cnc parts machining material selection

Selection Of Materials For CNC Parts Processing

1. Determine The Requirements Needed For The Part’s Functionality

2. Identify Common Materials Used To Machine Parts

3. Consider Related Secondary Processing

Prioritize Your Parts Requirements

1. Environment: For Many People, This Is Definitely The Most Important Requirement. Environmental Factors Can Include Heat Cold Resistance, Flame Retardancy, UV Chemical Resistance.

Depending On The Application, Your Material May Have To Be Food Grade Medical Grade. Consider The Full Range Of Your Part’s Applications. For Example, A Component Of A Medical Device May Have To Withstand The Extreme Heat Of An Autoclave Harsh Chemical Sterilization Between Uses.

2. Electrical: This Can Cover A Range Of Application-Related Factors. A Part May Need To Be Conductive  Insulated . It May Need To Dissipate Static Electricity. In Either Case, Choosing The Right Metal Plastic Resin Is Critical.

3. Mechanical: Strength Comes In Many Forms. A Part May Need To Fall Anywhere On The Continuum Rigid To Flexible. It May Need Tensile Compressive Strength, Be Able To Withstand Impact. It May Have To Resist Wear Provide Lubricity To Function As A Bearing. There Are Materials That Meet These Requirements, Some Are More Effective Than Others.

4. Size: While Machining Can Produce Parts Of A Wide Range Of Sizes, Part Size May Be Limited By The Maximum Available Size Of A Particular Stock Material .

5. Cost: Cost Can Be A Significant Factor Usually Falls Behind Must-Haves Nice-To-Haves.

Identify Commonly Processed Materials

Over The Years, Our Engineers Have Identified Materials That Are Suitable For The Machining Process These Materials Continue To Be Popular Choices Among Our Customers.

For Metals, These Include Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel, Steel. Among Plastics, Designers Often Choose Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ABS, Acetal, Nylon, Polycarbonate, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), High- Low-Density Polyethylene, Others. Protolabs Offers More Than 40 Different Grades Of Plastic Metal Materials. Some Of The Important Properties Of The Most Popular Materials For Processing Include:

ABS Acetal

1.ABS Has High Impact Strength, Low Thermal Conductivity Low Coefficient Of Friction.

2. Acetal Has High Mechanical Strength, Good Dimensional Stability Low Moisture Absorption.

PEEK Ultem

1.PEEK Has High Wear Resistance, Low Moisture Absorption Low Friction Coefficient.

2.Ultem (PEI) Has Extremely High Strength, Stiffness, Chemical Resistance High Dielectric Strength.

Aluminum 6061 7075

1.6061 Offers Excellent Machinability, Low Cost Versatility.

2.7075 Has High Strength, Hardness, Low Weight Heat Resistance.

Finishing Options Process Selection

In Addition To Material Selection, You Also Need To Consider The Associated Secondary Processes. For Example, If The Material Of Choice Is One Of The Available Aluminum Alloys (6061 7075), You Need To Consider The Several Available Associated Surface Finishes. Anodizing Is Better Suited For Durability, Providing You With An All-In-One Solution That Is Both Cost-Effective High-Quality.