Material Guides

This material guide helps engineers choose the right material for CNC machining based on strength, weight, corrosion resistance, machinability, cost, and applications.
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What Materials Are Used for CNC Machining?

CNC machining supports a wide variety of materials, from lightweight aluminum alloys to high-performance engineering plastics. The most commonly used CNC machining materials include:
CNC aluminum machining uses advanced computer-controlled equipment to transform solid aluminum stock into precision-engineered parts. Known for its excellent machinability, aluminum allows for faster production, tighter tolerances, and superior surface finishes. With its lightweight nature, high strength-to-weight ratio, natural corrosion resistance, and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, aluminum is suitable for both prototypes and production components. Additional surface treatments such as anodizing further enhance its durability and performance.

Aluminum

Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to machine. Aluminum offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, electronics, and general industrial components.

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Aluminum GradeCorrosion ResistanceTypical CNC Machining Applications
6061ExcellentGeneral-purpose precision parts, automotive components, aerospace fixtures, industrial equipment
5052ExcellentMarine hardware, enclosures, sheet metal parts, chemical processing equipment
7075FairAerospace structural components, high-strength fixtures, performance automotive parts
2024Poor to FairAircraft structural parts, aerospace fittings, components requiring protective coatings
6082Very GoodStructural components, transportation equipment, bridges, heavy-duty machinery
Stainless steel is a family of iron-based alloys containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which forms a thin, self-healing oxide layer that protects the material from corrosion. Depending on the alloy composition, stainless steel may also contain nickel, molybdenum, carbon, manganese, and other elements to enhance strength, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and machinability.

Stainless Steel

High-strength material with outstanding corrosion and wear resistance. Suitable for medical devices, food processing equipment, marine parts, and demanding industrial applications.

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Stainless Steel GradeCorrosion ResistanceTypical CNC Machining Applications
304ExcellentFood processing equipment, medical devices, consumer products, architectural components
316OutstandingMarine equipment, chemical processing, pharmaceutical equipment, surgical instruments
303GoodPrecision machined parts, fasteners, shafts, gears, fittings
17-4 PHGoodAerospace components, pump shafts, valves, high-strength mechanical parts
420FairCutting tools, surgical instruments, molds, wear-resistant components
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy known for its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and attractive golden appearance. By adjusting the proportions of copper and zinc, manufacturers can produce different brass grades with varying levels of strength, ductility, and wear resistance to suit a wide range of engineering applications.

Brass

Highly machinable with excellent corrosion resistance and an attractive finish. Commonly used for valves, fittings, electrical components, and decorative hardware.

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Brass GradeCorrosion ResistanceTypical CNC Machining Applications
C360 GoodPrecision machined parts, fittings, valves, gears, fasteners
C260 Very GoodElectrical components, architectural hardware, ammunition cases, decorative parts
C280 GoodMarine hardware, fasteners, structural components
C464 ExcellentMarine fittings, propeller shafts, seawater valves, shipbuilding components
C485 ExcellentPumps, marine fasteners, hydraulic components, corrosion-resistant fittings
Copper is the material of choice for applications that require outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity. It efficiently transfers electricity and heat while offering excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and long-term reliability. Although pure copper is more challenging to machine than aluminum or brass due to its softness, advanced CNC machining techniques can produce highly accurate components with excellent surface finishes. These properties make copper an ideal material for electrical, electronic, energy, and thermal management applications.

Copper

Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity combined with good corrosion resistance. Ideal for electrical contacts, heat sinks, busbars, and power transmission components.

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Copper GradeCorrosion ResistanceTypical CNC Machining Applications
C110 ExcellentElectrical busbars, connectors, heat exchangers, conductive components
C101 ExcellentHigh-vacuum components, electronics, RF equipment, semiconductor parts
C102 ExcellentMedical equipment, electrical contacts, high-conductivity components
C145 Very GoodPrecision machined electrical connectors, welding tips, terminals
C172 GoodSprings, aerospace components, molds, non-sparking tools
Titanium is the preferred material for CNC machining when exceptional strength, lightweight performance, and superior corrosion resistance are required. It offers one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any engineering metal, making it ideal for applications where reducing weight without compromising durability is critical. Titanium also provides excellent fatigue resistance, biocompatibility, and stability in extreme temperatures and corrosive environments. Although it is more challenging and costly to machine than aluminum or stainless steel, its outstanding mechanical properties make it the material of choice for high-performance and mission-critical components.

Titanium

 Exceptional strength, lightweight properties, and superior corrosion resistance. Widely used in aerospace, medical implants, marine equipment, and high-performance engineering applications.

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Titanium GradeCorrosion ResistanceTypical CNC Machining Applications
Grade 2 (Commercially Pure)OutstandingChemical processing equipment, marine components, medical implants, heat exchangers
Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)ExcellentAerospace parts, medical implants, automotive performance components, high-strength structural parts
Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI)ExcellentSurgical implants, orthopedic devices, aerospace components
Grade 7 (Ti-Pd Alloy)OutstandingChemical plants, desalination systems, offshore equipment, acid-handling components
Grade 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V)ExcellentAircraft tubing, bicycle frames, sporting goods, lightweight structural parts
Engineering plastics are best suited for applications where low weight, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, and wear performance are more important than maximum mechanical strength. They are widely used for gears, bushings, bearings, valve components, electrical insulators, medical devices, semiconductor parts, laboratory equipment, food-processing machinery, and robotic systems. With excellent machinability and dimensional stability, engineering plastics provide a reliable and economical solution for complex, high-precision CNC-machined parts across a wide range of industries.

Plastic

Versatile engineering materials offering lightweight construction, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, and cost-effective machining. Suitable for prototypes, insulators, medical devices, and precision industrial parts.

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Plastic MaterialCorrosion ResistanceTypical CNC Machining Applications
PEEKOutstandingAerospace components, medical devices, semiconductor equipment, high-performance industrial parts
Delrin (Acetal/POM)ExcellentGears, bushings, bearings, precision mechanical components
Nylon (PA6/PA66)GoodRollers, wear pads, pulleys, machine parts
PTFE (Teflon)OutstandingSeals, gaskets, valve seats, chemical processing components
UHMW-PEExcellentConveyor guides, wear strips, food processing equipment, impact-resistant parts

Material Selector Tools

Find the best CNC machining material for your application by comparing material properties such as strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, and machinability across different options.

Injection Molding

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Aerospace CNC machining produces high-precision components for aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and defense systems — brackets, ribs, engine parts, fasteners, hydraulic fittings, optical mounts. The work demands AS9100-compliant quality systems, full material traceability, First Article Inspection per AS9102, and CMM verification on critical features. A shop that doesn’t operate to those standards isn’t running aerospace work, no matter what the website claims.

Cnc Machining

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Die Casting

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Automotive CNC machining for EV and ICE parts. Aluminum, steel, titanium, PEEK. Tolerances to ±0.005 mm. Prototype to production. Quotes from Kintec.

Sheet Metal Fabrication

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How to select the materials you want？

Choosing the right material is essential for achieving the best balance of performance, durability, cost, and manufacturability. Explore our CNC machining materials guide to compare material properties, machining capabilities, and application suitability to find the ideal option for your specific project requirements.

01

Understand Material Properties and Performance Requirements

Evaluate key factors such as strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, thermal performance, and weight to determine which material best meets your project requirements.

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02

Compare Common CNC Machining Materials

Explore the differences between aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper, titanium, and plastic to identify the most suitable material for your application.

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03

Match Materials to Your CNC Machining Applications

Choose materials based on industry needs, including aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, robotics, and industrial equipment applications.

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04

Consider Machinability, Cost, and Production Efficiency

Balance material performance with machining difficulty, manufacturing cost, lead time, and production volume to achieve the best overall value.

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05

Select Materials Based on Environmental Conditions

Determine the right material by considering operating environments such as corrosion exposure, temperature changes, wear resistance, and chemical contact.

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06

Get Expert Material Selection Support

Work with CNC machining specialists to review your design requirements and receive recommendations for the most suitable material and manufacturing approach.

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Get Expert CNC Material Selection Support for Your Project

Not sure which material is right for your CNC machined parts? Our engineering team can help you evaluate material properties, machining requirements, and application needs to select the best solution for your project. Contact Kintec Machining today for professional material recommendations and a fast quote.

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