Choosing suitable materials for CNC machining can be challenging. The wrong material can increase costs, poor product quality, and production delays. I understand these challenges firsthand as someone deeply involved in sheet metal fabrication. The key to success lies in knowing your material options and their properties. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions and achieving optimal results.

Finding the perfect material for your CNC machining project doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the specific needs of your project and matching them with the properties of various materials, you can ensure efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Let’s explore some popular CNC machining materials and their applications.

cnc machining materials

Metals used in CNC-bewerking

Aluminium

Properties and Benefits

Aluminum is lightweight and strong. Aluminum is lightweight and robust. It is versatile because it conducts electricity and heat well. The ease of anodiseren allows for improved surface protection and aesthetic appeal.

Algemene toepassingen

Aluminum is widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and electronic industries. Aluminum is ideal for engine components, aircraft structures, and electronic enclosures.

Staal

Types of Steel: Carbon, Alloy and Stainless

Steel is available in many forms. Each has its unique characteristics. Carbon steel is robust and cost-effective. Alloy steel is a mixture of metals that enhance properties such as strength and hardness. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and can be used in harsh environments.

Properties and Benefits

Steel is known as a durable, strong, and versatile material. Alloy steel performs better under challenging conditions. Carbon steel is best for applications that require high strength. The corrosion-resistant properties of stainless steel make it the ideal material for applications that require a long lifespan.

Algemene toepassingen

Steel is used in many industries. Carbon steel is used in heavy machinery and construction. Alloy steel is used in industrial equipment and automotive parts. Stainless steel is used in kitchenware, medical devices, and marine applications.

Titanium

Properties and Benefits

Titanium is solid and lightweight. It is resistant to corrosion and can withstand high temperatures. This makes it an ideal material for extreme environments. Titanium is also biocompatible.

Algemene toepassingen

In aerospace, titanium is used for turbine blades and aircraft frames. It’s also used in the medical field for surgical instruments and implants.

Koper en messing

Property and Benefits

Copper is known as a conductor of heat and electricity. Copper is also antimicrobial and resistant to corrosion. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that offers good machinability and a distinctive look.

Algemene toepassingen

Copper is widely used in electrical components and heat exchangers. Brass is used for musical instruments, fittings, and decorative items.

Plastics used in CNC Machining

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Properties and Benefits

ABS is an impact-resistant, rigid plastic. It is a tough plastic that resists impact. Thermoforming ABS is easy, and it comes in a variety of colors. Lightweight yet strong, it is suitable for many applications.

Algemene toepassingen

ABS is used widely in automobile parts, consumer electronic housings, toys, and other products. Due to its affordability and ease of processing, ABS is also used for 3D printing and prototypes.

Polycarbonate

Properties and Benefits

The high impact resistance of polycarbonate and its transparency are well-known. It is resistant to UV radiation and can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees. It is lightweight and has good electrical insulation qualities.

Algemene toepassingen

Polycarbonate is used for electronic components, safety equipment, and automotive components. Thanks to its durability and clarity, it’s used in optical applications such as lenses and transparent panels.

Nylon

Properties and Benefits

Nylon is a highly durable, strong plastic that has excellent wear resistance. It is a robust and durable plastic with low friction. Nylon has a high thermal stability and is resistant to a wide range of chemicals. It can be used for countless applications.

Algemene toepassingen

Due to its high strength and low friction, nylon is often used for bushings, gears, and bearings. You can also find it in consumer products like textiles, sports equipment, and industrial machinery.

POM (Polyoxymethylene Acetal or Polyoxymethylene)

Properties and Benefits

POM (Acetal) is a low-friction, high-strength plastic with excellent dimensional stability. It is ideal for precision parts because it has good chemical resistance and is also easy to machine. POM’s low moisture absorption, high stiffness, and good chemical resistance are also well-known.

Algemene toepassingen

POM is commonly used for precision engineering components like gears, bearings, and fasteners. Also, it’s used in consumer products such as zippers, kitchen utensils, and electrical insulators. Its properties make this material suitable for exact and durable applications.

Plastics used in CNC Machining

Composites and other materials

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers

Property and Benefits

CFRP is renowned for its outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. It is incredibly stiff and lightweight, with excellent resistance to fatigue. CFRP is also a good conductor of heat and electricity.

Algemene toepassingen

CFRP is used extensively in the aerospace and automotive industries to make structural components with high strength and low mass. It is also used in sports equipment such as tennis rackets and bicycles.

Fiberglass

Property and Benefits

Fiberglass is made of glass fibers, resin, and other materials. It is flexible, strong, and resistant to moisture and corrosion. Fiberglass is lightweight, cost-effective, and relatively strong. It’s a good choice for a variety of applications.

Algemene toepassingen

Fiberglass is used to construct boats, automobile bodies, and tanks for storage. Fiberglass is also used to make building materials like roofing, wall paneling, and sports equipment such as surfboards and skiing.

Ceramics

Property and Benefits

Ceramics are brittle, rigid materials with high heat and wear resistance. Ceramics are resistant to extreme temperatures and electrically insulating. They are, therefore, suitable for specific technical applications.

Algemene toepassingen

Ceramics can be used for applications that require high thermal stability and wear resistance, like aerospace components, industrial machines, and medical devices. Ceramics are also used in electronic products such as substrates, insulators and consumer goods such as kitchenware and cutlery.

Quick View: CNC Machining Materials Chart

This table describes the most common materials that are used for CNC machining.

Material Type Naam Grade
Metaal Aluminium Al 1050
Metaal Aluminum 1050 Al 1050
Metaal Aluminum 1060 Al 1060
Metaal Aluminum 2024 Al 2024
Metaal Aluminum 5052-H11 Al 5052-H11
Metaal Aluminum 5083 Al 5083
Metaal Aluminum 6061 Al 6061
Metaal Aluminum 6082 Al 6082
Metaal Aluminum 7075 Al 7075
Metaal Aluminum-bronze Al + Br
Metaal Aluminum-MIC-6 Al MIC-6
Metaal Aluminum-QC-10 Al QC-10
Metaal Messing Cu + Zn
Metaal Koper Cu
Metaal Copper-beryllium Cu + Be
Metaal Copper-chrome Cu + Cr
Metaal Copper-tungsten Cu + W
Metaal Phosphor bronze Cu + Sn + P
Metaal Stainless-steel 303 SS 303
Metaal Stainless-steel 304 SS 304
Metaal Stainless-steel 316 SS 316
Metaal Stainless-steel 410 SS 410
Metaal Stainless-steel 431 SS 431
Metaal Stainless-steel 440 SS 440
Metaal Stainless-steel 630 SS 630
Metaal Low Carbon Steel 1018 Steel
Metaal Medium Carbon Steel 4130 Steel
Metaal Medium Carbon Steel 4140 Steel
Metaal High Carbon Steel 1095 Spring Steel
Plastic ABS ABS, ABS- high temp, ABS- antistatic
Plastic ABS + PC ABS + PC
Plastic HDPE HDPE, PEHD
Plastic Nylon 6 PA6
Plastic Nylon 6 + 30% Glass Fill PA6 + 30% GF
Plastic Nylon 6-6 Polyamide PA66
Plastic Polycarbonate PC
Plastic Polycarbonate-Glass Fill PC + GF
Plastic Polycarbonate+30% Glass Fill PC + 30% GF
Plastic Polyether ether ketone PEEK
Plastic Polyetherimide PEI
Plastic Polyetherimide + 30% Glass Fill Ultem 1000 + 30% GF
Plastic Polyetherimide + Ultem 1000 PEI + Ultem 1000
Plastic Polyethylene PE
Plastic PET PET
Plastic PMMA-Acrylic PMMA-Acrylic
Plastic POM POM
Plastic PPS PPS
Plastic PPS + Glass Fill PPS + GF
Composite PTFE PTFE

Factors Influencing CNC Machining Materials Selection

Mechanische eigenschappen

Je lichaam versterken

When selecting materials for CNC cutting, strength is critical. This determines the maximum load that a material will withstand before it deforms.

Hardheid

The hardness of a material is measured by its resistance to surface deformation. The more complex the material, the more resistant it is to wear. This makes them ideal for frictional and abrasive applications.

Vervormbaarheid

The ability to deform a material plastically without breaking it is called elasticity. High-ductility materials can tolerate significant deformation.

Thermal Properties

Hittebestendigheid

Heat resistance measures a material’s ability to resist high temperatures without losing properties. It is essential for parts exposed to high temperatures, like engine components or industrial machines.

Thermal Expansion

The thermal expansion of a material is its rate of expansion when heated. Materials with low thermal expansion are preferred in environments where temperature fluctuates because they maintain dimensional stability.

Electrical Property

Conductivity

Electrical conductivity is a measure of the material’s ability to conduct electricity. Electrical components and wiring are made from materials with high conductivity, like copper and aluminum.

Insulation

Insulating materials are essential to protect electronic components and ensure safety. These materials are used for insulators, housings, and other electrical isolation applications.

Chemical Resistance

Corrosiebestendigheid

The ability to resist corrosion is the ability to withstand reactions such as electrochemical or chemical. This property is essential for components exposed to harsh environments, such as chemical processing or marine applications.

Chemical Stability

Chemical stability is the ability of a material to resist chemical reactions. Chemically stable materials are required for applications that involve exposure to aggressive chemicals and solvents.

Kostenoverwegingen

The cost of materials is an essential factor when selecting the suitable material. For project feasibility, it is important to balance performance with budget constraints. High-performance materials offer superior properties but are often more expensive. It is essential to evaluate the cost-benefit relationship before making a decision.

CNC Machining Material Challenges & Solutions

Bewerkbaarheid

Metalen

Challenge: Metals such as steel, titanium, and aluminum are machinable to varying degrees, which affects tool wear and afwerking

Solution:

  • For harder metals, use carbide or ceramic tooling.
  • Optimize the cutting speed and feed for each metal type.
  • Use coolants that are suitable to reduce heat and improve machineability.

Kunststoffen

Challenge: Heat buildup can cause plastics to melt, deform, or poorly finish. 

Solution:

  • To achieve clean cuts, use high-speed steel or carbide tools.
  • Keep cutting at high speeds and ensure proper cooling to avoid melting.
  • Sharpen your tools to reduce heat and deformation.

Afwerking oppervlak

Challenge: Achieving smooth surfaces can be challenging due to material characteristics, tool wear, and incorrect machining parameters. 

Solution:

  • Use fine-grit abrasives or polishing compounds after machining metals.
  • Make sure the tools you use are sharp and suitable for the material that is being machined.
  • Adjust machining parameters like speed, feed, and cutting depth to optimize surface finish.
  • Coolants can be used to reduce heat and prevent the material from sticking to the tool. This can hurt the finish.

Tool Lifespan and Wear

Challenge: Tool Wear is a significant issue in CNC Machining, which affects precision, surface finish, and productivity. 

Solution:

  • High-quality materials that are resistant to wear, such as ceramic, carbide, or diamond-coated tooling, should be used.
  • Use the correct coolant system to reduce tool wear and manage heat.
  • Replace and inspect your tools regularly to ensure they remain in good condition.
  • Avoid overly aggressive settings that accelerate tool wear.
  • Adjust the tool path to match the wear pattern of the different materials.

Conclusie

Selecting suitable CNC Machining Materials will determine the success of your project. You can improve the durability and quality of your product by carefully evaluating the project requirements and understanding the material properties.

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FAQs

What is the best material for my CNC project, and how do I select it?

Consider your project’s mechanical, electrical, chemical, and thermal requirements when choosing the material. Consider the surface finish you want and weigh it against cost and availability. Consult CNC experts to help you make the right choice.

What are the advantages of using plastics or metals for CNC machining?

Metals are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and versatile, making them suitable for weight-sensitive applications. Plastics are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. They’re also versatile and suitable for applications that require low weight and harsh environments.

What is the impact of material selection on CNC machining costs?

The raw material price, machining time, and tool wear influence the cost of materials. Materials with excellent machinability are cheaper, but metals such as titanium can be more expensive.

What are the latest materials used in CNC machining today?

These materials include composites, such as CFRP, high-performance plastics, like PEEK or PEI, and metal alloys. These materials provide enhanced strength and chemical and thermal stability for specialized applications.

 

Meer bronnen:

Types of Metals for CNC Machining – Source: Xometry

Surface Finish in CNC Machining – Source: HUBS

Hey, ik ben Kevin Lee

Kevin Lee

 

De afgelopen 10 jaar heb ik me verdiept in verschillende vormen van plaatbewerking en ik deel hier de coole inzichten die ik heb opgedaan in verschillende werkplaatsen.

Neem contact op

Kevin Lee

Kevin Lee

Ik heb meer dan tien jaar professionele ervaring in plaatbewerking, gespecialiseerd in lasersnijden, buigen, lassen en oppervlaktebehandelingstechnieken. Als technisch directeur bij Shengen zet ik me in om complexe productie-uitdagingen op te lossen en innovatie en kwaliteit in elk project te stimuleren.

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