What metals can be CNC machined?
Buyer: I’ve got a component design, but I’m not sure—what metals can be CNC machined?
Engineer (Prime): That’s a great question. CNC machining is highly versatile. It can handle a wide range of metals—from soft aluminum to hardened tool steel. The key is choosing the right material for your part’s function, cost, and machinability.
Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
- What materials cannot be CNC machined?
- What type of material can be machined using CNC?
- What metal is used in a CNC machine?
- Can stainless steel be CNC machined?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
What materials cannot be CNC machined?
Buyer: Let’s start with limits—what can’t you machine?
Engineer: CNC machines struggle with:
- Rubber or soft foams – too flexible to cut cleanly
- Fiberglass – abrasive and destroys tooling
- Thin film plastics – melt or clog tools
- Wood composites like MDF – cause dust and chipping issues
- Ceramics – too brittle unless using specialized tools
At Prime, we stick to metals and engineering plastics that support tight tolerances and smooth finishes.
Summary: Very soft, brittle, or abrasive materials aren’t suitable for standard CNC.
What type of material can be machined using CNC?
Buyer: So which materials work well?
Engineer: CNC handles the following with ease:
| Material Class | Common Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 6061, 7075, ADC12 | Lightweight, cost-effective |
| Steel | Mild steel, tool steel | Strong, heavy, moderate to hard |
| Stainless Steel | 304, 316, 17-4PH | Corrosion-resistant, slower to cut |
| Brass & Copper | C360, C110 | Great for precision parts |
| Titanium | Ti-6Al-4V | Aerospace-grade, difficult to cut |
| Plastics | POM, ABS, Nylon, PTFE | Good for bushings, insulators |
We match each client’s project with the best-fit metal based on cost, hardness, and required surface finish.
What metal is used in a CNC machine?
Buyer: What metals are most commonly used in CNC?
Engineer: These are the most popular metals in CNC machining:
- Aluminum – Lightweight, fast to cut, low cost
- Mild Steel – Strong, reliable, weldable
- Stainless Steel – Used in food, marine, medical parts
- Brass – Easy to machine, beautiful finish
- Titanium – Lightweight yet strong, for aerospace/medical
- Copper – High conductivity, good for electrical components
At Prime, aluminum accounts for \~40% of our CNC jobs due to its machinability and price-performance balance.
Can stainless steel be CNC machined?
Buyer: I need a corrosion-resistant part—can you machine stainless?
Engineer: Yes—CNC machining is excellent for stainless steel, including grades like:
- 304: General use
- 316: Marine or chemical environments
- 17-4 PH: High strength, heat-treated
- 420/440C: Tooling and wear-resistant parts
Stainless takes longer to cut, and tool wear is higher, but we manage it with coolant systems and sharp carbide tools.
Summary: Stainless steel is slower to machine, but ideal for tough environments and long service life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ What’s the easiest metal to machine?
Engineer: Aluminum—especially 6061. It’s fast, clean, and cheap.
❓ Can you machine titanium?
Engineer: Yes, but it requires slower feeds, special tooling, and expert handling.
❓ Do metals affect CNC tolerances?
Engineer: Yes. Softer metals expand more from tool heat. We adjust accordingly at Prime.
❓ Can I send mixed metal parts for machining?
Engineer: Yes—but each metal is quoted and programmed separately for best efficiency.
Conclusion
Buyer: So, what metals can be CNC machined?
Engineer: Aluminum, steel, stainless, brass, titanium, and copper—all work well if the right tools and parameters are used. At Prime, we help clients select the best-fit metal for every part, ensuring performance and price balance.
Buyer: Got it. I’ll send you my part specs and let you recommend the material.
Engineer: Perfect. We’ll check your tolerances, recommend materials, and quote within 24 hours.
Need precision metal parts machined fast and to spec?
Contact Prime for free DFM consultation, material advice, and fast-turn CNC production.
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://primecustomparts.com
