Request a Quote →

CNC machining materials

A wide range of metals and plastics for CNC machining, with applications in multiple industries. Ideal for both one-off prototypes and end-use custom parts.

Materials

Metal CNC machining

Metal cutting runs through our audited partner network, which is what keeps quality consistent and turnaround predictable across very different jobs. Capacity is matched to the part by an engineer rather than by whoever is free, so a tight-tolerance component does not land on a machine that cannot hold it.

Aluminum

$

High machinability and ductility, good strength-to-weight ratio.

Stainless steel

$$

High tensile strength, corrosion and temperature resistant.

Mild steel

$

High machinability and weldability, high stiffness.

Brass

$$

Low friction, excellent electrical conductivity, golden appearance.

Copper

$$$

Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity

Alloy steel

$$

High strength and toughness, fatigue resistant.

Tool steel

$$

High hardness and stiffness, abrasion resistant.

Titanium

$$$$

Excellent strength to weight ratio, used in aerospace, automotive and medical industries.

Inconel

$$$$$

High-strength and corrosion-resistant nickel alloy.

Invar 36

$$$$$

Nickel alloy with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Materials

Plastic CNC machining

Machined plastics earn their place where metal is the wrong answer: when weight matters, when the part has to insulate, when a chemical would attack a metal, or when the quantity does not justify a mould. They cut faster than metal and cost less per part, but they also move with temperature and humidity, so tolerances are set with that in mind.

POM (Delrin/Acetal)

$

High stiffness, high accuracy, low friction, easy to machine.

Nylon

$

Excellent mechanical properties, thermal, chemical and abrasion resistant.

ABS

$

Common thermoplastic, impact resistant, easy to machine.

PEEK

$$$$

High-performance thermoplastic, very high strength, thermal and chemical resistant.

PTFE (Teflon)

$$$

Low friction, chemical and thermal resistant.

Polycarbonate

$$

High toughness, excellent impact strength, transparent.

Polyethylene

$

Excellent strength-to-weight ratio, impact and weather resistant.

PVC

$

Excellent chemical and weather resistance and good toughness.

PMMA (Acrylic)

$$

Transparent rigid plastic often used as a substitute for glass.

PET

$$

Tough plastic that offers excellent wear resistance and mechanical strength.

Polypropylene

$

Excellent chemical resistance. Food-safe grades available.

G-10

$$$

High strength, low moisture absorption, and high level of electrical insulation.

FR4

$$$

Flame retardant glass fiber epoxy laminate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much does CNC machining cost?

The cost of CNC machining depends on the complexity and size of the part and the type of material that is used. These variables will affect the type of machine that is required, the time it takes to produce the part, and the cost of the raw material. An engineer reviews your CAD file and returns a costed quote, usually within 24 hours. The price follows what actually drives it — part complexity and size, the material, the machine time it needs and the quantity — and that review is where a problem with the geometry gets caught, before it reaches a partner rather than after the first article arrives.

What is metal machining?

Machining is subtractive: you start with more metal than you need and remove everything that is not the part. Under CNC the tool path is driven by the CAD model rather than by hand, which is why the hundredth part matches the first — and why the cost is set by cutting time and setups rather than by tooling.

What plastic is best for machining?

ABS is the general-purpose starting point — easy to cut, dimensionally stable, cheap enough for iteration. POM (Delrin) is the one to reach for when a part needs to slide or stay stiff under load. Past those two the choice is usually driven by a single requirement: PEEK for heat, PTFE for chemical attack, polycarbonate for impact.

Ready to get started?

Upload your CAD files and get an instant quote for your CNC machining project

CNC Machining Materials | Metal Market