Choosing a CNC Machining Material

What this page covers

• Metals: aluminium for light, strong parts; steel for frames and load-bearing parts; titanium for strength with corrosion resistance; copper alloys for fittings and connectors
• Plastics: ABS and PC for housings, PA and POM for gears and sliding parts, PEEK for demanding engineering use
• Ceramics: hard, wear-resistant and heat-resistant parts, machined by milling, grinding and turning
• Composites: carbon fibre composite for light, stiff parts in industrial and product directions

What to confirm before ordering

Cutting behaviour differs by material: titanium needs care for cutting heat and tool wear, while plastics need care for heat and deflection. State the property that governs your part, not just the material name. Before ordering, confirm minimum order quantity and lead time for your drawings.

Drawing checklist

Send the drawing with units and scale stated, the material and grade, the critical dimensions and tolerances marked, and the finish required. State the quantity you need checked and the question the part must answer: fit, function or appearance. Uploaded files are used only for the quotation, and non-disclosure agreements are supported.

Quality checks

Parts are inspected with a coordinate measuring machine, a projector and height gauges, with quality control at each production stage, and a dimension report can be provided for a project on request.