What’s the most affordable corrosion-resistant metal for outdoor parts?
What’s the Most Affordable Corrosion-Resistant Metal for Outdoor Parts?
Best Balance of Cost and Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum 6061
The most affordable corrosion-resistant metal for outdoor CNC parts is Aluminum 6061. This alloy offers excellent resistance to moisture and atmospheric corrosion, particularly when enhanced with anodizing. It is also lightweight, easy to machine, and widely available—making it cost-effective for applications such as enclosures, brackets, housings, and structural frames.
Key advantages of Aluminum 6061 for outdoor parts:
Tensile strength: ~310 MPa
Density: 2.7 g/cm³ (one-third the weight of steel)
Cost: ~$2.5–3.0/kg (as of 2024)
Excellent corrosion resistance, especially after surface treatments
High machinability and weldability
Alternative Low-Cost Corrosion-Resistant Metals
Stainless Steel 304: SUS304 offers superior corrosion resistance, especially in marine or chemical environments, but at a higher cost (~$5–6/kg). Ideal when higher strength and wear resistance are required.
Brass C260: Brass C260 resists tarnish and corrosion, particularly in fittings or low-friction assemblies. It has moderate strength but is easier to machine than stainless steel.
Coated Carbon Steel: Low-cost carbon steel can be treated with black oxide, galvanizing, or phosphating, though these are less durable than aluminum anodizing.
Surface Treatments for Enhanced Outdoor Durability
Neway also offers corrosion protection through surface finishing such as:
Material Selection Support from Neway
Neway helps customers select the most cost-effective corrosion-resistant metals for CNC parts based on outdoor exposure, lifecycle, and functional requirements. We support both low-volume production and mass manufacturing, with ±0.01mm machining precision and global fulfillment.
Explore corrosion-resistant options:
