears and bearings, it facilitates the manufacturing of automotive parts, consumer electronics, and industrial machinery components.
Color : Colored.
Types : PA6, PA66, PA6T, PA9T.
Surface finish :Mechanical grinding, acid/alkali etching, hydrolysis technology, coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PE
PE (Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic material with a low melting point. During machining, tool temperature must be controlled to prevent adhesion, resulting in a smooth, burr-free surface. Its low friction and self-lubricating properties make it suitable for sliding/rotating components. It resists most acids, alkalis, salts, and organic solvents but is soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons and halogenated hydrocarbons. Common applications include food containers, trash bins, and toys.
Color : black,white,colored.
Types : LDPE, HDPE, UHMWPE, PEX, PEX-A, PEX-B.
Surface finish :Polishing, sandblasting, coating, etching.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PEEK
PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) is a semi-crystalline specialty engineering plastic characterized by high strength, high melting point, and low friction coefficient. It offers excellent chemical resistance and is suitable for aerospace structural components, high-temperature parts, and medical devices such as endoscopes and handles.
Color : Beige,black.
Types : CF-PEEK, GF-PEEK, PEEK with carbon black/ceramic/PTFE/graphite fillers.
Surface finish :Sandblasting, polishing, metal coating, polymer coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PP
PP (Polypropylene) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with a melting point of approximately 130-160°C. It exhibits excellent processing flow properties. During CNC machining, temperature control is essential (recommended range: 200-230°C). It is suitable for repeated bending operations. Tool selection must align with the material’s characteristics. Primarily used for containers, connectors, and structural components.
Color : black,white,colored.
Types : PP-H, PP-B, PP-R, HIPP.
Surface finish :Polishing, Sandblasting, Coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
HDPE
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a linear thermoplastic with excellent impact resistance and dimensional stability.Non-toxic and odorless, it is suitable for manufacturing valves, pump bodies, gears, sliding bearings, and as core material for surfboards.
Color : black,white.
Types : HI-HDPE, UV-HDPE, UHMWPE, Carbon Black-Filled HDPE.
Surface finish :Polishing, Sandblasting, Coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
HIPS
HIPS is a non-crystalline thermoplastic containing 5-15% rubber content, offering both high impact resistance and ease of processing. It features moderate surface hardness, low moisture absorption (0.05-0.7%), low cost, and suitability for complex structures. Widely used in appliance housings, food packaging, automotive interiors, and industrial piping, it replaces metal to meet lightweight and impact-resistant requirements.
Color : black.
Types : Impact-resistant HIPS, Brominated flame-retardant HIPS, Glass-fiber reinforced HIPS.
Surface finish :Polishing ，Sandblasting ，Coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
FR4
FR4 is a glass-fiber reinforced epoxy composite material with good mechanical strength, excellent electrical insulation, and stable performance. It features low moisture absorption, flame retardancy, and is suitable for precision machining and structural applications.
Color : yellow-green / light green.
Types : Standard FR4, Halogen-free FR4, High-TG FR4, Flame-retardant FR4 (UL94 V-0).
Surface finish : CNC machining finish, Polishing, Sandblasting, Coating.
Delivery time : 1–5 days.
CNC Machining Material Properties Comparison
Key factors when comparing cnc machining material options include:
Strength and stiffness
Wear resistance
Thermal resistance
Chemical compatibility
Cost and availability
Material properties should always be matched to real operating conditions.
How to Choose the Right CNC Machining Material
When selecting a cnc machining material, consider the following:
Load and stress requirements
Operating temperature
Environmental exposure
Required tolerances
Budget constraints
Early consultation with an experienced CNC supplier can prevent costly redesigns.
CNC Machining Material and Cost Considerations
Different cnc machining materials result in different machining costs.
Cost-influencing factors:
Material price
Machinability
Tool wear rate
Machining time
For example, aluminum has the lowest machining cost, while titanium and nickel alloys have higher machining costs.
Surface Finishing Options for CNC Machining Materials
Surface finishing enhances the performance of CNC machined materials.
Common finishes:
Anodizing (aluminum)
Passivation (stainless steel)
Sand blasting / bead blasting
Polishing and electropolishing
Plating and coating
Finish compatibility depends on the selected cnc machining material.
Quality Control for CNC Machining Materials
Reliable CNC suppliers implement strict material control:
Material certification and traceability
Incoming inspection
Dimensional verification
Surface finish inspection
This ensures consistent quality for all cnc machining material selections.
Why Choose Weldo Machining for CNC Machining Materials
Weldo Machining offers a wide range of cnc machining material options with professional engineering support. We help customers select the most suitable material based on performance, cost, and lead time.
Our advantages include:
Broad metal and plastic material selection
Experience with difficult-to-machine alloys
DFM support for material optimization
Consistent quality and fast turnaround
Conclusion
Selecting the right cnc machining material is essential for part performance and manufacturing efficiency. By understanding material properties and application requirements, manufacturers can achieve reliable, cost-effective CNC machined parts. Contact Weldo Machining to discuss your cnc machining material requirements and receive expert guidance and a competitive quote.
FAQ of machining material
What is the most commonly used CNC machining material?
Aluminum is the most widely used cnc machining material due to its excellent machinability, light weight, good strength-to-cost ratio, and wide availability.
What CNC machining materials are suitable for high-temperature applications?
Titanium and nickel alloys such as Inconel and Hastelloy are commonly used CNC machining materials for high-temperature and extreme environment applications.
Can plastic materials be used for CNC machining?
Yes, engineering plastics such as PEEK, PTFE, POM, Nylon, and ABS are commonly used CNC machining materials for lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and insulating components.
Does CNC machining material affect cost and lead time?
Yes, different CNC machining materials have different machinability, tool wear rates, and material costs, which directly affect machining cost and delivery time.
