CNC Machining Metal Materials
Discover a wide range of metals for your CNC projects. Compare properties, lead times, and finishing options in one place.
Beska – Best Quality with Competitive Price.
With expertise in sheet metal fabrication and CNC machining, we’re here.
At Beska, there is a spectrum of metal materials to create CNC-machined components. Different metal materials have various toughness, strength, moisture, and heat resistance. We have collected the properties and applications of the common metal materials used in CNC machining for your reference: aluminum, stainless steel, steel, copper, brass, and zinc. We would like to be your material selection guide if you need any help!
Materials | Key Properties | Typical CNC Applications | Lead Time* | Machinability (1–5) | Finishing Options |
Aluminum (6061 / 7075 / 5052)
| Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, high thermal conductivity, excellent machinability | Aerospace structural parts, automotive brackets, electronic housings, medical equipment | 3–5 days | 5 (Excellent) | Anodizing (clear/colored), powder coating, bead blasting, polishing |
Stainless Steel (303 / 304 / 316 / 17-4PH)
| High strength, excellent corrosion resistance, hygienic, wear resistant | Medical devices, marine components, food-processing machinery, industrial fixtures | 5–8 days | 3 (Moderate) | Passivation, electropolishing, brushing, laser engraving |
Carbon Steel (1018 / 1045)
| Cost-effective, good machinability, moderate strength | Shafts, fixtures, automotive components, jigs | 4–6 days | 4 (Very Good) | Black oxide coating, zinc plating, painting |
Alloy Steel (4130 / 4140 / 4340)
| High tensile strength, impact resistance, heat-treatable | Gears, aerospace components, oil & gas tools, heavy-duty shafts | 6–8 days | 3 (Moderate) | Nitriding, carburizing, phosphate coating |
Tool Steel (A2 / D2 / O1 / H13)
| Exceptional wear resistance, high hardness, withstands high temperatures | Molds, dies, cutting tools, industrial blades | 7–10 days | 2 (Fair) | Hardening, tempering, polishing, PVD coating |
Brass (C36000)
| Excellent machinability, low friction, decorative finish, corrosion resistance | Valves, fittings, connectors, decorative hardware, instrumentation | 3–5 days | 5 (Excellent) | Polishing, nickel plating, chrome plating |
Bronze (C93200 / C95400)
| Good strength, excellent wear & corrosion resistance, self-lubricating | Bearings, bushings, gears, pump components | 4–6 days | 3 (Moderate) | Oil impregnation, polishing, plating |
Copper (C11000)
| Superior thermal & electrical conductivity, antimicrobial | Heat exchangers, electrical contacts, custom busbars, RF components | 4–6 days | 2 (Fair) | Nickel/tin plating, passivation, clear coating |
Titanium (Grade 2 / Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V)
| High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion-resistant, biocompatible | Aerospace fasteners, medical implants, high-performance automotive parts | 7–12 days | 2 (Fair) | Anodizing (colored), polishing, stress relief |
Zinc Alloys (Zamak)
| Good castability, corrosion resistance, low cost | Prototypes, housings, consumer products | 3–5 days | 4 (Very Good) | Plating, painting, chromate coating |
Inconel / Nickel Alloys (718 / 625)
| Extreme heat & corrosion resistance, high strength | Turbine blades, aerospace engine parts, chemical processing equipment | 8–14 days | 1 (Difficult) | Shot peening, polishing, passivation |
Other Specialty Metals (Kovar, Monel, Hastelloy)
| Tailored thermal expansion, chemical resistance, niche properties | Electronics packaging, chemical handling parts, custom industrial components | On request | 1–2 (Difficult) | As per specification – plating, passivation, polishing |
FAQ
Start with the end environment. If high corrosion or chemical exposure is expected (like in marine or medical environments), 316 stainless is often best. For general use, 304 offers a balance of cost and performance.
Aluminum alloys, brass, and some stainless steels typically produce smoother finishes and require less post-processing.
Absolutely. We routinely work with customer-specified grades and provide material certification, RoHS/REACH compliance, and full inspection reports upon request.
Metals with higher machinability, such as aluminum and brass, reduce cycle time and cost. Low-machinability alloys like titanium or nickel alloys need slower feeds and specialized setups, which increases cost and lead time.
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