Comparison of CNC Machining Materials

Polypropylene (PP) is a well-balanced thermoplastic characterized by lightweight material, excellent chemical resistance, and good flexibility. Owing to these properties, it finds wide application in fields such as packaging, household appliances, automotive, daily necessities, and medical devices.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer material characterized by excellent mechanical properties, outstanding corrosion resistance, and superior electrical insulation performance. By incorporating various additives, it can be tailored to meet customized requirements. Owing to its unique combination of properties, PVC finds extensive applications in fields such as construction, industry, packaging, and healthcare.

Acrylic (also known as polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA) boasts not only excellent optical performance but also outstanding UV resistance. With a light transmittance of up to 92%—comparable to glass—it has become a popular material in scenarios ranging from neon signs in shopping malls and display case panels in museums to precision optical lenses and stage light covers.

Nylon is a versatile and widely used material in CNC machining due to its exceptional properties. Its high tensile strength, low coefficient of friction, and resistance to wear and abrasion make it an excellent choice for applications requiring durability and reliability, such as gears, bushings, and bearings. Additionally, nylon’s low moisture absorption and good dimensional stability ensure consistent performance even in humid or varying temperature conditions.

Its ease of machining, coupled with its chemical resistance, also makes it suitable for applications in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. With its remarkable combination of properties, nylon stands out as a versatile and reliable material for a diverse range of CNC machining applications.

stainless steel 304 is also known as 18/8 stainless steel, which contains approximately 18% chromium (Cr) and 8% nickel (Ni). It not only possesses excellent oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance, but also has good workability and surface quality. Currently, it is the most widely used stainless steel grade in industrial manufacturing and civil applications.

C101 copper, also known as HC copper (High Conductivity Copper) or more precisely, high-conductivity copper, has a nominal electrical conductivity of 100% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard)—a benchmark level for conductive performance. It also features excellent high thermal conductivity, making it the preferred material for various electrical components (such as terminals) and conductors (such as power transmission busbars).
Furthermore, this material possesses high ductility (enabling easy complex forming processes like stretching and bending) and reliable impact resistance. While meeting the requirements for electrical performance, it can also accommodate the structural stability demands of mechanical processing and practical operating conditions, making it truly a high-quality copper material that combines multi-functional properties with practical value.