Material Selection for CNC Machining
Material selection shapes everything.
There is rarely a single correct answer.
Metals
Aluminium 6082
Properties: Strong, machines cleanly
Typical uses: Structural frames, brackets
Comparative Properties of Common CNC Machining Materials
Ratings are relative (1 = poor, 5 = excellent).
| Material | Machinability | Strength | Corrosion res. | Weight | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium 6082 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Engineering Plastics
Delrin (POM-C)
Properties: Machines to tight tolerances
Typical uses: Precision gears, bushings
Material and Surface Treatment Compatibility
Not all treatments are compatible with all materials.
| Material | Anodising | Zinc plating | Passivation | Electroless Ni |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | ✓ Excellent | ✗ Not applicable | ✗ Not applicable | ✓ Possible |
How to Choose
- Start with the service environment.