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Materials

aluminum sheet

eMachineShop offer a wide variety of materials including these and more:

Deciding on the best material for your part can be a challenge. Generally it is best to look at the properties of each material. For example, if price is the only factor, choose the lowest cost material. If price and hardness are most important, select the material that has the best combination of those two values. Metals allow for parts of higher tolerance than plastics and some plastics can warp over time due to moisture absorption.

Materials of common objects:

Personal computer chassisSteel
Food storage containerPolyethelene HDPE
Classic door knobBrass
Soda canAluminum
Plastic pipePVC
Decorative clear plastic devicesAcrylic
Heavy machine basesIron
Plastic gearsDelrin, Nylon
Plastic safety windowPolycarbonate
Low cost toysPolystyrene
Food utensils and countersStainless steel
Cutting tools Steel, high speed
Metal gearsSteel, Brass

Materials can be cut or formed by various machines. Materials usually start as sheet, plate, or rod. Some popular combinations include:

  • Aluminum sheet - laser cut
  • Aluminum plate - milled
  • Aluminum rod - turned
  • Brass sheet - wired EDM
  • Brass rod - turned
  • Steel sheet - laser cut
  • Steel plate - milled
  • Steel rod - turned
  • Copper sheet - turret punched
  • Polycarbonate sheet - milled
  • And many more

Designing custom parts with sheetmetal is generally lower cost than CNC milling of plate or turning of rod. Sheetmetal parts can be formed into numerous shapes and can take simple or complex bends.