CNC Machining Materials

A material name is not a complete machining specification. Grade, temper or condition, supply form, certification, heat treatment and finish affect tool life, stability, tolerance and appearance. The RFQ should identify these details and any approved substitutes.

Metals

Aluminum: commonly selected for lightweight housings, brackets and prototypes; state alloy and temper, cosmetic zones and anodizing requirements.
Stainless steel: corrosion-resistant parts and hardware; grade affects work hardening, magnetic behavior and finishing.
Carbon/alloy steel: shafts, fixtures and structural parts; define hardness and heat treatment.
Tool steel: mold and wear components; allow for hardening distortion and final EDM or grinding.
Brass/copper: connectors, electrodes and thermal/electrical parts; identify conductivity, alloy and surface requirements.
Titanium: quoted only after geometry, grade, certification and risk are reviewed.

Engineering plastics

POM/acetal: dimensionally stable functional components but sensitive to stress relief and section changes.
Nylon: tough and wear resistant but absorbs moisture; conditioning matters.
ABS and PC: useful for housings and prototypes; clamping, heat and cosmetic surfaces require care.
PEEK: high-performance applications; grade, certification and annealing requirements must be clear.
PTFE: low friction but compliant; measurement temperature and support affect results.

Procurement details that prevent substitution errors

  • Standard designation, grade and temper/condition.
  • Approved mill or country restrictions, if any.
  • Required material certificate and traceability level.
  • Heat treatment, hardness and test method.
  • RoHS/REACH or other documentation specifically required.
  • Whether equivalent grades need written approval.

RFQ information to provide

  • 3D model plus a revision-controlled 2D PDF drawing.
  • Material grade, condition, quantity and delivery destination.
  • Critical dimensions, datums, fits, threads and surface roughness.
  • Heat treatment, coating, masking, cosmetic or packaging requirements.
  • Requested material certificates, dimensional report or first-article scope.

Frequently asked questions

Provide controlled 3D and 2D data, material and condition, quantity, finish, critical characteristics, inspection documentation and target delivery. State any approved alternatives or supplier restrictions.

Tolerance is reviewed by feature against size, geometry, material, setup, process sequence and measurement. The quotation records assumptions; it does not extend one tight value to every dimension.

Selected dimensional reports, first-article records or material documents can be included when the required scope and format are stated before quotation.

Not necessarily. Machine ownership and partner-supported processes are distinguished during capability confirmation where they affect confidentiality, quality or delivery.

Upload the model, drawing and project requirements through the Request a Quote form. Complete RFQs are targeted for review within one business day, subject to complexity and clarification.

Engineering review and next step

Content reviewed for manufacturing accuracy by the QuickCNCs engineering coordination team. Updated August 29, 2026.

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