Hey there! As a supplier of CNC turning parts, I often get asked about the materials we can use for these parts. Well, let me tell you, the options are pretty diverse, and each material has its own unique properties that make it suitable for different applications. In this blog post, I'll walk you through some of the most commonly used materials for CNC turning parts.
Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most popular materials for CNC turning parts, and for good reason. It's lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and has excellent thermal conductivity. These properties make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from aerospace and automotive to consumer electronics and medical devices.
One of the key advantages of aluminum is its machinability. It can be easily cut, drilled, and turned, which means we can produce complex parts with high precision and tight tolerances. Plus, aluminum has a smooth surface finish, which is great for applications where aesthetics are important.
At our company, we offer a variety of aluminum alloys for CNC turning parts, including 6061 and 7075. 6061 is a general-purpose alloy that is known for its good strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance. 7075, on the other hand, is a high-strength alloy that is commonly used in aerospace and military applications.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another popular choice for CNC turning parts, especially in applications where corrosion resistance and strength are important. It's a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of industries, including food processing, medical, and marine.
One of the main advantages of stainless steel is its durability. It can withstand harsh environments and is resistant to rust, staining, and corrosion. This makes it ideal for applications where the parts will be exposed to moisture, chemicals, or other corrosive substances.
In addition to its corrosion resistance, stainless steel also has good strength and hardness. It can be heat-treated to increase its strength and toughness, which makes it suitable for applications where high loads or stresses are involved.
We offer a variety of stainless steel grades for CNC turning parts, including 304 and 316. 304 is a general-purpose stainless steel that is known for its good corrosion resistance and formability. 316, on the other hand, is a marine-grade stainless steel that is more resistant to corrosion in saltwater environments. Check out our Stainless Steel Machined Cylinder for more details.
Brass
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy that is known for its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity. It's a popular choice for CNC turning parts in a variety of industries, including plumbing, electrical, and automotive.
One of the key advantages of brass is its ease of machining. It can be easily cut, drilled, and turned, which means we can produce parts with high precision and tight tolerances. Plus, brass has a beautiful golden color, which makes it a popular choice for decorative applications.
In addition to its machinability, brass also has good corrosion resistance. It can withstand exposure to moisture and chemicals, which makes it suitable for applications where the parts will be exposed to harsh environments.
We offer a variety of brass alloys for CNC turning parts, including C36000 and C26000. C36000 is a free-cutting brass alloy that is known for its excellent machinability and high strength. C26000, on the other hand, is a cartridge brass alloy that is commonly used in electrical and plumbing applications. Check out our Brass CNC Turned Parts for more information.
Steel
Steel is a strong and durable material that is commonly used in CNC turning parts. It's a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications, from automotive and aerospace to construction and machinery.
One of the main advantages of steel is its strength. It can withstand high loads and stresses, which makes it suitable for applications where the parts will be subjected to heavy use. In addition to its strength, steel also has good wear resistance and toughness, which makes it suitable for applications where the parts will be exposed to abrasion or impact.
We offer a variety of steel grades for CNC turning parts, including 1018 and 4140. 1018 is a low-carbon steel that is known for its good machinability and weldability. 4140, on the other hand, is a high-strength alloy steel that is commonly used in automotive and aerospace applications. Check out our Precision Metal Steel CNC Machining for more details.
Titanium
Titanium is a lightweight and strong material that is commonly used in aerospace, medical, and military applications. It's a highly corrosion-resistant material that can withstand exposure to harsh environments, including saltwater and chemicals.


One of the key advantages of titanium is its strength-to-weight ratio. It's stronger than steel but lighter than aluminum, which makes it ideal for applications where weight is a critical factor. In addition to its strength and lightweight, titanium also has good biocompatibility, which makes it suitable for medical applications.
However, titanium is also a difficult material to machine. It has a high melting point and is prone to work hardening, which means it requires specialized equipment and techniques to machine. At our company, we have the expertise and experience to machine titanium parts with high precision and quality.
Plastics
Plastics are a versatile and cost-effective material that is commonly used in CNC turning parts. They can be used in a wide range of applications, from consumer products and electronics to automotive and medical devices.
One of the main advantages of plastics is their flexibility. They can be easily molded into different shapes and sizes, which means we can produce parts with complex geometries. In addition to their flexibility, plastics also have good chemical resistance and electrical insulation properties, which makes them suitable for applications where these properties are important.
We offer a variety of plastics for CNC turning parts, including ABS, PVC, and nylon. ABS is a strong and rigid plastic that is commonly used in consumer products and automotive applications. PVC is a flexible and durable plastic that is commonly used in plumbing and electrical applications. Nylon is a strong and lightweight plastic that is commonly used in automotive and industrial applications.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of materials that can be used for CNC turning parts, each with its own unique properties and advantages. The choice of material depends on a number of factors, including the application, the required properties, and the budget.
At our company, we have the expertise and experience to work with a wide range of materials to produce high-quality CNC turning parts. Whether you need parts made from aluminum, stainless steel, brass, steel, titanium, or plastics, we can help.
If you're interested in learning more about our CNC turning parts or have a specific project in mind, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be happy to discuss your requirements and provide you with a quote. Let's work together to bring your project to life!
References
- ASM Handbook, Volume 2: Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials
- Machining Data Handbook, 4th Edition
- Metals Handbook, Desk Edition, 2nd Edition





