With so many material options available for CNC machining, it can often be challenging to choose the right material for your specific application. Here, we provide a guide of the many materials compatible with CNC machining to help you determine which is right for your needs.
Choosing the Right Metal for Your CNC Machining Needs
When selecting a CNC material, start by defining your specific needs, including any thermal, mechanical, or other requirements, along with surface finish and budget. You also need to consider the environment in which the part will be used and its interaction with other parts in a larger system. From there, narrow your selection down to a few key materials that meet your requirements. You can then choose the material that best fits your needs, which may entail reaching a compromise based on your most important material requirements.
To help you choose the ideal CNC machining material, the following is an overview of various material options:
Aluminum 
Aluminum is one of the most popular materials used in CNC machining applications. Machining aluminum takes less time than other metals, which makes it more cost-effective. Parts consisting of aluminum also benefit from increased corrosion resistance and durability. All of these advantages make aluminum ideal for applications in healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and other industries.
Copper
CopperIf conductivity is a critical requirement, copper is one of the best options. In addition to electric conductivity, copper features thermal conductivity properties that allow for easier shaping as well as superior corrosion resistance to help combat rust. Applications for CNC-machined copper components include valves, radiators, heat exchangers, and cooling systems.
Stainless Steel
Stainless SteelFor optimal corrosion resistance and heat treatability, stainless steel alloys offer plenty of advantages. CNC machining with stainless steel can produce parts and products such as electronics hardware, surgical instruments, and other parts requiring sufficient weldability and formability. Many applications in the aerospace and automotive industries rely on stainless steel components.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is more cost-effective than stainless steel and features added strength. Carbon steel is also easy to weld and machine, and it’s possible to heat treat this material to meet varying hardness and strength requirements. Components such as nuts, bolts, shafts, gears, and connecting rods often use carbon steel. Applications in the architectural industry also use surface-treated carbon steel for added corrosion resistance.
Beryllium Copper 
Applications requiring high-strength and high electrical conductivity often use beryllium copper. This copper alloy features excellent resistance to both galling and corrosion. It also features low permeability and non-magnetic properties that make it ideal for use in magnetic housings. It can undergo various processes, including brazing, welding, forging, brazing, and hot and cold working, depending on the application.
Brass
BrassCNC machining operations frequently use brass as an inexpensive and easily machined metal, at the cost of decreased strength. Applications for CNC-machined brass components include consumer goods, medical equipment, and various electrical hardware. Fields such as plumbing and engineering also use brass because of its combined low-friction coefficient and corrosion resistance capabilities.
Contact Swiss Labs for Your Machining Needs
Depending on your application requirements, you can choose from a wide range of CNC machining materials. To help you meet your needs, turn to the experts at Swiss Labs. We only purchase high-quality raw materials to help produce the highest quality products for each of our customers. This enables us to deliver products to customers based on their unique design, condition, and surface finish specifications. In addition to more conventional metals, we also work with a selection of exotic metals such as phosphorous bronze, silver, nickel, and carbon steel.
At Swiss Labs, we offer precision CNC machining, along with drilling, turning, and more. If you would like to find out more about our services and what we can do for you, contact us today with any questions or request a quote to get started on your next CNC machining project.