Materials / CNC machining
Choose the Right Metal for Your CNC-Machined Part
Explore common machining metals for lightweight, corrosion-resistant and other functional parts. Define the alloy, condition, finishing and acceptance requirements for your project.
Compare metal families by strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, conductivity and wear behavior. Final selection depends on the exact grade, condition and application.
Reference grades6061 · 7075 · 2024
Lightweight structural components, housings, brackets and precision mechanical parts.
Specify alloy and temper. Review loading, corrosion protection, dimensional requirements and anodizing or appearance specifications.
Reference grades303 · 304/304L · 316/316L · 17-4PH
Corrosion-resistant components, mechanical parts, fittings and equipment hardware.
Match the grade to the operating environment. Specify condition, corrosion requirements and passivation, finishing or heat-treatment needs.
Reference gradesQ235 · 12L14 · 40Cr
Shafts, mechanical components, fixtures and parts requiring defined strength or hardness.
Identify the exact grade and supply condition. Define heat treatment, hardness, corrosion protection and final dimensional requirements.
Reference gradesH59 · C3604
Fittings, threaded components, electrical hardware and decorative mechanical parts.
Specify the material standard and composition. Review joining, plating and appearance requirements; obtain approval before substitution.
Reference gradesC1100
Electrical and thermal components where conductivity is an important design requirement.
Define grade, condition, contact surfaces and electrical or thermal acceptance criteria. Consider handling and surface protection.
Material familyTin bronze and other specified bronze alloys
Bushings, bearing-related components, guides and wear applications.
Define the alloy, load, mating material, movement and lubrication. Review critical clearances and required properties.
Reference gradesTi-6Al-4V · TC4 (specify the standard)
Components requiring a particular combination of strength, weight and corrosion performance.
Specify the material standard, supply condition, surface requirements and critical inspection criteria. Confirm equivalence against the governing specification.
Material selection note. Grades and applications are references for project discussion. Stock availability, machining scope and substitutions require project-specific confirmation.
Other specified metals, including tool steels, mold steels and nickel alloys, may be reviewed against project requirements and confirmed manufacturing scope.
Connect the alloy specification with operating conditions and final acceptance criteria.
GPT Precision reviews the specified grade, part geometry and manufacturing scope together. Material availability and suitability are assessed for each project.
Provide the complete alloy designation and governing specification. Identify restrictions on equivalent grades or substitutions.
Specify temper, supply condition, hardness or heat treatment. Identify when the required condition must be achieved.
Describe loads, operating temperature, contact media and mating components. Highlight features affecting fit, movement or service performance.
Identify material certificates, traceability and inspection records. Define the approval process for proposed material changes.
Use the same drawing revision, quantity, functional requirements and acceptance criteria. Material cost, availability, machining and finishing all influence the delivered scope.
The finished part
Review material condition, heat treatment and surface finish as part of the manufacturing plan. Compatibility and available scope are confirmed for the individual project.
Heat treatment establishes a specified material condition; surface finishing addresses the surface. Define both requirements separately.
1
Typical options include anodizing for suitable aluminum alloys, passivation for applicable stainless steels, and plating for suitable steel parts.
Review chemical conversion coatings or mechanical finishing where appropriate. Specify the finish standard, coating, color and reference sample.
2
Mark threads, sealing faces, mating interfaces, masked areas and visible cosmetic surfaces.
Identify where coating buildup, material removal or surface condition could affect assembly.
3
Identify whether dimensions apply before or after heat treatment or finishing.
Confirm inspection condition, appearance criteria, coating verification and documentation during quotation.
Grade, condition, treatment and the records needed for acceptance.
Yes. Provide the drawing, application, operating conditions and required properties. Candidate materials can be discussed, with the final grade and any substitution approved before production.
Any alternative must be reviewed against the project requirements and approved through the agreed process. Similar material names may differ in composition, condition, standards or performance.
Heat treatment may affect material properties and dimensions. Coatings and other surface processes may change dimensions or surface conditions. Specify when critical dimensions apply and how the finished part will be inspected.
The same alloy can have different properties depending on temper, supply condition or heat treatment. These requirements may affect machining, performance and final inspection.
Specify document type, material traceability and inspection requirements in your inquiry. Availability and the agreed documentation scope are confirmed during quotation or order review.
Share the current part specification so GPT Precision can review material suitability, machining, finishing and quotation scope.
CAD model, dimensioned drawing, revision, quantity and target delivery date.
Alloy grade, standard, condition, surface treatment and permitted alternatives.
Critical dimensions, final inspection condition, surface requirements and records.
