Materials
Which material should you choose? A plain-English guide to every metal and plastic in our price calculator.
The short answer
If you are not sure, keep the first option in the calculator. It is chosen because it suits most parts: standard plastic (PETG) for 3D printing and aluminium 6061 for CNC machining. You can always ask us before ordering — we are happy to advise.
Below, each material is described in everyday words, with what it is good for and which process can make it. Material codes (such as 6061 or 304) are given in brackets for engineers.
Plastics
| Material | In plain words | Good for | Made by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard plastic (PETG) | Everyday, slightly flexible plastic | Models, covers, simple parts | 3D printing |
| Strong nylon (PA12) | Tough, durable plastic | Working parts, clips, housings | 3D printing (SLS, MJF) |
| Resin (SLA) | Hard, very smooth plastic | Detailed display models | 3D printing |
| Flexible plastic (TPU) | Bends like rubber | Seals, grips, bumpers | 3D printing |
| Acetal (POM) | Hard, slippery plastic | Gears, bushes, sliding parts | CNC machining |
| Nylon | Tough plastic | Wear parts, spacers | CNC machining |
| Acrylic | Clear or coloured rigid plastic | Panels, signs, displays | Laser cutting |
Metals
| Material | In plain words | Good for | Made by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium (6061) | Light and strong; the most popular metal | Brackets, housings, plates | CNC |
| Aluminium (6082) | General-purpose aluminium | Structural parts | CNC |
| Aluminium (7075) | Extra-strong aluminium | Highly loaded parts | CNC |
| Aluminium (5251) | Bendable aluminium sheet | Panels, enclosures | Laser cutting, sheet metal |
| Stainless steel (304) | Does not rust | Food, kitchen and general use | CNC, laser, sheet metal |
| Stainless steel (316) | Better for outdoor and sea use | Marine and outdoor parts | CNC |
| Steel (mild steel) | Strong and low cost; needs a coating against rust | Brackets, frames, plates | CNC, laser, sheet metal |
| Brass | Gold-coloured, easy to machine | Decorative parts, fittings | CNC |
| Copper | Conducts electricity and heat very well | Electrical parts, bus bars | Sheet metal |
Need something else?
If your material is not listed, contact us with the material and quantity. We will tell you whether we can source it and send a price.
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