Steels are certainly among the most commonly used materials in CNC machine workshops. Composed essentially of iron and carbon, it is the ratios of these two elements that determine a steel’s characteristics. In addition, the controlled addition of other metals (chromium, nickel, molybdenum, etc.) to form alloys gives steel great versatility in terms of properties.
Aluminum offers a host of advantages: it’s light, easy to machine, non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant and economical. With recent advances in machining, it is even becoming an alternative to steel. Various aluminum alloys can be machined into parts and, if required, welded.
Copper is particularly popular for precision machining, thanks to its versatility, durability, electrical conductivity and natural resistance to corrosion. Due to its non-magnetic nature and excellent electrical conductivity (especially when plated), it is frequently chosen for the manufacture of electrical components.
Titanium
Highly resistant to heat and corrosion, titaniums have the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all the metals frequently used to cut gears or manufacture other machined parts. What’s more, titaniums are inert and biocompatible, making them suitable for a wide range of applications from aviation to medical tools. However, this type of material is rather expensive and a little more difficult to work.
