Different Types of Metals Used in Casting and Machining Processes

If you are going to use a CNC machine for the manufacturing process, then there are a varied set of metals that you can make use of. These metals will play an important role in the manufacturing process. You can get help from machining experts like Aptech Precision Machining Inc. They will provide you effective machining services at affordable prices. Here in this guide, we are going to discuss some essential metals that are used in the casting process. They are mainly divided into major categories such as Ferrous, Aluminum, Titanium, and more. There are some pros and cons of using these metals in the CNC machining process. Thus, we have provided you brief information about each metal along with its pros and cons. Read them below:

Different Categories of Metals

The metals are divided into different categories. They are:

Ferrous Metals

These types of metals contain iron, steel, or many types of alloys.

Aluminum

This is a type of non-ferrous metal and provides great strength to weight ratio.

Brass

This type of metal has decorative properties and is easy to work with.

These are some categories of metals. You can check the different types of metals used in these alloys.

Also Read: Steps to Clean your CNC Machine

Types of Metals used in CNC Machine

Cast Iron

This type of metal is used in the production of water and sewer lines. Here are its pros and cons.

Pros:

• It is much stronger than grey cast iron.
• It acts as a natural lubricant.
• Great tensile strength

Cons:

• You are likely to experience a mess
• Show nodules

Stainless Steel

This is another type of CNC machine metal that resists corrosion and high temperatures, which is the primary reason it’s used. It is non-magnetic and is extremely ductile. Here are its pros and cons.

Pros

• It can easily resist corrosion as well as high temperatures.
• It provides you with an attractive finish as compared to other coatings.
• It allows deep drawing of elements like kitchen sinks.

Cons

• This metal is susceptible to galling; avoid applications where two similar metals rub against each other.
• This metal is also susceptible to work hardening.  
• Its yield strength is low that makes it poor to use in structural applications.

Stainless steel-PH series

This steel comes with precipitation hardening in which the heat-treating process is used to increase the strength of malleable materials. This type of metal is used in aerospace, chemical, food processing, retaining rings, springs, aircraft bulkheads, flat springs. Here are the pros and cons of this metal.

Must Read: 3 Easy Tips to Maintain Your CNC Machines Properly

Pros:

• It has high strength and hardness.
• It can be heat treated from the annealed condition at relatively low temperatures.
• This type of metal is corrosion resistant.

Cons:

• It is expensive as compared to other metals.

Steel-low carbon

This is mild or low carbon steel that is available as cold-formed or hot-rolled. This type of steel has a different type of uses and comes at a low cost. Its pros and cons are mentioned below:

Pros:

• It has high machinability and weldability.
• It comes at a low cost.

Cons:

• It has low hardenability.

These are different types of metals used in the CNC machine process and can be used to manufacture different products. Get help from CNC machining experts to get more information.