CNC Material Selection & Comparison Guide 

Do any of these sound familiar? 

“Thermoplastics vs. Thermosets: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?”

“Should I use 6061 or 7075 aluminum for my structural part?”

“What’s the difference between 18/10 and 18/0 stainless steel?”

“Which plastic is safe for a medical prototype?”

“I need a cost-effective material for rapid prototyping. Any suggestions?”

If so, you're in the right place. 

This guide will help you compare common materials by application, strength, corrosion resistance, weight, cost, and machinability. 

🩺 Medical Parts
→ Suggested: 316L Stainless Steel, PEEK, PTFE
→ Reason: Biocompatible, corrosion-resistant, high heat resistance

📱 Consumer Electronics Housings
→ Suggested: 6061 Aluminum, ABS, Nylon
→ Reason: Lightweight, cost-effective, easy to machine

🚗 Automotive Components
→ Suggested: 7075 Aluminum, Q235 Carbon Steel
→ Reason: High mechanical strength, wear resistance

🍴 Food Contact Parts
→ Suggested: 304 (18/8) or 316 (18/10) Stainless Steel
→ Reason: Food-safe, rust-resistant

🌊 Marine/Outdoor Use
→ Suggested: 316L, Inconel, PTFE
→ Reason: Salt resistance, no rusting, oxidation-proof

Metals:
• Aluminum Alloys: 6061, 7075, 2024
• Stainless Steel: 18/0, 18/8, 18/10, 316L
• Carbon Steel: 1018, 1045, A36
• Copper, Brass, Bronze
• Titanium Alloys: Ti6Al4V
• High-Temp Alloys: Inconel, Hastelloy

Plastics:
• ABS
• POM / Delrin
• Nylon (PA6, PA66)
• PTFE (Teflon)
• PEEK / PEI

🔍 Quick Comparison – Common Stainless Steel Grades

1. 18/10 (aka 304 Premium)

• Nickel: 8–10%

• Magnetic: ❌ Non-magnetic

• Corrosion resistance: ✅✅✅

• Price: Medium

• Best for: Kitchenware, medical enclosures, electronics
  
  

2. 18/8 (aka 304 Standard)

• Nickel: ~8%

• Magnetic: ❌

• Corrosion resistance: ✅✅

• Price: Medium

• Best for: General CNC parts, consumer housings
  
  

3. 18/0 (aka 430 Stainless)

• Nickel: 0%

• Magnetic: ✅

• Corrosion resistance: ✅

• Price: Low

• Best for: Budget parts, magnetic features, simple housings
  
  

4. 316L (Medical Grade Stainless)

• Nickel: 10–14%

• Magnetic: ❌

• Corrosion resistance: ✅✅✅✅

• Price: High

• Best for: Medical devices, marine components, chemical parts

Looking for materials with specific properties? Try these:

🛡 Corrosion Resistance
→ 316L Stainless Steel, PTFE, Inconel

⚙️ High Strength
→ 7075 Aluminum, Ti6Al4V, Q235 Steel

💨 Lightweight
→ 6061 Aluminum, Nylon, ABS

💵 Cost-Effective & Easy to Machine
→ POM, 1018 Carbon Steel, ABS

Q: What’s the difference between 18/10 and 18/8 stainless steel?
A: Both are types of 304. 18/10 has more nickel, offering better corrosion resistance and is often used in food or medical contact applications.

Q: POM vs Nylon – which one is better for moving parts?
A: Both are good, but POM (Delrin) offers lower friction and better wear resistance.

Q: What’s the most affordable material for prototypes?
A: For metals: 6061 Aluminum or 1018 Steel.
 For plastics: ABS or Nylon.

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