CNC machines are employed for a diverse range of materials, each requiring specific machining parameters (such as speeds and feeds) for successful fabrication. The following are the most commonly used materials:
Metal
Metal is by far the most prevalent material in CNC machining. CNC machines are capable of cutting nearly any type of metal, from easily machinable brass to challenging nickel superalloys like Inconel. Metal machining encompasses various applications, including injection molds, shafts, and gears.
Plastic
While the majority of plastic parts are manufactured using injection molding, CNC machining can be employed to produce specific plastic components. Typical materials include ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), nylon, and polycarbonate. Plastic machining applications encompass valve bodies, bushings, and prototypes for injection molding to assess overall part functionality before investing in costly molding tools.