Structural brackets and mounting plates
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
AIHFABS MATERIAL GUIDE
CNC Machining Metals
Compare metal stock for machined housings, shafts, brackets and precision interfaces.
CNC machining starts with a defined stock material and removes material to create the part. Alloy, temper or heat-treatment condition, stock availability and finishing all affect the manufacturing plan. Specify the grade and acceptance criteria together, particularly when replacing an existing component.
START WITH THE APPLICATION
Where this material family fits
Use the application to shortlist a grade, then confirm the exact requirements against the part design and operating conditions.
Shafts, sleeves and threaded parts
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
Housings and precision mating interfaces
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
DESIGN & MANUFACTURING
What to review before selecting a grade
- Identify the exact alloy and condition. Review strength, corrosion exposure, mass and machinability against the application.
- Apply tight tolerances to functional features and define datums. Tool access and slender geometry influence the achievable result.
- Consider finish effects on dimensions and contact surfaces. State masking, coating and inspection requirements with the drawing.
COMPARE THE AVAILABLE GRADES
Explore individual materials
CNC
Aluminum 6061
The workhorse CNC aluminum for brackets, plates, housings, and general-purpose machined parts. Easy to mill, anodize, and tap.
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CNC
Aluminum 7075
Higher strength than 6061 for aerospace fittings, jigs, and load-bearing CNC parts. Slightly slower to machine; anodize well.
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CNC
Stainless Steel 304
Corrosion-resistant CNC stainless for food equipment, enclosures, shafts, and hardware that will see moisture.
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CNC
Stainless Steel 316
Molybdenum-bearing stainless for marine, chemical, and medical-adjacent CNC parts that need extra corrosion resistance versus 304.
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CNC
Carbon Steel 1018 / 1045
Economical CNC steel for fixtures, shafts, plates, and weldments. Heat-treat 1045 when hardness matters; coat or plate for corrosion.
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CNC
Brass C360
Excellent chip control for fittings, bushings, knobs, and decorative CNC parts. Easy to polish and plate.
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CNC
Copper C110
Thermal and electrical conductivity for heat sinks, bus bars, and RF hardware. Softer than brass — toolpaths are tuned to avoid smear.
View material details →CNC
Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)
Wrought titanium for aerospace, medical, and high-strength light parts. Different from SLM powder — this is traditional mill stock.
View material details →MATERIAL QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a metal grade that is not listed?
Submit the required specification, stock form and quantity for review. Availability and material documentation need confirmation before order release.
Is the listed tolerance guaranteed on every feature?
Catalog tolerance is a starting reference. Feature geometry, dimensions, setups and inspection method must be agreed against the drawing.
Should coating be included in the machining drawing?
Yes. Identify finished dimensions and surfaces to mask, especially threads, fits and electrical contact areas. Confirm the complete finish specification in the quote.
FROM THE AIHFABS BLOG
Recommended reading for material selection
Ensuring Metal 3D Printing Precision: Why 3D Printing and CNC Are Partners, Not Rivals
Precision in metal 3D printing depends on multiple factors, not just a single metric. For strict assembly requirements, combining 3D printing with CNC machining is the ideal soluti
Read article →SLM vs CNC for Low-Volume Complex Metal Parts: A Geometry, Cost, and Risk Framework
For low-volume metal parts, choosing SLM vs CNC is a system decision. SLM excels in complex geometry like internal channels and part consolidation. CNC suits simpler shapes and fin
Read article →SLA vs Other Manufacturing Processes: How to Choose
Compare SLA with DLP, LCD, FDM, SLS, MJF, SLM, and CNC machining. Shortlist processes by material, geometry, finish, cost, and your part's intended use.
Read article →Compare other material families
Choose a material around your part
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