{"id":22593,"date":"2025-07-16T11:38:16","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T09:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/articles\/cnc-machining-materials-selection\/"},"modified":"2025-07-31T11:31:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T09:31:19","slug":"cnc-machining-materials-selection","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/cnc-machining-materials-selection\/","title":{"rendered":"CNC Machining Materials: 6 Expert Tips for Making the Right Choice"},"content":{"rendered":"<div role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"simpletoc wp-block-simpletoc-toc\"><h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#h-quick-reference-what-material-to-use-and-why\">Quick Reference: What Material to Use (and Why)<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tip-1-start-with-the-end-use\">Tip 1: Start With the End Use<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tip-2-think-about-lead-time-and-availability\">Tip 2: Think About Lead Time and Availability<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tip-3-use-prototypes-to-explore-options\">Tip 3: Use Prototypes to Explore Options<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tip-4-match-machinability-to-budget\">Tip 4: Match Machinability to Budget<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tip-5-dont-overengineer-balance-cost-vs-performance\">Tip 5: Don&#8217;t Overengineer \u2013 Balance Cost vs. Performance<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tip-6-consider-surface-finish-needs-upfront\">Tip 6: Consider Surface Finish Needs Upfront<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#prototype-test-iterate\">Prototype, Test, Iterate<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p>To make this easier, we\u2019ve prepared a quick reference table to help you narrow down material options based on real-world design needs. Below, you\u2019ll also find 6 practical tips to help engineers and designers choose the right CNC materials confidently and efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-quick-reference-what-material-to-use-and-why\"><strong>Quick Reference: What Material to Use (and Why)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The table below shows the most common CNC machining scenarios and matches them with recommended materials. However, this table serves as a starting point, not a definitive answer. Prototyping still matters for the best result.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/cnc-machining-materials\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Some-of-the-CNC-machined-parts-manufactured-with-Xometry.webp\" alt=\"Some of the CNC machined parts manufactured with Xometry\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/cnc-machining-materials\/\" class=\"aside-link\">CNC Machining Material Selection<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block table-with-white-space\" id=\"table-id-689\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-689\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 528px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 24px;\"><b>Use Case<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 24px;\"><b>Recommended Material<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 24px;\"><b>Why<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High strength-to-weight ratio<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aluminium 7075, Titanium<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excellent performance-to-weight balance<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low-cost prototyping<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delrin (POM), Aluminium 6061<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affordable, easy to machine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 24px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excellent surface finish<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 24px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brass, Aluminium, Acrylic<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 24px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polishes well, minimal post-processing<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 24px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear resistance<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 24px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nylon, PEEK, Hardened Steel<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 24px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good for moving parts or contact surfaces<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corrosion resistance<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stainless Steel 316, Titanium<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excellent resistance to rust, harsh environments, and chemicals<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tight tolerances \/ low expansion<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stainless Steel, Acetal (Delrin), Aluminium<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stable under temperature and moisture; ideal for shafts, fixtures, precision housings<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast turnaround \/ high availability<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aluminium 6061, Stainless Steel 304, POM<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common stock, widely available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High heat resistance<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PEEK, PPS, PEI<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain properties at elevated temperatures; ideal for bushings, thermal insulators<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemical resistance<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PEEK, PTFE, PVDF<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resist chemicals while retaining machinability; used in fluid handling parts<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UV stability (outdoor use)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PEEK, UV-stabilised Polycarbonate<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain mechanical properties under sunlight<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 24px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impact resistance<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 24px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polycarbonate, ABS<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 24px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Withstand impact without cracking or breaking<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 22.6804%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrical conductivity<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 28.9948%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Copper, Silver, PTFE<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.1959%; height: 48px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Copper\/silver for conductive parts; PTFE for insulation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tip-1-start-with-the-end-use\"><strong>Tip 1: Start With the End Use<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Choose CNC material based on the functional requirements of your part, not just cost or availability. Before making any decision, ask yourself the following questions: Will this part endure mechanical stress or impact? Will this part operate in high temperatures? Will the part be exposed to chemicals, UV, or moisture?<\/p>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-author-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <div class=\"author-block\">\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"quote-block\" style=\"border-color: #0E6AED;\">\r\n                    <p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> List and rank essential performance requirements before considering cost. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For high-wear parts (e.g., bushings, sliding components), prioritise hardened steel or PEEK to avoid premature failure.<\/li>\n<li>For lightweight designs (e.g., drone frames, brackets), prioritise aluminium alloys.<\/li>\n<li>For chemical or UV exposure, consider stainless steel or UV-stable plastics (e.g. PEEK).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\n\n\n<p>Evaluate cost once functional requirements are met. If anodised aluminium just meets the requirements, choose it over a more expensive stainless steel.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tip-2-think-about-lead-time-and-availability\"><strong>Tip 2: Think About Lead Time and Availability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The lead time is a crucial factor in any production and is mainly determined by material sourcing.<\/p>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-author-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <div class=\"author-block\">\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"quote-block\" style=\"border-color: #0E6AED;\">\r\n                    <p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Balance material performance with availability:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>PEEK or Inconel:<\/strong> Use for demanding applications requiring high temperature or chemical resistance, but expect longer lead times and higher material costs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>6061 aluminium or 304 stainless steel:<\/strong> Choose for fast-turnaround projects as they are widely stocked, cost-effective, and provide good mechanical performance for most applications.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check material availability during the design phase<\/strong> to prevent delays, especially for prototypes or short production runs where fast iteration is critical.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tip-3-use-prototypes-to-explore-options\"><strong>Tip 3: Use Prototypes to Explore Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>CNC machining enables rapid iteration using a range of materials, allowing you to test geometry, fit, and basic functionality before committing to final production materials.<\/p>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-author-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <div class=\"author-block\">\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"quote-block\" style=\"border-color: #0E6AED;\">\r\n                    <p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> When prototyping, match your material choice to your testing goals:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>ABS<\/strong> for very low-cost, low-stress prototypes when testing general form and fit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Delrin (POM)<\/strong> for testing geometries requiring better dimensional stability while maintaining ease of machining.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aluminium 6061<\/strong> for prototypes requiring mechanical properties closer to the final part, providing a realistic assessment of strength and machinability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-aluminium-part-threaded-holes-1024x574.jpeg\" alt=\"CNC machined aluminium part with threaded holes\" class=\"wp-image-115644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-aluminium-part-threaded-holes-1024x574.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-aluminium-part-threaded-holes-300x168.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-aluminium-part-threaded-holes-768x430.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-aluminium-part-threaded-holes-1536x861.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-aluminium-part-threaded-holes-2048x1148.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-aluminium-part-threaded-holes-scaled.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-22593\" data-caption=\"CNC machined aluminium part with threaded holes\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-aluminium-part-threaded-holes-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">CNC machined aluminium part with threaded holes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tip-4-match-machinability-to-budget\"><strong>Tip 4: Match Machinability to Budget<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The material&#8217;s machinability impacts the tool\u2019s life, production time, and overall part cost. Avoid materials that are difficult to machine unless necessary. For instance, titanium has extra strength but is more challenging to machine, which increases production costs due to faster tool wear.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/cnc-machining-cost\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/5-axis-machining-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"High speed 5-axis machining center for metal processing\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/cnc-machining-cost\/\" class=\"aside-link\">The Cost of CNC Machining<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n    <section class=\"article-author-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <div class=\"author-block\">\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"quote-block\" style=\"border-color: #0E6AED;\">\r\n                    <p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Match material choice to your budget and performance requirements:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Aluminium 6061:<\/strong> Use for general-purpose parts where good strength, ease of machining, and lower cost are priorities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aluminium 7075:<\/strong> Offers ~1.5x the tensile strength of 6061 but is harder to machine and more expensive. Use for critical high-strength parts, particularly in aerospace or demanding structural applications.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Titanium:<\/strong> Use only when exceptional strength-to-weight and corrosion resistance are critical, and budget allows for higher machining costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\n\n\n<p>Materials like aluminium dissipate heat effectively, allowing faster machining, while stainless steel and titanium require lower feed rates to manage heat buildup, increasing machining time and costs.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tip-5-dont-overengineer-balance-cost-vs-performance\"><strong>Tip 5: Don&#8217;t Overengineer \u2013 Balance Cost vs. Performance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>To keep costs and waste under control, select materials that are strong enough for the application \u2014 not the strongest available. Overengineering drives up both production costs and material waste. Additionally, design for manufacturability by avoiding features like undercuts, sharp internal corners, or hard-to-reach areas that require specialised tools. Adding generous internal radii can also simplify machining and reduce the risk of costly adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-author-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <div class=\"author-block\">\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"quote-block\" style=\"border-color: #0E6AED;\">\r\n                    <p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Choose lower-cost materials, and design with manufacturability in mind by keeping tolerances realistic and avoiding unnecessary complex features.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>ABS or mild steel:<\/strong> Ideal for non-structural or static parts, offering sufficient strength at a fraction of the cost of premium alloys.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aluminium 6061:<\/strong> Use for brackets, housings, and general structural parts, providing good strength and machinability at lower cost compared to 7075.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aluminium 7075:<\/strong> Reserve for critical, high-strength applications where the additional strength justifies the higher material and machining cost.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tip-6-consider-surface-finish-needs-upfront\"><strong>Tip 6: Consider Surface Finish Needs Upfront<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Material choice directly impacts post-processing methods (anodising, polishing, painting) and requirements. Not all materials can be finished equally; some polish well, others don&#8217;t. So, match your expectations to the material&#8217;s capabilities. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mirror-buffed brass routinely reaches 0.2 to 0.4 \u00b5m Ra, while vibratory-polished 6061-T6 aluminium averages 1.0 to 1.2 \u00b5m Ra.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A slightly higher roughness leads to better coating absorption and retention by trapping the coating substance in the microscopic grooves.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use glass-filled plastics for stability, but avoid them where high cosmetic surface finish is required. Additionally, some materials, such as acrylic, are brittle and sensitive to heat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/cnc-machining-finishes\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/CNC-machining-and-powder-coating-2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Black anodized CNC-machined metal part with a smooth finish\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/cnc-machining-finishes\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Surface Finishes for CNC Machining<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n    <section class=\"article-author-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <div class=\"author-block\">\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"quote-block\" style=\"border-color: #0E6AED;\">\r\n                    <p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Use brass or aluminum for cosmetic parts; avoid rougher finishes unless absolutely necessary. The standard CNC machining surface roughness, unless specified otherwise, is 3.2 \u00b5m Ra.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-anodized-aluminium-parts-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Anodized aluminum parts\" class=\"wp-image-115668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-anodized-aluminium-parts-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-anodized-aluminium-parts-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-anodized-aluminium-parts-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-anodized-aluminium-parts-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-anodized-aluminium-parts-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-anodized-aluminium-parts-scaled.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-22593\" data-caption=\"Anodised aluminum parts\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cnc-machined-anodized-aluminium-parts-scaled.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Anodised aluminum parts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prototype-test-iterate\"><strong>Prototype, Test, Iterate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Optimise CNC machining projects for efficiency and durability by considering function, machinability, cost, finish expectations, and material-specific trade-offs. Always prototype, plan for surface finishing, and evaluate environmental effects before choosing the material.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want more insights on CNC materials and machining best practices? Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/cnc-machining-materials\/\">CNC material selection guide<\/a> to choose the required material for your CNC machining project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":115660,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","categories":[],"c-tag-articles":[],"global-tag":[476,607],"class_list":["post-22593","articles","type-articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","global-tag-cnc-machining-uk","global-tag-materials-uk"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>CNC Machining Materials: 6 Expert Tips for Selecting the Right One | Xometry Pro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to choose CNC materials that match your part\u2019s function, reduce costs, and optimise machining time with expert selection 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