CNC Machining Materials

From aluminum and stainless to Delrin and PEEK — we machine the materials that power modern manufacturing.

Material	Machinability (%)	Recommended SFM	Coolant	Chip Type	💲 Cost Tier	Notes
6061 Aluminum	90–95	600–1000	Optional	Continuous	💲	General-purpose, fast to machine
7075 Aluminum	80–90	600–1000	Recommended	Continuous	💲💲	Stronger but still efficient
304 Stainless Steel	45–55	100–300	Yes	Work-hardening	💲💲💲	Slower feeds, tool wear risk
316 Stainless Steel	40–50	80–250	Yes	Work-hardening	💲💲💲	More corrosion resistant
17-4 PH Stainless	60–65	150–300	Yes	Tough	💲💲	Excellent for aerospace & medtech
1018 Mild Steel	65–70	300–500	Recommended	Short	💲	Great value, general use
4140 Alloy Steel	50–60	150–250	Yes	Tough	💲💲	Harder and more durable
A36 Steel	60–65	200–400	Recommended	Mixed	💲	Inexpensive, can be gummy
Cast Iron	75–80	300–600	No	Powdery	💲	Brittle, abrasive
Brass (360)	100	800–1200	Optional	Short	💲💲	Fast machining, premium finish
Copper (C110)	20–40	200–400	Yes	Sticky	💲💲💲	Low speed, heat sensitive
Titanium (Grade 2/5)	25–35	60–120	Yes	Tough	💲💲💲💲	High strength, difficult to cut
Delrin (Acetal)	90–95	600–1200	Air/Light	Continuous	💲	Very machinable and stable
Nylon 6/66	70–80	500–1000	Air only	Continuous	💲	Sensitive to heat, easy to cut
PEEK	60–70	300–600	Air/Coolant	Continuous	💲💲💲	Premium high-temp plastic
UHMW	40–50	300–800	Air only	Stringy	💲	Abrasive, soft and slippery
Acrylic (PMMA)	70–80	500–900	Air only	Brittle	💲	Prone to cracking or melting
Polycarbonate	50–60	400–800	Minimal coolant	Continuous	💲	Strong and heat-sensitive