ABS
ABS is a low-cost engineering plastic that is easy to machine. ABS is an ideal material for structural applications when impact resistance, strength, and stiffness are required. It’s widely used for pre-production prototypes since it has excellent dimensional stability and is easy to paint and glue.
Strength /Cost Effective/ Stiffness
Nylon 6
Nylon offers extremely good wear resistance, high tensile strength, and high modulus of elasticity, making it a great option in applications such as bearings, gears, and sprockets.
Strength /Wear Resistance
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is an engineering plastic that offers excellent dimensional stability over a wide range of service temperatures. It is commonly used for structural applications when clarity and impact strength are essential. It can also be used in a wide range of electrical applications since it has a low moisture absorption, good insulating properties, and an excellent flammability rating.
Flame Resistance/ Stiffness/ Moisture Resistance
PMMA (Acrylic)
Polymethyl methacrylate is a hard material sometimes referred to as Plexiglas and acrylic. It is often used as a lighter, shatter-resistant alternative to glass for its transparent appearance.
Transparent/ UV Resistance
PP Copolymer
Polypropylene (PP) Copolymer is a common thermoplastic often used for its versatility. It is easy to fabricate, will not crack with vibration or wear, and can also be used in applications that require chemical resistance and/or FDA compliance.
Cost Effective/ Impact Resistance
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is an extremely versatile polymer and used widely across many industries due to its exceptional corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and cost efficiency.
Corrosion Resistance /Cost Effective/ Machinability
Aluminum 6061-T651/T6
Aluminum 6061 is a versatile and widely used alloy renowned for its excellent mechanical properties and weldability. The “T6” and “T651” designations refer to specific tempering processes that enhance its strength and stress relief capabilities. Both variations of Aluminum 6061 are highly sought after in industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and general manufacturing due to their combination of strength, machinability, and corrosion resistance.
Corrosion Resistance /Cost Effective
Brass C260
Brass is an alloy consisting of both copper and zinc. The gold material is weather and corrosion resistant with tensile strength like mild steel. It is also an easy to machine material, so feed rates can remain high and coolant need is minimal. Brass C260, or cartridge brass, contains 70 percent copper and 30 percent zinc. The brass alloy has high ductility and is considered the most general purpose of all brass alloys.
Corrosion /Resistance Ductility
Copper C101
Copper C101 is also known as HC or high conductivity copper. It has a nominal conductivity of 100% and has high thermal conductivity making it a popular choice for all types of electrical components and conductors. It also offers high ductility and impact strength, making it a versatile and useful material.
Corrosion Resistance /High Conductivity /Ductility
Stainless Steel 303
Stainless steel 303 is well suited fora wide range of applications due to its excellent machinability and outstanding uniformity. SS 303 was designed to exhibit improved machinability while maintaining high corrosion and oxidation resistance. It is a non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel which does not harden with heat treatment.
Corrosion Resistance /Weldability/ Ductility
Stainless Steel 304
Stainless 304 is the most common stainless steel. The steel contains both chromium and nickel metals as the main non-iron constituents. It has good resistance to oxidation, corrosion, and provides superior part surface quality.
Corrosion Resistance/ Machinability /Ductility
Stainless Steel 316
Stainless steel 316 offers good machinability and outstanding uniformity. This material offers faster machining speeds, longer tool life, and improved part quality at a lower total cost.
Corrosion Resistance/ Machinability /Cost Effective
Steel Alloy 4140
Steel Alloy 4140 is a low alloy steel containing chromium, molybdenum, and manganese. It is widely used across numerous industries and is an excellent material choice for machining due to its toughness, high fatigue strength, and abrasion and impact resistance.
Toughness/ Impact Resistance/ Fatigue Resistance
Titanium
Titanium is extremely strong and boasts a high strength-to-weight ratio. It also has excellent corrosion resistance, high operating temperatures (up to 1,000°F) and is nontoxic. Another key is its low thermal expansion and high melting point that is roughly 3,000° F. Machining titanium will be more costly than other metals such as aluminum.
Corrosion Resistance/ Strength /Heat Resistance