Which metal provides the best machinability and cost savings for CNC?
Which Metal Provides the Best Machinability and Cost Savings for CNC?
Optimal Choice: Brass C360 for Machinability and Efficiency
Among all commonly machined metals, Brass C360 is widely regarded as the best in terms of machinability. It has a machinability rating of 100%, which serves as the industry benchmark for cutting performance. Brass C360 produces minimal tool wear, excellent chip control, and allows for high-speed machining, significantly reducing cycle time and labor costs. Its low friction and consistent dimensional stability make it ideal for high-precision parts.
Other Cost-Effective Metals with Good Machinability
Aluminum 6061: Known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, Aluminum 6061 offers very good machinability and is cost-effective for a wide range of general-purpose components.
Mild Steel 1018: 1018 Steel is an affordable low-carbon steel with consistent quality, good machinability, and wide availability for structural or mechanical applications.
Plastic Alternatives: For non-metal components, materials like ABS or Delrin (POM) can provide further cost savings in prototyping and light-load applications.
Practical Impact on CNC Production Costs
Using high-machinability metals like Brass C360 or Aluminum 6061 can reduce machining time by 30–50% compared to harder metals. This translates into lower tool wear, fewer setups, and faster throughput, which are critical for cost-sensitive or high-volume projects. Industries such as automation, consumer electronics, and medical devices often leverage these metals for efficiency and performance.
Material Selection Support at Neway
Neway helps clients choose materials that meet both technical performance and budget constraints. With deep experience in brass machining, aluminum CNC services, and low-cost steel, we tailor each project for optimal machining speed, precision, and cost.
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