Material Selection Guide: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium Alloy Comparison
Compare aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium for CNC machining. Analyze strength, weight, cost
Full coverage of metals and engineering plastics — the right material for every design
Select a CNC machining process to explore compatible materials, typical tolerances, and maximum part sizes. Every material in our library is available across all four processes.
3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining for complex geometries, pockets, and precision surfaces.
10+ Material Types View Machining MaterialsPrecision turning for cylindrical parts, threads, and concentric features with tight tolerances.
10+ Material Types View Turning MaterialsSwiss-type machining for small, high-precision parts with excellent surface finish and tight tolerances.
10+ Material Types View Swiss MaterialsCombined milling and turning for complex parts in a single setup, reducing lead time and cost.
10+ Material Types View Mill-Turn MaterialsFull material coverage: browse our complete CNC machining material library.
Light, strong and finish-friendly — the first choice for appearance parts
| Color | silver |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | 6061, 6061-T6, 2024, 5052, 5083, 6063, 6082, 7075, 7075-T6, ADC12 (A380) |
| Available Finish | As machined, Anodizing, Powder coating, Electroplating, Painting, Sand blasting, Polishing |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Corrosion-resistant and high-strength — reliable in harsh conditions
| Color | silver |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | 304, 316, 316L, 303, 17-4PH, 2205 |
| Available Finish | As machined, Passivation, Electropolishing, Bead blasting, Powder coating |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
The lightest yet the strongest — cut weight without losing performance
| Color | gray |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | Grade 2, Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V), Grade 1 |
| Available Finish | As machined, Anodizing, Polishing, Bead blasting |
| Price | $$$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
The reliable choice balancing strength and cost
| Color | gray |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | 1018, 1020, 1045, A36, A572, Q235, Q345 |
| Available Finish | As machined, Black oxide, Powder coating, Zinc plating, Painting, Sand blasting |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity — ideal for precision parts
| Color | copper |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | C110 (Copper), C360 (Brass), C260 (Cartridge brass), C464 (Naval brass), C932 (Bearing bronze) |
| Available Finish | As machined, Polishing, Patina, Lacquering, Powder coating |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Impact-resistant general engineering plastic with great value
| Color | white |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | Natural, Black, Flame Retardant (FR) |
| Available Finish | As machined, Painting, Silk screening, Pad printing |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
High-impact transparent engineering plastic — tough and crystal-clear
| Color | clear |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | General purpose, Optical grade |
| Available Finish | As machined, Polishing, Painting |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Dimensionally stable and low-friction — the pick for gears and bearings
| Color | white |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | POM-H (Homopolymer), POM-C (Copolymer) |
| Available Finish | As machined |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
High-temperature specialty engineering plastic for extreme duty
| Color | tan |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | Virgin PEEK, Glass-filled, Carbon-filled |
| Available Finish | As machined |
| Price | $$$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Tough and wear-resistant — ready for friction and impact
| Color | natural |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | PA6, PA66, PA12, Glass-filled Nylon |
| Available Finish | As machined |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Mirror-grade transparency — a crystal-clear visual choice
| Color | Clear |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | Cast, Extruded, UV resistant, Colored, Frosted, Mirror polished |
| Available Finish | As machined, Diamond mirror cutting, Flame polishing, Bead blasting, Silk screening |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Corrosion-proof and low-friction — the guardian of extreme environments
| Color | White |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | Virgin, Glass filled, Carbon filled, Bronze filled, Graphite filled, Modified |
| Available Finish | As machined, Annealing, Mirror turning |
| Price | $$$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
High-strength, heat-resistant and inherently flame-retardant
| Color | Amber |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | Ultem 1000, Glass filled, Carbon filled, Medical grade, Food grade, Wear grade |
| Available Finish | As machined, Stress-relief annealing, Polishing |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Heat- and chemical-resistant — steady in harsh environments
| Color | Beige / Black |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | Virgin, Glass filled GF40, Carbon filled, Wear resistant, Conductive, Food grade |
| Available Finish | As machined, Annealing |
| Price | $$$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Light and chemical-resistant — the value performer
| Color | Natural / White / Black |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | Homopolymer, Copolymer, Glass filled, Flame retardant, Food grade, UV resistant |
| Available Finish | As machined |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Wear-resistant and self-lubricating — composed even in the cold
| Color | Natural / White / Black |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | HDPE, UHMW-PE, LDPE, Food grade, UV resistant, Conductive |
| Available Finish | As machined |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Inherently flame-retardant and corrosion-resistant — economical and durable
| Color | Dark grey / White / Clear |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | Rigid PVC (UPVC), CPVC, Clear PVC, Flame retardant, Food grade, UV resistant |
| Available Finish | As machined, Polishing, Welding |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Hydrolysis-resistant and repeatably sterilizable — trusted for medical and baby products
| Color | Amber transparent |
|---|---|
| Subtypes | PSU, PPSU, Glass filled PSU, Medical grade, Food grade, Wear grade |
| Available Finish | As machined, Stress-relief annealing, Polishing |
| Price | $$$ |
| Lead Time | 15-25 days (batch) |
Dive deep into each material category. Explore mechanical properties, typical grades, machining characteristics, surface finish options, and common applications.
Properties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideProperties, grades, applications and machining tips for CNC manufacturing.
View Material GuideNot sure which material fits your application? Choose your primary requirement below and we will recommend the best CNC-machinable materials for the job.
For marine, chemical, medical, and humid environments where rust and oxidation are a concern.
For structural, load-bearing, and high-stress applications requiring superior mechanical performance.
For aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications exposed to sustained elevated temperatures.
For outdoor and sun-exposed applications where UV degradation and material embrittlement must be avoided.
We source and machine hundreds of specialty alloys and engineering plastics beyond our standard catalog. Submit your project with custom material requirements and our engineering team will source it for you.
Real-world CNC machining projects showcasing our materials in action across various industries and processes.
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