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What materials are being used in CNC machining? There are a host of metal alloys and plastics available for CNC machining, which one of these materials for machining are the best and how to choose the material?
A wide range of materials can be machined on CNC machines, metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, steel, stainless steel, magnesium, titanium; plastics such as PC, PE, PS, PEEK, POM, PTFE, PA, as well as wood, foam, and fiberglass, are often used.
There are hundreds of metals, alloys, and plastics used in CNC machining service, including turning, milling, drilling, and other processes. Here are some common CNC metals.
– Aluminum 6061: the most often used all-purpose aluminum for CNC machining. Magnesium, silicon, and iron are the primary alloying elements. As with other aluminum alloys, it has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is inherently corrosion resistant. Additionally, this material is easy to work with and CNC machinability, can be welded and anodized and is cost-effective because of its widespread availability. 6061 is a material that is often used in automotive components, bicycle frames, sports goods, etc.
– Aluminum 7075: Aluminum 7075 is a better grade of aluminum that is mostly alloyed with zinc. It is one of the strongest aluminum alloys available for machining, having an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. Due to the material’s strength, it has average workability, which means that when cold-formed, it tends to bounce back to its original shape. Additionally, 7075 is machineable and anodized. It is used to manufacture high-strength leisure equipment like mountain climbing equipment, as well as automotive and aerospace frames, and other stressed components.
– Brass: a copper-zinc alloy. It is an extremely soft metal that may often be machined without the need for lubricant. It is also a very workable material at room temperature, which means it is often used in applications that do not need significant strength. There are several varieties of brass, mostly determined by the zinc content. Corrosion resistance reduces as this proportion rises. Brass is often used in plumbing fittings, ornamental hardware for the house, zippers, naval hardware, and musical instruments.
– Stainless Steel 303: 303 is not suitable for cold forming (bending), nor is it heat treatable. Additionally, the presence of sulfur precludes it from being a viable choice for welding. Although it has good machining qualities, caution should be used with regard to speeds/feeds and the sharpness of cutting tools. 303 stainless steel is often used for nuts & bolts, fittings, shafts, and gears. However, it should not be used for marine-grade fittings.
– Stainless Steel 304: the most often used kind of stainless steel in a broad range of consumer and industrial items. Often referred to as 18/8, this alloy has 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Additionally, these two components contribute to the material’s exceptional toughness and non-magnetic properties. 304 is a machineable material, however, unlike 303, it may be welded. Additionally, it is more corrosion resistant in the vast majority of typical (non-chemical) settings. It should be treated by machinists using very sharp cutting tools and should not be contaminated with other metals. Stainless Steel 304 is an ideal option for culinary items and cutlery, industrial tanks and pipes, and automobile trim.
– Stainless Steel 316: The inclusion of molybdenum increases the corrosion resistance of 316, which is why it is sometimes referred to as marine-grade stainless steel. Additionally, it is robust and simple to weld. Architectural and maritime fittings, industrial pipelines and tanks, vehicle trim, and culinary cutlery are all made of 316.
– Titanium: well-known for its great strength, lightweight, hardness, and resistance to corrosion. It may be welded, passivated, or anodized to strengthen its protection and aesthetics. Titanium polishes poorly is a poor conductor of electricity but is an excellent conductor of heat. It is a difficult material to machine and should be used only with specialized cutters.
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