Not all metals and plastics machine the same way. This guide compares the machinability, strength, and cost of common engineering materials — from 6061 aluminum to PEEK — to help you choose the right one for your project with Sundar Industries.
Choosing the right material for your CNC-machined part is one of the most critical decisions in the design process. Each material behaves differently under the cutting tool — affecting tool life, surface finish, dimensional stability, and ultimately, your project cost.
At Sundar Industries, we work with a wide range of metals and engineering plastics. Understanding their properties helps us recommend the best option for your application.
Key Material Categories We Machine at Sundar:
Aluminum (6061, 7075): Excellent machinability, good strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion-resistant. Ideal for automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics.
Stainless Steel (303, 304, 316L, 17-4 PH): Higher strength and corrosion resistance. 303 offers the best machinability; 316L is preferred for medical and marine environments.
Brass & Copper: Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Used for electrical components, heat exchangers, and decorative parts.
POM (Delrin): Low friction, high stiffness, excellent dimensional stability. A popular choice for gears, bushings, and precision mechanical components.
PEEK: High-performance engineering plastic with excellent heat and chemical resistance. Often used in medical, aerospace, and oil & gas applications.
ABS & PC: Tough, impact-resistant thermoplastics. ABS is cost-effective; PC offers higher temperature resistance and transparency options.
When selecting a material, consider not only your mechanical requirements but also the lead time and cost impact. Materials with better machinability often result in lower per-part costs and faster delivery. Sundar Industries’ engineering team can help you balance these factors for optimal results.
