Before we begin:
When it comes to the production of parts, CNC machining is capable of working with virtually any type of metal or plastic. Because there is such a diverse selection of materials at your disposal, is possible that you will have a difficult time selecting the material that is best suited for your application.
This article makes a comparison of the most common materials used in CNC machines with regard to the mechanical and thermal properties that they possess, as well as the costs that are associated with them and the typical applications that call for their utilization
We have presented you with an easily digestible summary of the information in the form of tables and graphs, in addition to providing you with specific details regarding each of the CNC material options that are currently available
You can find some useful guidelines for designing parts for CNC machining here and here, as well as some useful tips that will help you keep costs to a minimum while still meeting your goals. These articles can be found by clicking here and here.
The process that must be followed in order to select the suitable materials
A brief rundown of the primary steps involved in the process of selecting materials can be found as follows:
First, determine the specific needs for the materials. These requirements might be mechanical, thermal, or related to some other type of material. In addition to that, requirements may also pertain to the cost and the surface finish. Take into account not only the environment in which the component will be utilized, but also the other elements that it will be working in conjunction with.
The second step is to locate potential candidate materials. During this stage of the process, you will narrow the field of potential materials down to a select few that satisfy all (or the majority) of the design requirements you have outlined.
Step 3: Determine which kind of material will be most suitable:When faced with a scenario such as this one, it is customarily necessary to locate a compromise solution that satisfies at least two of the design requirements (for example, mechanical performance and cost).
The majority of our focus will be directed toward the second step throughout the course of this article. You will be able to determine the types of materials that will work best for your application by using the information that is presented below, and you will also be able to ensure that your project stays within its financial constraints in the process.
Norms to follow when selecting materials for CNC machines
In order to collect the data that is shown in the tables that are presented below, we investigated the datasheets that were supplied by the manufacturers of the various materials that are used in CNC machines. These manufacturers supplied the datasheets. The following tables provide a synopsis of the pertinent characteristics of the CNC materials that are used the most frequently.
In spite of the fact that the physical characteristics of metal and plastic are extremely dissimilar to one another, the two categories of material were categorized together and contrasted. Metals are typically used in applications that require high levels of strength and hardness in addition to resistance to heat. These kinds of applications also typically call for metals to be heat resistant. Plastics are versatile materials that are low in weight and can have a variety of different physical properties. Because of their resistance to chemicals and their ability to withstand the flow of electrical current, they are utilized quite frequently.
The mechanical strength of the material was of interest (expressed as tensile yield strength), as well as its machinability (the ease of machining affects the pricing of CNC machines), its cost, its hardness (primarily for metals), and its temperature resistance (primarily for plastics). All of these characteristics were considered important. The information that was gathered is summarized in the tables that are presented in the next section. An in-depth investigation into every obtainable material option is provided for your perusal in the following paragraphs.
You are welcome to use the following infographic as a quick reference in order to identify CNC materials that are suitable for specific engineering needs:
Aluminum 6061 part
In addition to having high thermal and electrical conductivities, aluminum alloys have a natural resistance to corrosion, which, combined with the fact that they are an excellent material in terms of their strength-to-weight ratio. They are frequently the most cost-effective choice when it comes to the production of bespoke metal components and prototypes because of their low bulk cost and ease of machining. This is because of the combination of these two factors.
Aluminum alloys typically have a lower strength and hardness compared to steels, but they are able to be anodized, which results in the creation of a layer that is both tough and protective on the surface of the material. This is a significant advantage.
The most common type of aluminum alloy that is used for general applications is known as 6061 aluminum. It also has excellent machinability and a favorable strength-to-weight ratio for a material.
Aluminum 6082 is chemically and structurally similar to aluminum 6061, both in terms of its composition and its properties as a material. Its widespread use in Europe can be attributed to the fact that it satisfies the requirements outlined in the British Standards.
Aluminum 7075 is the alloy that is most frequently used in aerospace applications where weight reduction is of the utmost importance. Because of its superior fatigue properties and the fact that it can be heat treated to achieve high levels of strength and hardness comparable to those of steels, aluminum 7075 is the alloy that is most frequently used in aerospace applications.
Aluminum 5083 is typically utilized in construction and marine applications due to its exceptional resistance to saltwater as well as its higher strength in comparison to the majority of other aluminum alloys. In addition to that, welding works very well with this material.
