One of the most common materials used for CNC milling is metal, but there are many others as well. Let’s take a look at the most popular choices and best uses for each metal.
Aluminum
A great choice for both functional and aesthetic parts, aluminum is probably the most common material used for CNC milling. Most of the time, aluminum is easier to machine than other metals. It is the most useful material from a business perspective. When aluminum parts are exposed to the environment, they develop a protective layer that makes them stronger and more corrosion resistant. CNC milling aluminum is perfect for the automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer electronics industries because the material is so good. Some examples are aircraft parts, electronic housings, medical tools, gears and shafts, and other specific uses.
Steel
Most of the different steel alloys used in CNC milling services are made to work well with the machines. Most of the time, steel is used to improve parts that need to be easier to form and weld stronger. Even though the quality of the material varies between different alloys (1018, 1215, 12L14, etc. are some of the commonly used alloys). Most of this material is used for commercial items, parts that need to weld well, gears and shafts, and other high stress applications. Steel alloys are used for different things.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel alloys are used for many reasons, such as they can be heated and are corrosion resistant. In CNC milling, stainless steel is widely used in medical devices, electronic hardware, and other things that need to be easier to form and weld. Stainless steel alloys are also widely used in the automotive and aircraft industries.
Titanium
Titanium is a special material because it has a high melting point. This makes it useful in many industries and for many different things. It is considered to have corrosion resistant and bendable properties. It can also handle salt and water. Titanium is a strong and durable material that is biocompatible, lightweight, and can be used for many things, such as jewelry, aircraft parts, and medical implants.
Brass
Brass provides stability when strength is not enough and is one of the easiest and cheapest metals to machine using CNC machines. Some common uses are medical devices, consumer products, electrical hardware, and contacts. Bronze is used in engineering, plumbing, steam engineering, and even musical instruments because it is corrosion resistant and has a low coefficient of friction.
Copper
Copper is one of the few metals that can conduct electricity for CNC milling materials. High electrical conductivity aids in shaping during CNC machining. This material does not rust as it has a high corrosion resistance. Engineering components frequently used in the automotive sector include cooling systems, heat exchangers, valves, and radiators. It is important to know that copper is not very resistant to substances such as acids, halogen sulfides, and ammonia, although this is true.