Selecting the right material is one of the most important decisions in CNC machining. The material you choose affects precision, durability, surface finish, cost, and overall manufacturing performance. This guide explains the five most widely used materials in CNC machining and helps you understand when to choose each one.
Aluminum 6061 is one of the most popular materials due to its balanced properties. It offers good strength, light weight, excellent machinability, and stable quality. This material works well for prototypes, mass production, and a wide range of industries. It is commonly used in electronic housings, mechanical parts, consumer devices, drone components, and automation equipment.
Aluminum 7075 provides significantly higher strength compared to 6061. It is considered an aerospace-grade material and is used in applications that require durability and resistance to deformation. Although more expensive and slightly harder to machine, 7075 is ideal for structural parts, UAV frames, performance equipment, and high-load components.
Stainless Steel 304 offers excellent corrosion resistance and good overall strength. It is suitable for environmental exposure, sanitation requirements, and industrial use. This material is often chosen for food equipment, medical devices, outdoor hardware, and parts that need long-term durability. It is harder to machine than aluminum, but the final product is strong and long-lasting.
Stainless Steel 316 is the preferred material for harsh environments, especially where there is moisture, saltwater, or chemical exposure. It provides even better corrosion resistance than 304 and maintains strength in extreme conditions. This material is common in marine components, chemical equipment, medical tools, and precision parts that require high reliability.
Brass is easy to machine and produces a clean, smooth surface finish. It holds tight tolerances, machines quickly, and has a premium appearance. Brass is often used for valves, fittings, connectors, gears, decorative parts, and components that require both functionality and aesthetic quality. For intricate machining, brass is one of the most efficient materials.
Each CNC machining material has its advantages. Aluminum 6061 is a versatile all-purpose choice, while 7075 delivers high strength for demanding applications. Stainless steel 304 and 316 offer strong corrosion resistance, with 316 suited for harsher conditions. Brass provides exceptional machinability and surface quality. Selecting the right material helps achieve better performance, lower cost, and higher reliability in CNC manufacturing.