ABS
plastic Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene - excellent impact resistance, easy to machine and fabricate, superior surface finish for enclosures
Applications: Electrical enclosures and housings, Protective covers and guards, Automotive interior trim and dashboards...
Strength: 6/10 Cost: $$$$
Acrylic (PMMA)
plastic Excellent optical clarity, superior to glass in light transmission, weather resistant, easy to fabricate for displays and signage
Applications: Display cases and point-of-purchase displays, Windows and glazing (residential, marine, aircraft), Lighting fixtures and light pipes...
Strength: 7/10 Cost: $$$$
2024 Aluminum
aluminum Aerospace aluminum - high strength, excellent fatigue resistance, requires protective coating due to poor corrosion resistance
Applications: Aircraft fuselages and skins, Aircraft wings and structures, Aerospace structural components...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
Acetal (Delrin)
plastic Polyoxymethylene - high stiffness, low friction, excellent dimensional stability and machinability
Applications: Gears and sprockets, Bearings and bushings, Pump and valve components...
Strength: 7/10 Cost: $$$$$$
5052 Aluminum
aluminum Marine grade aluminum - excellent corrosion resistance in saltwater, high fatigue strength, superior weldability
Applications: Boat hulls and marine structures, Fuel tanks (automotive, marine, aircraft), Marine components and hardware...
Strength: 5/10 Cost: $$$$$
6061 Aluminum
aluminum Most versatile aluminum - excellent strength-to-weight ratio, weldable, extrudable for aerospace and automotive
Applications: Aircraft structures and wings, Automotive frames and parts, Bicycle frames...
Strength: 7/10 Cost: $$$$$$
7075 Aluminum
aluminum Strongest aluminum alloy - aerospace grade, zinc-alloyed, exceptional strength-to-weight for aircraft and defense
Applications: Aircraft structures (fuselage, wings), Missile parts and defense applications, High-stress aerospace components...
Strength: 10/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$
2011 Aluminum
aluminum Free-machining aluminum alloy with lead and bismuth additions, best machinability of all aluminum alloys, excellent for high-volume screw machine production
Applications: Screw machine products (nuts, bolts, fittings), Precision turned parts, Valve components and stems...
Strength: 6/10 Cost: $$$$$
3003 Aluminum
aluminum General-purpose aluminum-manganese alloy, excellent formability and corrosion resistance, widely used for sheet metal, cooking utensils, and chemical equipment
Applications: Cooking utensils and cookware, Food processing equipment, Chemical storage and pressure vessels...
Strength: 3/10 Cost: $$
5083 Aluminum
aluminum High-strength marine-grade aluminum, exceptional corrosion resistance in saltwater, non-heat-treatable, widely used for shipbuilding, pressure vessels, and offshore structures
Applications: Shipbuilding (hulls, superstructures), Marine deck plates and railings, Offshore oil & gas platforms...
Strength: 6/10 Cost: $$$$$
7050 Aluminum
aluminum Premium aerospace aluminum-zinc alloy, exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, improved stress corrosion cracking resistance over 7075, critical aircraft structural components
Applications: Aircraft structural forgings and bulkheads, Wing and fuselage skins (thick sections), Aircraft landing gear components...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$
6063 Aluminum
aluminum Magnesium-silicon alloy with excellent extrudability, superior surface finish, widely used for architectural applications, window frames, and anodized products
Applications: Architectural trim and window frames, Storefront framing and curtain walls, Furniture and displays...
Strength: 4/10 Cost: $$$
MIC-6 Aluminum
aluminum Precision cast aluminum-magnesium-silicon tooling plate, exceptional flatness and stability, stress-relieved, ideal for machined bases, fixtures, and precision equipment
Applications: Precision tooling and fixture plates, Machine bases and tables, Vacuum fixtures and platens...
Strength: 4/10 Cost: $$$$$$
C110 ETP Copper
copper 99.9% pure electrolytic tough pitch copper, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, widely used for electrical wire, bus bars, and heat exchangers
Applications: Electrical wire and cable, Bus bars and electrical conductors, Printed circuit boards...
Strength: 4/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
C260 Cartridge Brass
copper 70% copper, 30% zinc brass alloy, excellent cold working and deep drawing properties, widely used for ammunition cases, plumbing, and sheet metal work
Applications: Ammunition cartridge cases, Radiator cores and tanks, Plumbing pipe and fittings...
Strength: 6/10 Cost: $$$$$$
C360 Brass (Free-Machining)
copper Free-machining leaded brass, best machinability of all copper alloys, 61.5% copper with 3% lead, widely used for screw machine parts, fittings, and precision components
Applications: Screw machine parts (nuts, bolts, fittings), Gears and pinions (low-load), Valve components and bodies...
Strength: 5/10 Cost: $$$$$$
C510 Phosphor Bronze
copper Phosphor bronze with excellent spring properties, high fatigue resistance, good corrosion resistance, widely used for electrical connectors, springs, and bearing applications
Applications: Electrical connectors and terminals, Switch contacts and relay springs, Belleville washers and wave springs...
Strength: 7/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
C932 Bearing Bronze (SAE 660)
copper High-lead tin bronze, excellent bearing and wear properties, self-lubricating, widely used for bearings, bushings, and wear plates in heavy equipment
Applications: Heavy-duty bearings and bushings, Pump and motor bearings, Worm gear blanks...
Strength: 5/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
C954 Aluminum Bronze
copper High-strength nickel-aluminum bronze, exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, resists cavitation and erosion, widely used for marine propellers, valve seats, and pump components
Applications: Marine propellers and shafts, Pump and valve components (seawater), Desalination plant equipment...
Strength: 8/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$
HDPE
plastic Excellent chemical resistance, high strength-to-density ratio, easy to weld and fabricate, cost-effective for tanks and wear applications
Applications: Cutting boards and food processing surfaces, Chemical tanks and containers, Chute liners and wear strips...
Strength: 6/10 Cost: $$
Nylon 6/6
plastic Polyamide 6/6 - self-lubricating, excellent wear resistance, metal replacement for gears and bearings
Applications: Gears and sprockets, Bearings and bushings, Rollers and wheels...
Strength: 7/10 Cost: $$$$$
PAI (Torlon)
plastic Polyamideimide - highest performing thermoplastic, extreme strength and stiffness, continuous use to 275°C, superior wear resistance for bearings and seals
Applications: Aircraft engine components and bushings, High-temperature bearings and seals, Semiconductor wafer handling equipment...
Strength: 10/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$$$
Polycarbonate (PC)
plastic Exceptional impact strength even at low temperatures, optical clarity, good heat resistance for safety shields and transparent guards
Applications: Safety shields and machine guards, Bulletproof glass and security glazing, LED light diffusers and lenses...
Strength: 8/10 Cost: $$$$$$
PEEK
plastic Polyetheretherketone - extreme temperature and chemical resistance, can replace metals in demanding applications
Applications: Aerospace components (bearing cages, seals), Medical and dental implants, Bearings and bushings for high-temp applications...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$$$
Polypropylene (PP)
plastic Excellent chemical resistance, low cost, good fatigue resistance with living hinge capability, FDA approved for food contact
Applications: Living hinges (flip-top containers), Chemical tanks and vessels, Food containers and packaging...
Strength: 5/10 Cost: $$
PEI (Ultem)
plastic Polyetherimide - outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, high heat resistance to 170°C, transparent amber color, excellent for medical and aerospace
Applications: Medical devices and sterilizable equipment, Aerospace interior components, Food service equipment (hot-fill)...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$$
PPA (High-Temp Nylon)
plastic Polyphthalamide - high-performance semi-crystalline nylon, exceptional heat deflection temp, low moisture absorption, excellent for automotive under-hood
Applications: Automotive under-hood components (air intake, cooling), Electrical connectors and housings, Fuel system components and quick-connects...
Strength: 8/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
PPS
plastic Polyphenylene Sulfide - excellent chemical resistance, high temperature to 220°C, inherently flame retardant for automotive electrical
Applications: Automotive electrical components and connectors, Pump housings and impellers, Chemical processing equipment...
Strength: 8/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$
PTFE (Teflon)
plastic Polytetrafluoroethylene - lowest friction of any solid material, exceptional chemical resistance, extreme temperature capability
Applications: Seals and O-rings, Gaskets and packings, Bearings and bushings (filled grades)...
Strength: 6/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$$
PSU (Polysulfone)
plastic Polysulfone - transparent amber, high heat resistance to 180°C, steam sterilizable for medical devices and food processing equipment
Applications: Medical devices - surgical instruments, sterilization trays, Food processing equipment - hot-fill applications, Plumbing fixtures - hot water handling...
Strength: 7/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$
PVDF (Kynar)
plastic Polyvinylidene Fluoride - exceptional chemical resistance especially to acids, UV resistant, high purity for pharmaceutical and semiconductor
Applications: Chemical storage tanks and piping, Pharmaceutical processing equipment, Semiconductor ultra-pure water systems...
Strength: 7/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$
Carbon Fiber Composite
specialty Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite, exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, high stiffness, widely used for aerospace structures, automotive racing, and high-performance sporting goods
Applications: Aircraft structures and components, Racing car chassis and body panels, Bicycle frames and wheels...
Strength: 10/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$$$
G-10 Fiberglass
specialty Glass fiber reinforced epoxy laminate, excellent electrical insulation, high mechanical strength, low moisture absorption, widely used for PCB substrates, electrical insulators, and structural supports
Applications: Printed circuit board (PCB) substrates, Electrical insulators and standoffs, Terminal boards and bus supports...
Strength: 7/10 Cost: $$$$$
PVC
plastic Excellent chemical resistance, inherently flame retardant, low cost, easy to fabricate for piping and chemical processing
Applications: Piping systems for water and chemicals, Chemical processing tanks and ductwork, Electrical conduit and wire insulation...
Strength: 6/10 Cost: $$
Macor Machinable Ceramic
specialty Machinable fluorophlogopite glass-ceramic, machines like metal with conventional tools, excellent electrical insulation, high-temperature stability, widely used for vacuum equipment and precision insulators
Applications: Vacuum chamber feedthroughs and insulators, Semiconductor processing equipment, Laser components and optical mounts...
Strength: 4/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$$
EDM Graphite
specialty High-density fine-grain graphite optimized for EDM electrodes, excellent machinability, thermal shock resistance, low electrical resistance, widely used for die sinking and precision tooling
Applications: EDM electrodes for die sinking, Precision EDM tooling, Mold and die manufacturing (EDM)...
Strength: 4/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
316 Stainless Steel
stainless steel Marine grade stainless - superior corrosion resistance, molybdenum addition for harsh environments
Applications: Marine hardware and boat fittings, Medical implants (hip, knee, dental), Chemical processing equipment...
Strength: 8/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$$
304 Stainless Steel
stainless steel Most common stainless steel - excellent corrosion resistance, non-magnetic, versatile for food, chemical, and architectural applications
Applications: Food processing equipment, Kitchen appliances and sinks, Architectural trim and panels...
Strength: 7/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
410 Stainless Steel
stainless steel Hardest common stainless - magnetic, heat-treatable, high wear resistance for cutlery and valves
Applications: Cutlery and kitchen knives, Surgical instruments, Valve stems and pump shafts...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$$$
430 Stainless Steel
stainless steel Budget-friendly stainless - magnetic, good corrosion resistance, decorative trim and appliances
Applications: Automotive trim and exhaust, Kitchen appliances and sinks, Indoor architectural panels...
Strength: 6/10 Cost: $$$$$
17-4 PH Stainless
stainless steel Precipitation hardening martensitic stainless, combines high strength with excellent corrosion resistance, heat treatable to 1,450 MPa, aerospace and high-performance applications
Applications: Aerospace structural components, Pump and valve components, Chemical processing equipment...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
303 Stainless Steel
stainless steel Free-machining austenitic stainless, sulfur added for excellent machinability, good corrosion resistance, widely used for screw machine parts and fittings
Applications: Screw machine products (nuts, bolts, fittings), Valve stems and shafts, Bushings and spacers...
Strength: 5/10 Cost: $$$$$
309 Stainless Steel
stainless steel High-chromium, high-nickel austenitic stainless, exceptional high-temperature oxidation resistance, continuous service to 980°C, used in furnaces, heat exchangers, and kiln equipment
Applications: Furnace parts and heat treating equipment, Industrial furnace linings and muffles, Heat exchangers (high-temperature)...
Strength: 5/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
321 Stainless Steel
stainless steel Titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless, resists intergranular corrosion after welding, excellent high-temperature strength, widely used in aircraft exhaust systems and jet engines
Applications: Aircraft exhaust manifolds and stacks, Jet engine parts and afterburners, Furnace parts and heat exchangers...
Strength: 5/10 Cost: $$$$$$
420 Stainless Steel
stainless steel Hardenable martensitic stainless, good corrosion resistance with high hardness, heat treatable to Rockwell C 50-55, widely used for cutlery, surgical instruments, and valve components
Applications: Cutlery and kitchen knives, Surgical instruments and scalpels, Dental instruments...
Strength: 8/10 Cost: $$$$
1018 Steel
steel Most common general-purpose steel - excellent machinability, weldability, and affordability
Applications: General machined parts, Shafts and axles, Pins and fasteners...
Strength: 6/10 Cost: $$$
2205 Duplex Stainless
stainless steel Duplex ferritic-austenitic stainless, combines high strength with exceptional corrosion resistance, twice the strength of 316, excellent for oil & gas and marine applications
Applications: Oil & gas pipelines and platforms, Chemical processing vessels and piping, Desalination plants...
Strength: 8/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
1045 Carbon Steel
steel General-purpose medium carbon steel, good balance of strength and machinability, heat treatable, widely used for shafts, gears, and structural components
Applications: Shafts and axles, Gears and gear racks, Bolts and studs...
Strength: 7/10 Cost: $$
1095 Carbon Steel
steel High carbon tool steel, excellent hardness and edge retention, used for knives, springs, and cutting tools, capable of RC 62-66 when heat treated
Applications: Knife blades and cutting tools, Woodworking chisels and plane blades, Scissors and shears...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$
12L14 Steel
steel Leaded free-machining steel, exceptional machinability for high-volume production, excellent surface finish, sulfur and lead added for chip breaking
Applications: Screw machine parts and fittings, Bolts, nuts, and studs (high-volume), Shafts and pins (non-critical)...
Strength: 5/10 Cost: $$$
4140 Steel
steel Medium-carbon alloy steel - high strength, toughness, and excellent heat-treatability for demanding applications
Applications: Crankshafts and camshafts, Connecting rods, Drive shafts and axles...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$$$
4340 Alloy Steel
steel Premium nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy steel, exceptional strength and toughness, deep hardening, critical aerospace and high-stress applications
Applications: Aircraft landing gear components, Power transmission gears and shafts, Fasteners for aerospace and defense...
Strength: 10/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
5160 Spring Steel
steel Chrome-vanadium spring steel, exceptional toughness and resilience, superior impact resistance to 1095, ideal for automotive springs, swords, and knives
Applications: Automotive coil and leaf springs, Knife and sword blades (high-end), Torsion bars...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$
8620 Alloy Steel
steel Nickel-chromium-molybdenum carburizing steel, hard wear-resistant surface with tough ductile core, ideal for gears, shafts, and high-stress components
Applications: Automotive transmission gears, Differential ring and pinion gears, Camshafts and crankshafts...
Strength: 8/10 Cost: $$$$$
A36 Steel
steel Most common structural steel - excellent for load-bearing applications, construction, and fabrication
Applications: I-beams and H-beams, Angle iron and channels, Construction frames and buildings...
Strength: 6/10 Cost: $$
Titanium Grade 2
titanium Commercially pure titanium, excellent corrosion resistance, good formability and weldability, most widely used grade for chemical processing, marine, and medical applications
Applications: Chemical process equipment and heat exchangers, Offshore drilling equipment, Desalination plant components...
Strength: 5/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$$
Titanium Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI)
titanium Extra-low interstitial Ti-6Al-4V, enhanced ductility and fracture toughness, medical-grade titanium, widely used for surgical implants and critical aerospace applications
Applications: Orthopedic implants (hip/knee replacements), Dental implants and fixtures, Surgical instruments and devices...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$$$
Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)
titanium Ti-6Al-4V workhorse titanium alloy, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, most widely used titanium alloy, heat treatable, critical aerospace and high-performance applications
Applications: Aircraft structural components and frames, Jet engine components (compressor blades, discs), Aerospace fasteners and landing gear...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$$$
Titanium Grade 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V)
titanium Ti-3Al-2.5V semi-fabricable alloy, excellent cold formability and weldability, good strength-to-weight ratio, widely used for aerospace tubing, bicycle frames, and golf clubs
Applications: Aircraft hydraulic tubing, Aerospace structural tubing, High-performance bicycle frames...
Strength: 7/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$$
A2 Tool Steel
tool steel Air-hardening chromium-molybdenum tool steel, minimal distortion during heat treatment, excellent dimensional stability, widely used for precision tools, dies, and punches
Applications: Precision punches and dies, Blanking dies and shear blades, Thread rolling dies...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$$$
D2 Tool Steel
tool steel High-carbon, high-chromium air-hardening die steel, exceptional wear resistance, semi-stainless with 12% chromium, widely used for long-run stamping dies and cutting tools
Applications: Long-run stamping and blanking dies, Slitting knives and shear blades, Thread rolling dies...
Strength: 10/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
H13 Tool Steel
tool steel Chromium-molybdenum-vanadium hot-work steel, exceptional high-temperature strength and toughness, thermal fatigue resistance, widely used for die casting dies and forging tools
Applications: Aluminum die casting dies, Zinc and magnesium die casting dies, Hot forging dies and inserts...
Strength: 8/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
M2 High-Speed Steel
tool steel General-purpose molybdenum high-speed steel, excellent red hardness, retains cutting edge at elevated temperatures, widely used for cutting tools, drills, and end mills
Applications: Drills, taps, and reamers, End mills and milling cutters, Lathe tools and boring bars...
Strength: 10/10 Cost: $$$$$$$$
O1 Tool Steel
tool steel General-purpose oil-hardening tool steel, good wear resistance and machinability, economical choice for cutting tools, dies, and gauges, hardens to Rockwell C 57-62
Applications: Cutting tools (taps, dies, reamers), Punches and shear blades, Woodworking tools and plane blades...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$
W1 Tool Steel
tool steel Simple carbon tool steel, water-hardening for maximum surface hardness, economical and readily available, widely used for cutting tools, taps, dies, and hand tools
Applications: Taps, dies, and threading tools, Drills and reamers (small), Files and rasps...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$
S7 Tool Steel
tool steel Shock-resisting air-hardening tool steel, exceptional toughness and impact resistance, good wear resistance, ideal for chisels, shear blades, and impact tooling
Applications: Chisels and punches (impact), Shear blades and knives, Heavy-duty forming dies...
Strength: 9/10 Cost: $$$$$$$
UHMW-PE
plastic Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene - exceptional abrasion resistance and lowest friction coefficient of any plastic
Applications: Conveyor belts and guide rails, Wear strips and liners, Cutting boards and food processing equipment...
Strength: 8/10 Cost: $$$$$$$