When it comes to manufacturing precision metal components, choosing the right material is just as critical as the machining process itself. The selected metal must align with your application's strength, thermal resistance, corrosion resistance, and machinability requirements.

At DXTSEALS, we specialize in producing custom metal machined parts using CNC turning, milling, and other advanced techniques. Our team helps clients across various industries select optimal materials that ensure performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.

Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used materials in metal machining and their key characteristics.

🧱 1. Stainless Steel: Strength Meets Corrosion Resistance

Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials in industrial applications due to its:

• High corrosion resistance

• Good strength-to-weight ratio

• Excellent wear and fatigue resistance

• Available in many grades (e.g., 304, 316, 17-4PH)

Applications: Food processing equipment, medical devices, valves, marine components, aerospace fasteners

At DXTSEALS, we commonly machine 316L and 304L stainless steel for clients in the oil & gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.

⚙️ 2. Aluminum: Lightweight and Highly Machinable

Aluminum alloys are preferred for their:

• Low density and light weight

• Excellent machinability

• Thermal and electrical conductivity

• Corrosion resistance (especially 6061 and 7075 grades)

Applications: Automotive parts, enclosures, aerospace components, heat sinks

Aluminum’s easy machinability reduces production time, making it a cost-effective choice for prototype development and mass production alike.

🔩 3. Carbon Steel: Tough and Affordable

Carbon steel offers:

• High tensile strength

• Good wear resistance

• Cost efficiency

• Easier machining compared to tool steel

Applications: Gears, shafts, bushings, brackets, structural parts

For moderate-duty components that don’t require corrosion resistance, carbon steel (e.g., AISI 1018, 1045) is an ideal balance of performance and price.

🧲 4. Brass: Precision and Appearance

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is known for:

• Excellent machinability

• Low friction and smooth finish

• Corrosion resistance

• Attractive appearance

Applications: Fittings, decorative parts, connectors, instrumentation components

At DXTSEALS, we use C360 brass for applications where dimensional accuracy and aesthetic finish are key.

🔥 5. Titanium: High Strength, Low Weight

Though more challenging to machine, titanium provides:

• Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio

• High temperature and corrosion resistance

• Biocompatibility (ideal for medical implants)

Applications: Aerospace fasteners, medical implants, high-performance industrial parts

Titanium’s durability makes it a top choice for mission-critical applications.

💡 Choosing the Right Material: Key Considerations

When selecting a material for metal machining, DXTSEALS recommends considering:

We help clients analyze their part’s working environment, mechanical stress, chemical exposure, and budget before recommending the best-fit material.

🛠 DXTSEALS: Your Partner in Custom Metal Machining

With years of experience in CNC turning and milling, DXTSEALS provides tailor-made metal machining solutions that meet the demands of various industries:

• 🚀 Aerospace

• 🚗 Automotive

• 🏭 Industrial Machinery

• 💧 Fluid Control

• ⚕️ Medical & Pharmaceutical

Our machining capabilities include:

• ✅ Tight tolerances down to ±0.005mm

• ✅ High surface finishes (Ra < 0.4μm)

• ✅ Material certifications (RoHS, REACH, FDA, etc.)

• ✅ Batch and mass production scalability

📩 Contact DXTSEALS for Expert Material and Machining Support

Not sure which material is right for your project? Let DXTSEALS assist you with material selection, prototyping, and full-scale manufacturing of metal machined parts.

👉 Visit www.dxtseals.com or get in touch for a free consultation on your next metal component project.