Choose materials by real-world use case, not just datasheets. Filter for strength, weight, corrosion resistance, temperature, electrical insulation, food contact, finish options (anodize/passivation/polish), plus budget and lead-time signals. Get clear recommendations with machinability notes and typical finishes. Export a PDF, share a link, or send the results to your team.
Set requirements: strength, weight priority, environment (indoor/outdoor/marine), temperature range, insulation/food contact, finish, budget and lead time.
Click Recommend to see a shortlist with reasons, machinability tips, finish options, and cost/lead-time signals.
Export a PDF/CSV or Get a Quote — your selections can pre-fill the form.
• Top matches, each with: Why it fits • Machinability note • Typical finishes • Signals (relative cost, likely lead time)
• A clean PDF/CSV and a shareable link with your parameters
• One click to Get a Quote with material and constraints attached
• Aluminum vs steel (light bracket): lightweight + medium strength + indoor + anodize
• Stainless for outdoor/marine: high corrosion resistance + outdoor/marine + passivation
• Delrin vs ABS (insulating gear): electrical insulation + low friction + dimensional stability
• Food-safe plastic: food contact + easy-to-clean finish + moderate temperature
• High-temperature spacer: temperature ≥120 °C + stability + finish optional
• The tool balances your constraints: environment, function, finish, manufacturability and budget.
• If two materials tie, it favors the one with better machinability or faster lead time for prototypes; for production, it favors lower lifetime cost (material + machining + finishing).
• For cosmetic parts, it prefers finishes with predictable color and texture.
Aluminum (6061 vs 7075 vs 5052)
Strength (static): 6061: Medium | 7075: High | 5052: Low–Med (sheet)
Weight: All light (Al alloys)
Machinability: 6061: Good | 7075: Medium (tool wear) | 5052: OK (sheet)
Corrosion resistance: 6061: Good | 7075: Fair (watch) | 5052: Good (sheet, formable)
Finish options: 6061: Anodize great | 7075: Anodize but color may vary | 5052: Anodize OK
Pick when: 6061 for general CNC; 7075 when high strength/weight; 5052 for bent/formed sheet parts
Stainless (304 vs 316)
Chloride resistance: 304: Standard | 316: Better (marine/chemicals)
Machinability: 304: Medium | 316: Harder (tool wear)
Cost/lead time: 304: Normal | 316: Higher/longer
Finish options: Passivation, polish, bead blast
Pick when: 316 if salt/chemicals; 304 for most outdoor urban uses
Plastics (Delrin/POM vs ABS)
Stiffness/stability: Delrin: Higher | ABS: Moderate
Friction/surface: Delrin: Low friction, clean finish | ABS: Softer, economical
Moisture uptake: Delrin: Low | ABS: Low–Mod
Machinability: Delrin: Excellent | ABS: Good (watch heat)
Pick when: Delrin for precision/low friction; ABS for covers/fixtures with moderate load at lower cost
REAL-WORLD NOTES (BOUNDARIES & PITFALLS)
• Thin walls and heat can move parts — rough then finish; consider stress relief for metals and cooling for plastics.
• 7075 can anodize, but cosmetic color can shift between batches — sample first for brand-critical parts.
• Nylon absorbs moisture; avoid tight tolerances unless conditioned.
• PTFE has ultra-low friction but dents easily; use bushings or inserts if you need durability.
• Food contact: pick known candidates (HDPE/PP/Acetal); confirm compliance with your local standard.
ANONYMOUS FIELD EXAMPLES (TRUST SIGNALS)
• Marine bracket: moved from 304 to 316 to avoid chloride pitting near seawater spray; passivation improved durability.
• Lightweight drone gimbal: 6061 for structure with black anodize; avoided 7075 after color inconsistency in cosmetic surfaces.
• Low-friction gear: Delrin replaced ABS to stop galling and hold dimensions after temperature swings.
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RELATED TOOLS
• Material Weight Calculator → /tools/material-weight-calculator
• Tolerance Fit Helper (ISO 286 + IT5–IT16) → /tools/tolerance-fit-helper
• Tap Drill Size & Thread Engagement → /tools/tap-drill-size
• Machining Time Estimator → /tools/machining-time-estimator
• CNC Quote Estimator (auto-fill) → /quote/cnc-estimator
FAQ
Q1. 6061 vs 7075 — which one should I pick?
6061 fits most brackets/enclosures with good anodizing and cost. 7075 is stronger/stiffer but harder to machine and finish consistently; use it when strength-to-weight is critical.
Q2. 304 vs 316 for outdoor/marine?
316 handles chloride/salt better; choose it for marine or chemical exposure. 304 is fine for most urban outdoor use.
Q3. Delrin vs ABS for machined plastics?
Delrin (POM/Acetal) machines cleanly with low friction and good stability. ABS is economical but softer; good for covers/fixtures with moderate loads.
Q4. Food-contact picks?
HDPE/PP/Acetal are common; avoid porous finishes and verify compliance with your local standard before production.
Q5. High temperature (>120 °C) parts?
Consider PEEK or high-temp nylons; metals also work — check strength retention and coatings at temperature.
Q6. Need electrical insulation and stiffness?
Delrin, PC, or glass-filled nylons are common; manage moisture for nylons if tight tolerances matter.
Q7. Very low friction needed?
PTFE is lowest but soft/costly; Delrin is a good balance. For metals, consider bushings or surface finishing.
Q8. Can I anodize this part?
6061/5052 anodize well. 7075 can anodize but color consistency may vary — test if cosmetic-critical.
Q9. Warp risk during machining?
Thin walls, internal stress, and heat can move parts. Rough-then-finish, allow relief, and avoid overly thin features.
Q10. Can you quote from my selection?
Yes — click Get a Quote. We’ll attach your selections and reply with price range and lead time.
NOTES (HOW THE TOOL RANKS OPTIONS)
• Prioritizes environmental fit and functional requirements first, then manufacturability and finish, then cost/lead-time.
• You can override any suggestion; always validate against your internal standards for safety-critical parts.
