Titanium Alloys for CNC Machining
Titanium alloys are known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, outstanding corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, making them a preferred material for demanding and high-performance applications.
CNC machining titanium requires advanced tooling, optimized cutting parameters, and strict thermal control. At CNCTAL, we apply proven machining strategies to ensure precision, surface quality, and repeatability even on complex titanium parts.
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Outstanding corrosion and heat resistance
- Stable performance in extreme environments
- Suitable for aerospace and medical applications
Common Titanium Grades We Machine
Grade 2 Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) Grade 9
Titanium vs Stainless Steel
Both titanium and stainless steel are premium CNC machining materials. Understanding their differences helps engineers select the most cost-effective and performance-optimized solution.
Titanium Alloys
- Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio
- Extremely corrosion resistant, even in harsh environments
- Biocompatible and non-magnetic
- Lower thermal conductivity, harder to machine
- Higher raw material and machining cost
Weight reduction, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance are more critical than initial material cost.
Stainless Steel
- High mechanical strength and toughness
- Excellent corrosion resistance for most environments
- More stable and predictable machining behavior
- Widely available and easier to source
- Lower overall cost compared to titanium
Strength, durability, and cost efficiency are priorities, without strict weight constraints.
Quick Selection Tip
If weight and extreme performance matter, titanium is the superior choice. If durability, availability, and cost control are more important, stainless steel offers an excellent balance for most applications.
CNC Machining Material Categories
We machine a wide range of metals and engineering plastics. Each material category is selected and processed based on machinability, dimensional stability, and long-term reliability in real production environments.
Aluminum Alloys
Lightweight, stable, and highly machinable. Aluminum is ideal for precision parts requiring tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes.
- Excellent machinability
- Low deformation risk
- Ideal for anodizing
Stainless Steel
Known for corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, stainless steel is widely used in demanding industrial and medical applications.
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- High structural strength
- Consistent dimensional stability
Carbon & Alloy Steel
A balanced choice offering strength, durability, and cost efficiency, especially suitable for mechanical and load-bearing components.
- Good strength-to-cost ratio
- Suitable for heat treatment
- Stable for batch production
Titanium Alloys
Titanium offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for aerospace and medical components.
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Advanced CNC process control required
Copper & Brass
Ideal for electrical and thermal applications where conductivity and precision are critical.
- Excellent electrical conductivity
- Good surface finish
- Precision control required
Engineering Plastics
Engineering plastics provide chemical resistance, low weight, and dimensional stability for non-metal applications.
- Low weight & chemical resistance
- Stable for precision machining
- Ideal for insulation components
Material Selection Guide
Choosing the right material is critical to performance, cost, and lead time. This guide helps engineers and buyers quickly compare common CNC machining materials based on strength, weight, corrosion resistance, machinability, and cost.
| Material | Strength | Weight | Corrosion Resistance | Machinability | Cost Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Medium | Very Light | Good | Excellent | Low – Medium | Lightweight parts, housings, prototypes |
| Stainless Steel | High | Heavy | Excellent | Medium | High | Medical, food-grade, outdoor components |
| Carbon Steel | Medium – High | Heavy | Poor | Good | Low | Structural parts, brackets, shafts |
| Alloy Steel | Very High | Heavy | Poor – Medium | Medium | Medium | Gears, tooling, load-bearing components |
| Brass | Medium | Medium | Good | Excellent | Medium | Fittings, valves, decorative parts |
| Copper | Low – Medium | Heavy | Excellent | Poor | High | Electrical, thermal applications |
| Plastic (POM / Nylon) | Low | Very Light | Excellent | Excellent | Low | Insulators, low-load functional parts |
* This material guide is for reference only. Final material selection should consider part geometry, tolerance, surface finish, operating environment, and production volume. Our engineers are happy to recommend the most suitable material for your project.
Materials × Industries Application Guide
Different industries place unique demands on material performance. Below is a practical guide to help you quickly identify suitable CNC machining materials based on your industry and application requirements.
Aerospace
- Titanium alloys for lightweight, high-strength components
- Aluminum for structural and non-critical aerospace parts
- Stainless steel for corrosion-resistant fittings
Medical Devices
- Titanium for implants and surgical instruments
- Stainless steel for durable, sterilizable components
- Engineering plastics for lightweight housings
Automotive
- Aluminum for lightweight and heat-dissipating parts
- Carbon steel for structural and load-bearing components
- Alloy steel for gears and drivetrain parts
Industrial Equipment
- Carbon steel for frames, brackets, and shafts
- Alloy steel for wear-resistant parts
- Stainless steel for harsh environments
Electronics
- Aluminum for enclosures and heat sinks
- Copper for electrical and thermal conductivity
- Plastic for insulation and lightweight parts
Energy & Power
- Stainless steel for corrosion and pressure resistance
- Alloy steel for high-load mechanical components
- Titanium for extreme environments
Not Sure Which Material to Choose?
Our engineers can help you select the optimal material for your CNC machined parts based on strength, cost, weight, and application environment. Upload your drawings or contact us for a professional recommendation.
Contact Us / Upload Drawing