CNC materijali

How to Choose the Right Material for CNC Machining – A Guide for Engineers, Designers, and Clients

 

Whether you’re creating a prototype, a spare machine part, or a serial component, the choice of material plays a crucial role in CNC machining. A seemingly small decision can have a huge impact on cost, processing time, durability, and the final quality of the product.

In this blog, we bring you an overview of the most commonly used materials in CNC machining, their advantages, and when to use them.

 

1. Aluminum 6061 – a flexible classic

Why choose it?

  • Lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to machine. Aluminum 6061 is perfect for a wide range of parts – from housings to brackets and prototypes.

Advantages:

  • Very good machinability
  • Anodizes well (protection + aesthetics)
  • Corrosion resistant

When to use:

  • Prototypes, automotive parts, lightweight constructions, drones, electronics housings.
Aluminij 6061

2. Aluminum 7075 – when strength is required

Why choose it?

  • When you need a material that withstands high loads while remaining lightweight – here’s 7075.

Advantages:

  • Extremely strong (used in aerospace)
  • Good strength-to-weight ratio

Note:

  • More difficult to anodize than 6061. Requires more control during processing.

When to use:

  • Aerospace and sports parts, mechanical connections exposed to force.
Aluminij 7075

3. Stainless Steel (304 / 316) – Guardian in Harsh Conditions

Why Choose It?

  • When corrosion resistance is critical, as in food, chemical, and maritime industries, you choose stainless steel.

Advantages:

  • Exceptional corrosion resistance
  • Durability and robustness

Challenges:

  • Processing is slower
  • Wears out tools faster than aluminum

When to Use:

  • Food industry equipment, boat parts, parts exposed to external conditions.
Inox (304 / 316)

4. Steel alloys (e.g. 4140, 4340) – strength without compromise

Why choose them?

  • When parts are subjected to high mechanical stress, impacts and high forces, steel alloys are the right choice.

Advantages:

  • High mechanical strength
  • Good machinability in hardened and soft varieties

When to use:

  • Industrial tools, molds, machine shafts, power transmission elements.
čelične legure (npr. 4140, 4340)

5. Brass and Copper – for Finesse and Electricity

Why Choose Them?

  • When you need parts with good electrical or thermal properties – choose brass or copper.

Advantages:

  • Excellent machinability (especially brass)
  • Aesthetically attractive (for decorative applications)
  • Good conductivity

When to Use:

  • Electrical contacts, valves, decorative parts.
mesing i bakar

How do you know what is best for your project?

The material is not only a technical choice, it dictates everything: price, production time, finishing and durability. That’s why at DNA Projekt we individually analyze the needs of the project with each client and propose the optimal material, not according to the catalog, but according to the actual requirements.

 

Conclusion

The right material = a successful product.

If you have a draft, an idea or just a dilemma – send us a message.
We will be happy to analyze your needs and propose the optimal solution for CNC processing – precise, reliable and cost-effective.