20% off your first order. Save up to $1,000/€1,000. Ends 31 Dec 2024. Get a quote

Get instant quote

What materials do we offer for CNC machining?

What’s the best material for machining your parts? Check out this side-by-side comparison of the strength, price and application for CNC plastics and metals (in a handy, printable poster).

CNC materials poster mockup

There are so many metal and plastic materials available for CNC machining, which makes it tricky to know which to choose for your application. Materials partly dictate the final cost and quality of your parts, so you want to be as informed as possible.

And while it's handy to have access to detailed comparisons of all the major materials available on Protolabs Network, it's optimal to have a single resource for making quick, smart comparisons.

Download and print our CNC materials comparison chart

This comprehensive poster contains all the information you need to know about CNC machining materials, including:

  • Prices of all CNC materials compared

  • Material strength

  • Operating temperature

  • Ultimate tensile strength (MPa)

  • Common applications across major industries

Download the materials for CNC poster to better determine which materials fit your application.


Know which materials you're using for your CNC parts?

Get an instant quote today

CNC machining, 3D printing and sheet metal fabrication parts
 

More resources for engineers

What are metalloids and how are they used in manufacturing?

Read article

Which plastics can be CNC machined?

Read article

When to use titanium vs. aluminum in manufacturing

Read article

The best heat-resistant plastics

Read article

Nylon vs. polyamides: how are they used in manufacturing?

Read article

Manufacturing with polyethylene vs. polypropylene

Read article

When to use resin in 3D printing

Read article

What is TPU and when should you use it?

Read article
Material CNC Milling PMMA 01 hr

Manufacturing with polycarbonate vs acrylic

Read article
iStock-1319654806

A guide to heat treatments and tempers

Read article

3D printing with PLA vs. PETG: What's the difference?

Read article

3D printing with PLA vs. PLA+: What's the difference?

Read article

What are metalloids and how are they used in manufacturing?

Every time you use your smartphone, drive a fuel-efficient car, or check the time on a smartwatch, you’re benefiting from the peculiar properties of metalloids. These elements, which bridge the gap between metals and nonmetals, play a critical role in creating lightweight, high-performance components across industries. This article will break down what metalloids are, why they matter, and how they’re shaping the future of manufacturing

Read article

Which plastics can be CNC machined?

Plastics have become a go-to material for many industries because they are versatile, affordable, and lightweight. CNC machining, while traditionally used for metals, is also a great manufacturing option for producing plastic components. But not all plastics are created equal. In this article, we’ll explore which plastics can be CNC machined, their benefits, design considerations, and how to select the right plastic for your next project.

Read article

When to use titanium vs. aluminum in manufacturing

Great parts are built from the ground up—starting with the right material. So are you ready to test your metal? Titanium and aluminum are two of the most commonly used metals in manufacturing, each with distinct properties and advantages. This guide will help you understand the differences between them and when to use each in your manufacturing process.

Read article

The best heat-resistant plastics

Some plastics operate best under high temperatures. Compare the various properties of thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers – as well as their many applications – so you can make an informed choice for your parts.

Read article

Nylon vs. polyamides: how are they used in manufacturing?

Nylon and polyamides are used in manufacturing when engineers require materials that provide mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and versatility. But are polyamides and nylon the same?

Read article

Manufacturing with polyethylene vs. polypropylene

If you’re considering using polypropylene or polyethylene, read up on when to choose each material and the suitability of each for various manufacturing methods.

Read article

When to use resin in 3D printing

There are many great benefits of 3D printing with resin. Find out when to choose this manufacturing method and what to consider before you start your project.

Read article

What is TPU and when should you use it?

Get to know more about thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as a manufacturing material. Used for a broad range of applications, TPU’s unique properties make it ideal for both industrial parts and consumer goods.

Read article
Material CNC Milling PMMA 01 hr

Manufacturing with polycarbonate vs acrylic

Polycarbonate and acrylic are two popular materials known for their transparency and versatility. They share many similarities, but their key differences are important to know when choosing a material to create your parts.

Read article
iStock-1319654806

A guide to heat treatments and tempers

Choosing the right heat treatment or temper is one of the most important factors in creating a part that is optimized for specific applications or engineering challenges.

Read article

3D printing with PLA vs. PETG: What's the difference?

Learn the benefits of PLA and PETG, when you should use one instead of the other, post-processing techniques that work for both materials, and more.

Read article

3D printing with PLA vs. PLA+: What's the difference?

Learn the benefits of PLA and PLA+, when you should use one instead of the other, post-processing techniques that work for both materials, and more

Read article

Show more

Show less

Ready to transform your CAD file into a custom part? Upload your designs for a free, instant quote.

Get an instant quote