PEEK and ULTEM are both high-performance thermoplastics used when standard plastics cannot provide enough heat resistance, dimensional stability, mechanical performance, or electrical reliability. They can both be CNC milled, turned, drilled, reamed, and finished into precision parts, but they do not behave the same way during machining or in service. PEEK is a semi-crystalline polyetheretherketone…
15-5 PH and 17-4 PH are both martensitic precipitation-hardening stainless steels used when a component needs substantially more strength than conventional 300-series stainless steel while retaining useful corrosion resistance. For CNC machining, however, the two grades should not be treated as interchangeable. The final choice affects raw-material availability, transverse mechanical properties, heat-treatment planning, tool wear,…
Brass and stainless steel can both produce accurate, durable CNC machined components, but they solve different engineering problems. Brass is a copper-zinc alloy family valued for machinability, conductivity and low-friction performance. Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy family containing sufficient chromium to form a protective passive film; depending on the grade, it can provide corrosion…
Stainless steel 303, 304, and 316 are all austenitic 300-series alloys, but they solve different manufacturing problems. Type 303 adds sulfur to improve chip breaking and machining productivity. Type 304 is the versatile baseline for corrosion resistance, forming, and welding. Type 316 adds molybdenum to improve resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially where chlorides…
Geometry, material, tolerance, testing, and documentation determine which metal prototype process fits an OEM part.
Quick answer: Machine 304 with a rigid setup, sharp positive-geometry tooling, enough feed to form a real chip, controlled engagement, reliable chip evacuation, and coolant delivered to the active cutting zone. Avoid dwell and repeated light rubbing passes because they can work-harden the surface. 304 stainless steel is widely specified for food-processing and botanical-extraction…
6061 and 6063 are both heat-treatable 6xxx-series aluminum alloys, but they are not interchangeable. For most machined parts, 6061 is the stronger and more broadly available starting point. For extruded profiles, visible surfaces, and parts where corrosion resistance and anodized appearance matter more than maximum load capacity, 6063 can be the better fit. The right…
Choosing between MIM and die casting depends on material, geometry, quality risks, tooling, and secondary work as much as annual volume.
Choosing between MIC 6 aluminum and 6061 aluminum is not simply a question of which material is “better.” The correct choice depends on what the finished component must do. MIC 6 is a precision-machined cast aluminum tooling plate engineered for flatness, low residual stress, and dimensional stability. It is commonly selected for fixture plates, vacuum…
Brass and aluminum are both widely used for CNC machined components, but they solve very different engineering problems. Aluminum is usually selected when low weight, a high strength-to-weight ratio, fast machining and flexible surface finishing are priorities. Brass is often preferred when a component requires excellent machinability, clean threads, dimensional stability, electrical performance, low friction…
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