Material Selection Guide: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium Alloy Comparison
Compare aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium for CNC machining. Analyze strength, weight, cost
Corrosion-resistant and high-strength — reliable in harsh conditions
Stainless steel is a versatile and consistently popular material for CNC machining, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and attractive appearance. It is widely used across medical, aerospace, food processing, and marine industries where durability and hygiene are paramount.
We machine all major stainless steel grades including 303 (free-machining), 304 (general purpose), 316 (marine/medical grade), and 17-4 PH (precipitation hardening for high strength). Each grade is selected based on the specific application requirements for corrosion resistance, strength, and machinability.
Stainless steel produces excellent surface finishes and can be passivated, electropolished, or mirror-polished for enhanced corrosion resistance and aesthetics. While more challenging to machine than aluminum, our experienced team and modern equipment ensure consistent quality and tight tolerances.
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.
Sulfur-alloyed free-machining stainless steel with excellent machinability, suitable for screws, nuts, and complex machined parts.
View Details Most CommonThe most common austenitic stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance; widely used in food, chemical, and medical industries.
View Details Marine GradeMolybdenum-alloyed with superior corrosion resistance, suitable for marine, medical implants, and harsh chemical environments.
View Details High StrengthPrecipitation-hardening stainless steel combining high strength with good corrosion resistance; used in aerospace and defense.
View Details HardenableMartensitic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and hardness, used in valves, pumps, and cutlery.
View Details DuplexDuplex stainless steel with higher strength and superior resistance to stress corrosion cracking compared to austenitic grades.
View DetailsA selection of parts machined from this material.
This 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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