Material Selection Guide: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium Alloy Comparison
Compare aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium for CNC machining. Analyze strength, weight, cost
The reliable choice balancing strength and cost
Carbon steel is a fundamental material in CNC machining, offering excellent strength, toughness, and cost-effectiveness for a wide range of industrial applications. It is the backbone of manufacturing, used in everything from machinery components to structural frames.
We machine various carbon steel grades including 1018 (low carbon, excellent weldability), 1045 (medium carbon, good strength), and A36 (structural grade). Each grade is selected based on the application requirements for strength, hardness, and weldability.
Carbon steel machines well and can be heat-treated to achieve a wide range of mechanical properties. Surface treatments include black oxide, zinc plating, nickel plating, and powder coating for corrosion protection and enhanced appearance.
The following table lists typical mechanical, thermal, and physical properties for this material. Actual values may vary by grade and temper.
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|
We stock multiple grades for different application needs. Each grade offers distinct properties optimised for specific uses — click to view detailed specifications, machining advice and typical applications.
Low-carbon steel with excellent weldability and machinability; used for shafts, pins, and general machined parts.
View Details Medium CarbonMedium-carbon steel with good strength and hardness for gears, shafts, and other parts requiring higher strength.
View Details StructuralLow-carbon structural steel with excellent weldability, widely used for structural components, brackets, and plates.
View Details Free MachiningLead- and sulfur-alloyed steel with outstanding machinability, ideal for high-volume turning and complex parts.
View Details Alloy SteelChromium-molybdenum alloy steel with excellent toughness and wear resistance; used in gears, shafts, and tooling.
View Details Free MachiningSulfur- and phosphorus-alloyed steel with outstanding machinability, ideal for automatic lathe parts.
View DetailsThis material is widely used across multiple industries for various applications, from precision prototypes to end-use production parts.
Surgical instruments, housings
Structural brackets, panels
Engine components, housings
Heat sinks, enclosures
Motor mounts, brackets
Fixtures, jigs, tooling
Frames, handles, cases
Fittings, valves, hardware
| Finish Type | Description | Ra (typical) |
|---|
The questions engineers ask most about machining, surface quality and selecting this material.
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