Engineering & ManufacturingCNC · Sheet Metal · Stamping · Rapid Prototyping
Metals and plastics
Materials for machined, sheet metal and prototype parts
The material decides what a part can do and which process makes it best. We machine and fabricate the common engineering metals and plastics, and can suggest a grade from the part’s load, operating environment, weight, finish and cost target.
If your drawing calls for a grade to a specific standard (ASTM, EN, JIS or GB), state it, and we confirm the grade before ordering material. Material certificates can be supplied with the parts when the order requires them.
Common metals
| Material | Typical grades | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 6061, 6082, 7075; 5052 for sheet | Light, fast to machine, anodizes well |
| Stainless steel | 303, 304, 316, 17-4PH | Corrosion resistance; 303 machines most easily |
| Carbon and alloy steel | 1018, 1045, 4140; cold-rolled sheet | Strength at low cost; 1045 and 4140 can be hardened |
| Tool steel | D2, H13, P20 | Wear-resistant tooling, dies and fixtures |
| Copper and brass | C110 copper, C360 brass | Electrical and thermal conductivity; brass for turned fittings |
| Titanium | Grade 2, Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | High strength-to-weight and corrosion resistance; slow to machine |
Common plastics
| Material | Typical uses |
|---|---|
| POM (acetal) | Gears, bushings, low-friction precision parts; very stable when machined |
| Nylon (PA) | Tough functional parts; PA12 is the usual SLS/MJF powder |
| ABS and PC | Housings, covers and prototypes |
| PMMA (acrylic) | Transparent covers and light guides; polishable |
| PEEK and PEI | Parts for high temperature or chemical exposure |
| Polyurethane resins | Vacuum cast parts: rigid, rubber-like or clear |
Grades listed are common examples. Give us the grade on your drawing, or the properties the part needs.
Materials FAQ
Which aluminum grade is best for CNC machining?
6061-T6 is the usual default: it machines well, welds and anodizes evenly. 7075-T6 is much stronger but costs more and is not used for welded parts. 6082 is the common European alternative to 6061.
Can you supply material certificates?
Yes. Material certificates can be supplied with the parts when the order requires them.