| Category |
Material |
Common Grades |
Key Features |
Typical Applications |
| Metal |
Carbon Steel |
Q235, 45#, A36, 1045 |
High strength, low cost, easy to machine; requires anti-rust treatment |
Structural parts, brackets, shafts, mold bases |
| Metal |
Stainless Steel |
303, 304, 316, 17-4PH |
Corrosion resistant, heat resistant; 303 for free cutting, 316 for acid & alkali resistance |
Medical devices, food machinery, marine equipment, precision parts |
| Metal |
Aluminum Alloy |
6061, 7075, 5052, 2A12 |
Lightweight, good thermal & electrical conductivity, easy to machine; 7075 for high strength |
Aerospace parts, electronic housings, heat sinks, automotive lightweight components |
| Metal |
Copper & Copper Alloys |
Brass (H62/H59), Copper, Beryllium Copper |
Excellent electrical & thermal conductivity, corrosion resistant, good surface finish |
Electrical terminals, valves, pipe fittings, precision instrument parts |
| Metal |
Titanium Alloy |
TC4 (Gr5), TA2 |
High strength-to-weight ratio, heat resistant, biocompatible; difficult to machine |
Aerospace, medical implants, high-end bicycles, chemical equipment |
| Metal |
Tool Steel / Die Steel |
Cr12, SKD11, H13, P20 |
High hardness, wear resistant, heat resistant |
Stamping dies, injection molds, cutting tools, measuring tools |
| Plastic |
Engineering Plastics |
ABS, PC, PA66 (Nylon), POM (Acetal) |
Good overall performance; POM for wear resistance, Nylon for self-lubrication |
Housings, gears, bearing cages, structural parts |
| Plastic |
High-Performance Plastics |
PEEK, PTFE , PPS, PEI (Ultem) |
High temperature resistance, chemical resistance, good insulation; PEEK strength close to metal |
Medical implants, semiconductor equipment, insulating parts, seals |
| Plastic |
Commodity Plastics |
PP, PE, PVC |
Low cost, easy to machine, corrosion resistant |
Chemical containers, insulating components, non-structural parts |
