CNC Machining Materials

 

Aluminum

Aluminum alloys have a high strength-to-weight ratios, high electrical and thermal conductivity, low density, and natural resistance to corrosion. They can be anodized using a variety of techniques.

 

Advantages of aluminum alloy:

Corrosion resistance: Surface treatments like anodizing or painting can form a protective layer on the aluminum alloy, enhancing its resistance to corrosion and increasing its lifespan.

 

The advantages of aluminum alloy surface treatment are reflected in:

 

Disadvantages of aluminum alloy:

 

Grade

Stainless steel

The stainless steel alloys are characterized by their excellent strength, ductility, corrosion and wear resistance. They can be easily joined and machined as well as polished.

 

 

Advantages of stainless steel:

Enhanced corrosion resistance: Stainless steel is already known for its excellent resistance to corrosion, but surface treatments like passivation or electropolishing can further enhance this property, making it suitable for even more demanding environments.

 

The advantages of stainless steel surface treatment are reflected in:

 

Disadvantages of stainless steel:

 

Grade

• High strength and durability
• Better resistance to corrosion and wear
• Improved heat resistance
• Enhanced toughness and impact resistance

• Enhanced corrosion resistance: Alloy steel, like stainless steel, can be prone to corrosion in certain environments. Surface treatments such as galvanization or protective coatings help improve its resistance to corrosion, extending its lifespan and ensuring durability.
• Increased hardness and strength: Alloy steel surface treatment methods like heat treatment or surface hardening can significantly increase the hardness and strength of the material. This makes it suitable for applications requiring high levels of toughness and resistance to wear, such as in automotive or industrial equipment.
• Improved wear resistance: Alloy steel surface treatments can increase the material's ability to resist wear, abrasion, and friction. This is especially beneficial in applications involving moving parts or high-stress environments, as it helps prevent damage and extends the component's service life.
• Customized surface properties: Surface treatments allow for the customization of properties such as friction coefficient, surface roughness, or electrical conductivity of the alloy steel. This enables the material to meet specific requirements and function optimally in various applications.
• Protection against environmental factors: Certain alloy steel surface treatments, such as chromating or phosphating, provide protection against environmental factors like moisture, chemicals, or temperature fluctuations. This helps prevent surface degradation and ensures the material retains its functional properties over time.
• Enhanced aesthetic appeal: Surface treatments like plating or coating can improve the appearance of alloy steel, making it visually appealing. This can be beneficial in applications where aesthetics are important, such as architectural or decorative applications.

• Higher cost compared to carbon steel
• Difficult to weld and work with
• Variation in mechanical properties due to different alloying elements
• Requires specific heat treatment for optimal performance

• 1.7131 | 16MnCr5
• 4140 | 1.7225 | EN19 | 42CrMo4
• 1215 | EN1A | 1.0715
• 1.0718 | 11SMnPb30
• St 37-2 | 1.0037 | Q235A
• S355JR | 1.0045 | Q255A
• ST35NBK DIN 2391/2 | 1.0038 | Q235B
• X30Cr13 | 1.4028 | 3Cr13
• 1.1201 | 65Mn
• X165CrMoV46 /X165CrMoV12 | 1.2601 | SKD11
• C45 (DIN) | 1.0503 | 1045

Brass

Brass displays outstanding easiness to machine, favorable ratio of strength to weight, resistance to corrosion, and proficient conduction of electricity and heat.

 

 

Advantages of brass:

 

The advantages of brass surface treatment are reflected in:

 

Disadvantages of brass:

 

Grade

Copper

Copper, a remarkably malleable metal, finds utility in various applications determined by its mechanical characteristics. It exhibits commendable durability, hardness, exceptional thermal and heat conduction abilities, and corrosion resistance. As a result, it has become a highly sought-after material highly regarded for both its practical functionality and its aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, copper possesses the versatility to be alloyed, thereby enhancing its mechanical attributes.

Advantages of copper:

Copper is widely used for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for electrical wiring and heat transfer applications. Copper is exceptionally malleable and malleable, making it easy to mold and form into a variety of products. Copper has excellent corrosion resistance and exceptional durability, making it suitable for long-term applications.

The advantages of copper surface treatment are reflected in:

Improve corrosion resistance: The copper surface can be treated with various coatings or electroplating to enhance its corrosion resistance and extend its service life, making it suitable for outdoor or corrosive environments. Enhanced Electrical Conductivity: Copper surface treatments help optimize the electrical conductivity of copper, making it more efficient in electrical and electronic applications. Increased Durability: Surface treatments can increase the hardness and wear resistance of copper, making it more durable for applications requiring high strength or wear resistance. Enhanced Aesthetics: Copper surface treatments can enhance the appearance of copper by imparting desired color, texture or finish to the copper, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and customizable end product.

Disadvantages of copper:

Higher cost compared to alternative materials, and relatively heavy weight, which increases shipping and installation costs. Copper oxidizes over time, resulting in a green patina that requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, its high conductivity can pose safety concerns if not properly insulated or grounded, and its reactivity to certain substances limits its use in certain industrial or chemical applications.

Grade

C10100 | 2.0040 | TU2 C11000 | 2.0065 | T2 C11000 | 2.0065 | T2 C12200 | 2.0090 | TP2 C12000 | 2.0076 | TP1

Titanium

Titanium possesses a variety of material characteristics that designate it as the optimal metal for challenging applications. These traits encompass exceptional resilience against corrosion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, as well as an exceptional ratio of strength to weight.

 

 

Advantages of Titanium Alloy:

 

Disadvantages of Titanium Alloy:

 

Grade

ABS

ABS, a frequently used thermoplastic, displays favorable mechanical characteristics, outstanding impact resilience, reliable heat tolerance, and commendable machinability.

 

 

Advantages of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):

 

Disadvantages of ABS:

FR4

FR4, boasting excellent mechanical strength, superior electrical insulation, and superior machinability, is the ideal choice for electronic applications.

 

 

Advantages of FR4:

Excellent electrical insulation properties
High mechanical strength
Flame retardant
Good dimensional stability

 

 

Disadvantages of FR4:

Can be brittle
Relatively high cost compared to other materials
Limited resistance to certain chemicals
Requires special equipment and processes for fabrication

HDPE

HDPE exhibits outstanding resilience to impact, remarkable strength, and impressive machinability, making it well-suited for the production of resilient and sturdy machine components.

 

 

Advantages of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene):

 

Disadvantages of HDPE:

PE

PE is characterized by its remarkable impact resistance, exceptional ductility, and minimal friction, which render it an ideal choice for fabricating wear-resistant parts using machining techniques.

 

 

Advantages of PE (Polyethylene):

 

Disadvantages of PE:

PA6 (Nylon)

In machining applications where parts undergo significant mechanical stress, PA proves to be an excellent choice due to its combination of high strength, wear resistance, and elasticity.When it comes to machining components that experience substantial mechanical stress, PA stands out as an exceptional material option due to its impressive strength, resistance to wear, and elasticity.

 

 

Advantages of PA6 (Nylon):

Disadvantages of PA6:

PA66 (Nylon)

PA66 displays favorable characteristics like high rigidity, hardness, wear resistance, and thermal dimensional stability. Furthermore, it showcases exceptional wear resistance, low friction, and excellent temperature, chemical, and impact resistance. Nevertheless, caution must be exercised during the processing of PA66 due to its propensity to absorb moisture, which can impact its dimensional stability.

 

 

Advantages of PA66 (Nylon):

 

Disadvantages of PA66:

PC (Polycarbonate)

PC, a thermoplastic material, possesses remarkable resilience, exceptional resistance to impacts, and ease of machining. Additionally, it has the capability to exhibit optical transparency.

 

Advantages of PC (Polycarbonate):

 

Disadvantages of PC:

PEEK

PEEK is characterized by its impressive strength, outstanding ability to withstand high temperatures, and excellent machinability — making it an ideal choice for various high-performance applications. PEEK offers exceptional strength, remarkable thermal resistance, and superior machinability, making it perfectly suited for demanding high-performance uses.

 

 

Advantages of PEEK (Polyetheretherketone):

 

 

Disadvantages of PEEK:

PMMA

PMMA provides remarkable light transmission, impressive mechanical strength, and impeccable machinability, making it a perfect material for optical and aesthetic applications. PMMA exhibits exceptional light transmission, superior strength, and excellent machinability, making it an ideal choice for optical and aesthetic purposes.

 

 

Advantages of PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate):

 

 

Disadvantages of PMMA:

POM (Delrin/Acetal)

Precision parts that seek elevated rigidity, minimal friction, and outstanding dimensional stability benefit from the usage of POM, an engineering thermoplastic.

 

 

Advantages of POM (Polyoxymethylene):

 

 

Disadvantages of POM:

PP

With exceptional fatigue resistance, excellent chemical resistance, and impressive elasticity, PP is perfectly suited for fabricating machined parts that are lightweight and flexible.

 

 

Advantages of PP (Polypropylene):

 

 

Disadvantages of PP:

PP5

PPS exhibits superb resistance to chemicals, possesses remarkable strength, and demonstrates exceptional machinability; making it an optimal choice for the production of high-performance components.

 

 

Advantages of PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide):

 

 

Disadvantages of PPS:

PVC

Among plastics, PVC stands as the third most widely employed, boasting well-balanced mechanical characteristics, outstanding resistance to chemicals and weather conditions, and notable toughness.

 

Advantages of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

 

 

Disadvantages of PVC:

Carbon Fiber

When it comes to machining, carbon fiber, also known as graphite fiber, emerges as a top contender due to its remarkable strength and lightweight nature. Outperforming steel with its five-fold strength and double the stiffness, carbon fiber is a sought-after material in the machining industry.

 

 

Advantages

 

Disadvantages

Wood

Wood is a structural tissue found in the stems and roots of trees and other woody plants. It is an organic material – a natural composite of cellulose fibers that are strong in tension and embedded in a matrix of lignin that resists compression.

 

Advantages

 

Disadvantages:

Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most commonly used materials in die casting. It has good strength, lightweight properties and excellent corrosion resistance. In addition, aluminum has a low melting point, which is beneficial to the die casting process.

 

Commonly used Aluminum alloys:
A380, A360, A390. A413, ADC-12, ADC-1

Zinc

Zinc is another popular die casting material. It has excellent casting properties, good corrosion resistance, and is easy to plate or finish. Zinc is commonly used to make small, complex parts and has excellent dimensional stability.

 

Commonly used Zinc alloys:
Zamak-2, Zamak-3, Zamak-5, Zamak-7, ZA-8, ZA-12, ZA-27

Magnesium

Magnesium is known for its lightweight properties and high strength-to-weight ratio. It is often used in parts that require high strength and low weight, such as automotive components.

Commonly used Magnesium alloys:
AZ91D, AM60B, AS41B

Copper

Copper is used in die casting for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. It is commonly used in electrical components, as well as heat sinks and other applications where good heat dissipation is required.

PLA

This material exhibits excellent rigidity, fine precision, and competitive pricing. It is an environmentally-friendly thermoplastic that possesses favorable physical attributes, as well as strength and flexibility. It offers accuracy up to 0.15mm, alongside a subtle striped pattern.

ABS

This plastic is widely available and possesses advantageous mechanical and thermal characteristics. It is a popular thermoplastic choice due to its impressive impact resistance and reduced level of intricate features.

Nylon

This material displays notable resistance to impact, as well as impressive strength and durability. It possesses a high level of hardness and exceptional dimensional stability, with a maximum heat resistance temperature ranging from 140 to 160 °C. Furthermore, it is classified as a thermoplastic and boasts outstanding mechanical properties, along with high resistance to chemicals and abrasion. Notably, it also features a fine powder finish.

Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum alloys have the capability to be utilized in the processes of 3D printing. Diverse techniques are available for 3D printing with aluminum alloys, such as selective laser melting (SLM) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). These methods involve the fusion of powdered aluminum alloy and layering it to construct a three-dimensional object. Moreover, aluminum alloys possess numerous advantageous characteristics that render them suitable for 3D printing applications. These qualities encompass a superior strength-to-weight ratio, exceptional thermal conductivity, resistance against corrosion, and satisfactory machinability.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is widely employed in 3D printing due to its superb characteristics. It possesses impressive strength, resistance to corrosion and heat, enabling it to suit rigorous applications. The remarkable ratio of strength to weight and ability to withstand extreme temperatures and corrosion render it an optimal material for industrial usage.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight material that has many desirable properties. It is one of the most common materials used for sheet metal fabrication. It is also recyclable and generates the least amount of waste. Aluminum's other qualities include its high production rate, low resistance rates, and high thermal conductivity.

The best grades of aluminum to use for this process are 5052, 7075, 1060,5754and 6061.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel contains a minimum of 10% of chromium in its weight. Stainless steel is used in many industries including automotive, aerospace, and building. The stainless steel material is versatile and can be used in many different applications.

The grades of stainless steel that are ideal for sheet metal engineering are 201,304,301 and 316.

steel

Steel is a material that has many advantages in industrial applications, including durability, heat resistance, and hardness. Steel sheet metal can be used to create intricate elements and designs that require high precision. Steel is also easy to work with and offers superior polishing properties.

The best grades of steel to use for this process are SPCC SECC SGCC Q235 and S45C.

Copper

Copper is a good metal for sheet metal fabrication because it has the ductility and malleability required. Copper is also a metal that has excellent heat and electrical conductivity. It's the best choice for products that require high levels of conduction. The C1100 grade of copper is widely used in the sheet metal industry due to its antibacterial and biostatic properties.

Brass

Brass is highly malleable and spark- and wear-resistant. It also has excellent electrical conductivity. Low friction makes it a desirable material for many purposes. C28000 and C27400 brass grades are perfect for sheet metal fabrication.