Materials that Could Be Used in CNC Machining
CNC machining is a highly versatile process capable of working with a broad range of materials, making it ideal for producing complex, precise parts across various industries. Materials can be classified into metals, plastics, composites, and others, each offering unique properties for different applications. Metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and brass are commonly used for their strength and durability, while plastics like POM, acrylic, and nylon provide flexibility and lightweight solutions. Composites combine multiple materials to achieve enhanced performance characteristics, and other materials like ceramics can also be machined for specialized uses. CNC machining ensures that these materials are shaped, cut, and milled to exact specifications, meeting tight tolerances for any project.
Comparison Between CNC Machining Materials
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Hardness (HB) | Machinability | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum 6061 | 2.70 | 275 | 95 | High | 310 | Aerospace, automotive, structural components |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 7.93 | 215 | 150 | Medium | 520 | Food processing, medical devices, marine equipment |
| Titanium Ti-6Al-4V | 4.43 | 880 | 330 | Low | 900 | Aerospace, medical implants, high-performance parts |
| Brass (C36000) | 8.49 | 150 | 65 | High | 345 | Plumbing, electrical connectors, decorative parts |
| Carbon Steel (1045) | 7.85 | 350 | 120 | Medium | 570 | Machinery parts, shafts, automotive components |
| POM (Acetal) | 1.41 | 55 | 70 | High | 65 | Precision gears, bearings, automotive parts |
| Nylon 6 | 1.15 | 50 | 80 | Medium | 75 | Mechanical parts, automotive, electrical insulation |
| Aluminum 2024 | 2.78 | 325 | 120 | High | 470 | Aircraft structures, military, aerospace components |
| Copper (C11000) | 8.92 | 70 | 40 | Medium | 210 | Electrical wiring, heat exchangers, electronics |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | 1.19 | 90 | 20 | High | 70 | Optical lenses, signage, automotive lighting |
| Magnesium AZ31 | 1.78 | 150 | 60 | Medium | 230 | Aerospace, automotive, military, electronics |
| Tool Steel (A2) | 7.85 | 450 | 450 | Low | 780 | Cutting tools, dies, molds |
Common plastics for CNC machining include POM (Acetal), nylon, acrylic, and PTFE. These materials are popular for their versatility, lightweight properties, and ability to be machined to tight tolerances.
Stainless steel offers medium machinability. It’s durable and corrosion-resistant, but machining it can be more challenging due to its toughness. Specialized tools and techniques are often required to achieve optimal results.
Yes, CNC machines can handle titanium and other high-strength materials. However, due to its hardness, machining titanium requires specialized tools and techniques, which KingStar Mold is equipped to manage for precise results.
KingStar Mold specializes in machining a wide range of materials with tight tolerances. Our expertise ensures high-quality, precision parts, whether you’re using metals, plastics, or custom materials for complex designs.
Aluminum is lightweight, highly machinable, and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics, where strength-to-weight ratio is critical.
CNC machining can handle a variety of materials, including metals (aluminum, steel, titanium), plastics (POM, nylon), composites, and even ceramics. The choice depends on the part’s application and required properties.
KingStar Mold uses state-of-the-art CNC milling machines, including 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis systems. This allows us to handle a wide range of part sizes, complexities, and material types.
Material choice can significantly impact machining costs. Softer, more machinable materials like aluminum typically cost less to machine, while harder materials like titanium or specialized composites may increase tooling wear and machining time, raising overall costs.
Aluminum 2024 is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and machinability. It’s commonly used in aerospace and military applications where lightweight yet strong materials are required.
Yes, CNC machining is ideal for creating small and intricate parts with tight tolerances. Advanced multi-axis machines allow for precision machining even on complex geometries.
At KingStar Mold, we work closely with you to understand your project requirements. We then recommend the most suitable material based on strength, machinability, durability, and the specific needs of your application.
Hardness determines how resistant a material is to indentation and wear. Harder materials typically require more robust tooling and slower machining speeds to achieve precise results without tool wear.
KingStar Mold uses advanced CNC techniques and high-quality tools to machine composites accurately. We understand the unique properties of composite materials and apply the right processes to achieve the required precision.
