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Engineering Material Selection Guide

A comprehensive reference for selecting the optimal material for your manufacturing project. Compare properties, machinability, cost tiers, and application suitability across metals, polymers, and composites.

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Aluminum 6061-T6
Heat-Treated Alloy
Alloy
Density 2.70 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 310 MPa
Machinability
Corrosion Resist.
AutomotiveAerospaceConsumerStructural
Moderate Cost
Stainless Steel 304
Austenitic
Alloy
Density 8.00 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 515 MPa
Machinability
Corrosion Resist.
Food & BevMedicalChemicalArchitectural
Moderate Cost
Titanium Ti-6Al-4V
Grade 5
Alloy
Density 4.43 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 950 MPa
Machinability
Temp Resistance
AerospaceMedical ImplantsDefenseMarine
Premium Cost
PEEK (Polyether ether ketone)
High-Performance Thermoplastic
Polymer
Density 1.32 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 100 MPa
Chemical Resist.
Biocompatibility
MedicalOil & GasSemiconductorAerospace
Premium Cost
Delrin (POM)
Acetal Homopolymer
Polymer
Density 1.41 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 70 MPa
Wear Resistance
Machinability
Gears & BearingsAutomotiveConsumerIndustrial
Economy Cost
Carbon Fiber Reinforced (CFRP)
Epoxy Matrix
Composite
Density 1.55 g/cm³
Strength-to-Weight Exceptional
Fatigue Resist.
Thermal Conduct.
AerospaceAutomotiveSportingRobotics
Premium Cost
Brass C36000
Free-Cutting
Alloy
Density 8.53 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 310 MPa
Machinability
Electrical Cond.
PlumbingElectricalHardwareDecorative
Economy Cost
Quick Reference

Material Comparison Matrix

Side-by-side evaluation of key manufacturing characteristics.

Material High Temp Corrosion Lightweight Easy Machine High Strength Best For
Aluminum 6061 ✕ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ General purpose, enclosures, brackets
Stainless 304 ✓ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✓ Medical, food-grade, harsh environments
Titanium Ti-6Al-4V ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✓ Aerospace, implants, high-stress parts
PEEK ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ Biomedical, chemical, lightweight replacement
Delrin (POM) ✕ ✕ ✓ ✓ ✕ Gears, low-cost production, wear parts
CFRP ✕ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✓ Structural, weight-critical, aerospace
Selection Methodology

How to Choose the Right Material

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1. Define Functional Requirements

Identify load-bearing needs, temperature exposure, chemical compatibility, and regulatory standards (FDA, AS9100, etc.) before narrowing options.

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2. Evaluate Trade-offs

No material excels in every category. Balance strength, weight, machinability, and lifecycle costs. Higher upfront cost may save on weight or maintenance.

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3. Match to Process

Certain materials perform better in CNC, injection molding, or die casting. Consult our engineering team to align material choice with your volume and tolerance needs.

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4. Validate with Prototyping

Use rapid prototyping to test fit, finish, and performance. Material behavior under real-world conditions often reveals design adjustments early.

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