Materials
for
Precision
Manufacturing
Compare metals, plastics, elastomers, and additive materials for CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, metal stamping, and 3D printing -- with guidance on strength, cost, machinability, forming behavior, finish options, and production fit.
Materials by Manufacturing Process
Select your manufacturing process to explore compatible materials
CNC Machining
Metals & Plastics
Injection Molding
Thermoplastics
Sheet Metal
Steel & Aluminum
Metal Stamping
Thin Gauge Metals
3D Printing
Resins & Filaments
Complete Materials Library
Comprehensive material specifications and properties for informed selection
Aluminum Alloys
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant
Common Grades:
Applications:
Aerospace, automotive, electronics, marine
Stainless Steel
Corrosion-resistant, high strength
Common Grades:
Applications:
Medical, food processing, chemical, marine
Titanium Alloys
High strength-to-weight ratio
Common Grades:
Applications:
Aerospace, medical implants, marine
Material Comparison Matrix
Compare key properties to select the optimal material for your application
| Material | Density (g/cm³) |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
Machinability | Corrosion Resistance | Cost | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
2.7 | 310 | Excellent | Good | Low | 3-5 days |
|
|
8.0 | 515 | Good | Excellent | Medium | 5-7 days |
|
|
4.5 | 950 | Challenging | Excellent | High | 7-10 days |
|
|
1.05 | 40 | Excellent | Fair | Low | 2-3 days |
Featured Materials
Our most popular materials for precision manufacturing
Aluminum 6061-T6
Versatile, lightweight, excellent machinability
Stainless 316L
Medical grade, corrosion resistant
Titanium Ti-6Al-4V
Aerospace grade, high strength-to-weight
PEEK
High-performance engineering plastic
Materials by Application
Find the right material for your specific industry and use case
Aerospace
High-performance requirements
Recommended Materials:
Key Requirements:
- • High strength-to-weight ratio
- • Temperature resistance
- • Fatigue resistance
- • Corrosion resistance
Medical Devices
Biocompatible materials
Recommended Materials:
Key Requirements:
- • Biocompatibility
- • Corrosion resistance
- • Sterilization compatibility
- • Non-toxic properties
Automotive
Performance & durability
Recommended Materials:
Key Requirements:
- • Crash performance
- • Weight reduction
- • Cost effectiveness
- • Durability
Electronics
Thermal & electrical properties
Recommended Materials:
Key Requirements:
- • Thermal conductivity
- • Electrical insulation
- • EMI shielding
- • Dimensional stability
Marine
Corrosion resistance critical
Recommended Materials:
Key Requirements:
- • Saltwater resistance
- • UV stability
- • Galvanic compatibility
- • Impact resistance
Industrial Equipment
Heavy-duty applications
Recommended Materials:
Key Requirements:
- • High load capacity
- • Wear resistance
- • Machinability
- • Cost effectiveness
Material Selection DFM Guidelines
Our engineering team provides comprehensive Design for Manufacturing guidance to optimize your material selection for cost, performance, and manufacturability.
Material Compatibility Analysis
We analyze your design requirements against material properties to recommend optimal selections for your specific application.
Cost Optimization
Balance performance requirements with cost considerations through material grade selection and design modifications.
Manufacturing Process Optimization
Recommend manufacturing processes and material combinations that reduce lead times and improve quality.
Process: CNC Machining
Optimization: Available
optimization and
design improvements
Surface Finishing Options
Compatible finishing processes for each material type
Metal Finishing
Protective and decorative treatments
Anodizing
Aluminum OnlyElectrochemical process creating protective oxide layer
Powder Coating
Most MetalsDurable electrostatic coating process
Electroplating
Steel/BrassElectrochemical metal deposition
Passivation
Stainless SteelChemical treatment for corrosion resistance
Plastic Finishing
Surface treatments and textures
Painting
Most PlasticsSpray or brush application of paint systems
Surface Texturing
Injection MoldingMold surface textures transferred to parts
Vapor Polishing
ABS/PCChemical vapor process for high gloss finish
Pad Printing
GraphicsIndirect offset printing for logos and text
Material-Finishing Compatibility Matrix
| Material | Anodizing | Powder Coating | Plating | Painting | Passivation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | |||||
| Stainless Steel | |||||
| Carbon Steel | |||||
| ABS Plastic |
Quality Assurance & Certifications
Our material sourcing and quality control processes ensure consistent, reliable results
ISO 9001:2015
Quality management system certification
Material Certificates
Mill test certificates for all materials
RoHS Compliant
Restriction of hazardous substances
REACH Compliant
European chemical regulation compliance
Our Material Quality Process
Supplier Qualification
Certified material suppliers with full traceability
Incoming Inspection
Material verification and certificate validation
Process Control
In-process monitoring and quality checkpoints
Final Verification
Dimensional and material property verification
Material Selection FAQ
Common questions about materials and manufacturing processes
How do I choose the right material for my application?
Material selection depends on several factors including mechanical requirements (strength, stiffness), environmental conditions (temperature, chemicals), manufacturing process compatibility, cost constraints, and regulatory requirements. Our engineering team provides free DFM analysis to help you select the optimal material for your specific application.
What's the difference between 6061 and 7075 aluminum?
6061 aluminum offers excellent machinability, weldability, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for general-purpose applications. 7075 aluminum provides higher strength (nearly twice that of 6061) but is more expensive and less corrosion-resistant. Choose 6061 for cost-effective, general applications and 7075 for high-stress aerospace or performance applications.
Can you source specialty materials not listed here?
Yes, we can source a wide range of specialty materials including exotic alloys, high-performance plastics, and certified materials for specific industries. Our procurement team works with qualified suppliers worldwide to source materials that meet your exact specifications, including material certificates and traceability documentation.
What material certificates do you provide?
We provide mill test certificates (MTCs) for all metallic materials, which include chemical composition and mechanical properties. For plastics, we provide material data sheets and compliance certificates (RoHS, REACH, FDA, USP Class VI) as required. Additional testing and certification can be arranged for critical applications.
How does material choice affect lead time and cost?
Common materials like aluminum 6061, steel, and standard plastics are typically in stock, offering shorter lead times and lower costs. Specialty alloys, high-performance plastics, or non-standard sizes may require special ordering, adding 1-2 weeks to lead time. Material cost varies significantly - aluminum and plastics are generally most economical, while titanium and specialty alloys command premium pricing.
What surface finishes are recommended for different environments?
For outdoor/marine environments, choose anodizing for aluminum or powder coating for steel. For medical applications, passivation for stainless steel or biocompatible coatings are preferred. Electronics applications benefit from conductive finishes or EMI shielding. Our finishing guide provides detailed recommendations based on your specific environmental requirements and performance needs.
Get Expert Material
Recommendations & Instant Quotes
Upload your CAD files and receive detailed material recommendations with DFM analysis and competitive pricing within 24 hours. Our engineering team will optimize your design for manufacturability and cost.