CNC Machining Materials Guide |Huacheng Hardware
Regular Aluminum Material Option for CNC Machining
01. Aluminum Alloy Material: 6000 Series
The main types are 6061AL(TT651&T6), 6063AL, and 6082AL.
This series of aluminum alloys, containing magnesium and silicon, is easily machinable and heat-treatable for strengthening; Thanks to its excellent corrosion resistance, it is a mainstream choice for CNC machining，Thanks to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, machinability, and corrosion resistance, the 6000-series aluminum alloy is widely utilized in high-end industrial manufacturing sectors, including aerospace, automotive manufacturing, electronic and telecommunications enclosures, automated machinery, and precision hardware.
02. 7000 Series Aluminum Alloy
Representative Grade: 7075AL-Aluminum 7075-T651/T6Aluminum 7075-T7351
This series features zinc as its primary alloying element and is heat-treatable for strengthening; it represents the highest-strength class of aluminum alloys (known as “super-hard aluminum”). However, it presents significant processing challenges and entails high costs, while its anodizing performance is inferior to that of the 6-series alloys. 7000-series aluminum alloys are primarily utilized in core structural applications—such as aerospace, high-end sports equipment (including high-strength bicycle frames, rock climbing gear, and professional-grade competitive sports gear), and precision machinery—where exceptional strength and lightweight performance are essential requirements.
03. 5000 Series Aluminum Alloy
Representative Grades: 5052AL, 5053AL,5083AL
The 5000 series is an aluminum-magnesium alloy in which magnesium serves as the primary alloying element. Distinguished by its low density, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior weldability, it finds core applications in fields such as automotive manufacturing, the marine industry, industrial processing, and construction materials and decoration.
Regular Stainless Steel Material Option for CNC Machining
01.Austenitic stainless steel (300 series)
The main specifications include are 304/304L,316/316L
Boasting exceptional corrosion resistance and excellent processability, it is ideally suited for complex forming operations and capable of meeting diverse requirements for part design，Austenitic stainless steel (300 series) is widely utilized in core industrial sectors such as precision machinery manufacturing, marine engineering, chemical equipment, and high-speed automated processing.
02.Martensitic Stainless Steel (400 Series):
The main specifications include 420 and 440C/440B(match 1.4112).
These materials possess a high carbon content and can achieve exceptional hardness through heat treatment, making them suitable for components requiring high wear resistance—such as bearings, cutting tools, and valve parts.
03.Free-cutting stainless steel
The main specifications is SUS303
Thanks to the superior machinability conferred by its sulfur content, 303 stainless steel serves as the ideal material choice for the high-speed, automated CNC machining of complex, precision hardware components—such as fasteners, shafts, and connectors..
Other Regular Material Option for CNC Machining
01.Carbon & Alloy Steels
The main carbon steels (1018 and 1045) and alloy steels (4140 and 4340).
In CNC machining, carbon steel and alloy steel are primarily utilized to manufacture various structural components, shafts, and gears. Carbon steel is distinguished by its cost-effectiveness and machinability, while alloy steel—thanks to its exceptional mechanical strength and toughness—meets the specialized requirements for high-stress parts.
02.Engineering Plastics
POM,Acetal,Nylon,Acrylic/PMMA,PTFE,ABS
In CNC machining, engineering plastics are widely utilized across fields such as electronics, automation machinery, medical devices, automotive manufacturing, and the chemical and food industries, owing to their exceptional physical properties—including electrical insulation, chemical resistance, and self-lubrication—as well as their efficient processing characteristics. They represent an ideal solution for achieving the lightweighting and functionalization of precision components.
03.Copper Alloys/Brass
Brass-C36000/C3604/C2680（H5）,Pure Copper-C11000/C14500/C10100
Brass, with its excellent machinability, stands as the preferred choice for manufacturing high-precision hardware components; conversely, red copper—leveraging its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity—is widely utilized in the production of parts for heat dissipation and electrical systems.