We also have several materials used for CNC machining besides aluminum, steel, plastic, and urethane. Some examples include:
Copper and brass: These materials are good conductors of electricity and are often used in electrical applications.
Titanium: This metal is strong, corrosion-resistant, and biocompatible, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.
Magnesium: This material has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is commonly used in parts where strength is desired at the expense of weight.
Wood: CNC machines can also be used to carve and shape wood, making it a popular material for artistic and decorative projects.
Ceramics: These materials are often used in industrial applications due to their high-temperature resistance and durability.
Composites: Materials such as carbon fiber composites are used for their strength and lightweight properties in applications ranging from sports equipment to aerospace.
Material
Tensile Strength (MPa)
Yield Strength (MPa)
Elastic Modulus (GPa)
Density (g/cm³)
Distortion Temperature (°C)
Working Temperature (°C)
Advantages
Applications
Copper
220-350
40-220
130-150
8.96
200-250
-200 to 1000
● High thermal and electrical conductivity
● Corrosion resistance
Electrical wiring, plumbing, electronics, roofing, cookware
Brass
250-800
100-600
100-120
8.4-8.73
500-600
-200 to 500
● Good corrosion resistance
● Easily machinable
Decorative items, plumbing, electrical components, musical instruments
Titanium
830-1100
400-550
116-170
4.5
600-650
-250 to 400
● High strength-to-weight ratio
● Corrosion resistance
Aerospace, military, medical implants, sporting goods, automotive applications
Magnesium
120-220
80-170
44-45
1.74-1.85
200-300
-40 to 150
● Lightweight
● Good damping capacity
● Easily machinable
Aerospace, automotive parts, electronics, power tools
Zinc
150-380
40-310
96-110
7.13
150-200
-50 to 150
● Corrosion resistance
● Recyclable
Building materials, automotive parts, electrical components
Nickel
550-880
170-690
200-210
8.9
300-400
-196 to 1000
● High strength
● Corrosion resistance
Aerospace, marine engineering, chemical processing, power generation
Carbon fiber composites
600-1500
500-1200
120-220
1.6-2.0
180-250
-55 to 250
● High strength-to-weight ratio
● Stiffness
● Fatigue resistance
Aerospace, automotive, sporting goods, construction, industrial applications
Ceramic
200-4000
20-3000
50-400
2-10
500-1500
up to 2000
● High temperature resistance
● Hardness
● Wear resistance
Cutting tools, bearings, electronic components, medical implants, aerospace applications
Wood
25-50
10-20
10-20
0.4-1.2
120-200
up to 100
● Natural appearance
● Lightweight
Furniture, flooring, construction, decorative items
