Material choice drives cost, performance and manufacturability. This guide helps you pick the right stock for machined precision parts.
6061-T6 for general parts, 7075-T6 when stiffness-to-weight is critical, 5083 for weldments and vacuum. Easy to machine, anodises well.
304 for general corrosion resistance, 316L for marine/chemical, 17-4 PH when you need hardness after heat treatment. Watch work hardening during cuts.
Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) for strength and biocompatibility; harder to machine — lower speeds, rigid setups, copious coolant.
PEEK for high-temperature, chemical and dielectric needs; acetal for low friction. Invar/Kovar for dimensional stability in measurement and electronics.
When you need chemical resistance, high temperature service, or an electrical insulator with tight tolerances.
Yes when weight, strength and corrosion resistance all matter — aerospace, medical and subsea are typical.