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Material Properties Chart

Comprehensive material properties reference for CNC machining including hardness, strength, machinability ratings, and thermal properties.

Understanding Material Properties
Key properties that affect CNC machining performance

Hardness

Resistance to deformation. Higher hardness requires slower speeds and harder cutting tools.

Tensile Strength

Maximum stress before failure. Affects cutting forces and tool wear.

Machinability

Relative ease of machining. 100% = free-machining brass baseline.

Thermal Conductivity

Heat dissipation rate. Higher values allow faster cutting speeds.

Material Properties Reference
Comprehensive properties for common CNC machining materials
MaterialCategoryHardnessTensile StrengthMachinabilityThermal Cond.DensityApplications
6061-T6 AluminumAluminum95 HB45,000 psi90%167 W/mK2.70 g/cm³General purpose, aerospace, automotive
7075-T6 AluminumAluminum150 HB83,000 psi70%130 W/mK2.81 g/cm³Aerospace, high-strength applications
2024-T4 AluminumAluminum120 HB68,000 psi75%121 W/mK2.78 g/cm³Aircraft structures, rivets
1018 Carbon SteelCarbon Steel126 HB64,000 psi78%51.9 W/mK7.87 g/cm³General machining, low-stress parts
1045 Carbon SteelCarbon Steel163 HB82,000 psi72%49.8 W/mK7.85 g/cm³Shafts, gears, high-strength parts
4140 Alloy SteelAlloy Steel217 HB95,000 psi66%42.6 W/mK7.85 g/cm³Automotive, aerospace, tooling
304 Stainless SteelStainless Steel201 HB75,000 psi45%16.2 W/mK8.00 g/cm³Food processing, chemical equipment
316 Stainless SteelStainless Steel217 HB84,000 psi36%16.2 W/mK8.00 g/cm³Marine, chemical, medical
17-4 PH StainlessStainless Steel375 HB190,000 psi50%17.7 W/mK7.80 g/cm³Aerospace, high-strength applications
360 BrassBrass110 HB57,000 psi100%115 W/mK8.50 g/cm³Free-machining, fittings, valves
932 BronzeBronze170 HB90,000 psi80%71 W/mK8.80 g/cm³Bearings, bushings, marine hardware
Delrin (POM)Plastic120 Shore D10,000 psi95%0.31 W/mK1.41 g/cm³Gears, bearings, precision parts
PEEKPlastic99 Shore D14,500 psi85%0.25 W/mK1.30 g/cm³Aerospace, medical, high-temp
High Machinability Materials
Easy to machine, high production rates
  • • 360 Brass (100%): Excellent surface finish, minimal tool wear
  • • Delrin (95%): Clean cuts, no burrs, high speeds possible
  • • 6061 Aluminum (90%): Good chip evacuation, versatile
  • • 932 Bronze (80%): Self-lubricating, good for bearings
Challenging Materials
Require special techniques and tooling
  • • 316 Stainless (36%): Work hardens, use sharp tools
  • • 304 Stainless (45%): Built-up edge issues, coolant essential
  • • 17-4 PH (50%): Very hard, carbide tools required
  • • 4140 Steel (66%): Heat treatment affects machinability

Related Resources

→ Cutting Speed Calculator→ Material Hardness Chart→ CNC Glossary→ Tolerance & Fit Chart

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