Quais são os materiais metálicos comuns para usinagem CNC?

CNC (Controle Numérico Computadorizado) a usinagem depende muito da escolha certa de materiais metálicos para alcançar alta precisão, durabilidade, e desempenho. Diferentes metais têm propriedades únicas que os tornam adequados para indústrias específicas – desde aeroespacial até eletrônica, dispositivos médicos para automotivo. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common metal materials for Usinagem CNC, suas principais características, aplicações, and selection guidance.

1. Key Properties of Common CNC Machining Metals (Comparison Table)

To quickly compare core characteristics, here’s a summary of 10 widely used metals:

2. Detailed Breakdown of Common Metals (with Models & Aplicativos)

Each metal material has distinct advantages and ideal use cases. Below is a linear breakdown of their properties, popular models, e aplicações do mundo real:

2.1 Aluminum Alloy

Why choose it? It is the most widely used material in CNC machining due to its leve (1/3 the density of steel) e excelente usinabilidade—tools stay sharp longer, and complex parts (like aircraft frames) can be produced efficiently.

Key models:

• 6061: Heat-treatable, with balanced strength and weldability (used for automotive parts, electronics enclosures).
• 7075: Ultra-high strength (5x stronger than 6061) for high-stress scenarios (componentes aeroespaciais, bike frames).
• 5052: Rust-resistant, ideal for marine or chemical equipment parts.

2.2 Aço inoxidável

Why choose it? Isso é superior corrosion resistance makes it indispensable for harsh environments (por exemplo, saltwater, produtos químicos). No entanto, its high hardness leads to fast tool wear, requiring specialized cutting tools.

Key models:

• 304: General-purpose (food machinery, kitchen appliances) due to good rust resistance.
• 316: Added molybdenum for enhanced corrosion resistance (marine parts, implantes médicos).
• 17-4PH: Martensitic stainless steel that hardens with heat treatment (válvulas, pumps).

2.3 Carbon Steel

Why choose it? It offers high strength at a low cost, making it a budget-friendly option for structural parts. The downside? It rusts easily—so surface treatments (galvanoplastia, painting) are a must.

Key models:

• Q235: Ordinary structural steel (brackets, frames for industrial machines).
• 45# Aço: High-quality carbon steel (after quenching/tempering, used for gears, eixos).
• C45: European standard equivalent to 45# Aço (versatile for mechanical parts).

2.4 Other Essential Metals

• Cobre & Alloys: Unmatched electrical/thermal conductivity (used for heat sinks, electrical connectors). Popular models: T2 pure copper (wires), H62 brass (plumbing fittings).
• Titanium & Alloys: O “aerospace metal”—alta resistência + leve (used for jet engine parts, implantes médicos). Key model: Ti-6Al-4V (most widely used titanium alloy).
• Zinc Alloy: Low melting point, ideal for die-casting (toys, decorative parts). Common model: Zamak 3 (good fluidity).

3. How to Select the Right Metal for CNC Machining?

Choosing the wrong material wastes time and money. Follow this 3-step guide to match your needs:

Step 1: Prioritize Application Requirements

• Need leve + força? Choose aluminum alloy (aerospace/automotive) or titanium alloy (high-end medical).
• Need conductivity? Copper alloys (eletrônica, heat sinks) are unbeatable.
• Need resistência à corrosão? Stainless steel (316 for marine) or nickel-based alloys (temperaturas extremas).

Step 2: Consider Machinability

• Easy-to-machine materials (alumínio, cobre, zinco): Best for complex parts (por exemplo, 3C product casings) because they reduce tool costs and production time.
• Difficult-to-machine materials (aço inoxidável, titanium): Require high-precision CNC machines and coated tools—use only for high-stress or harsh-environment parts (por exemplo, implantes médicos).

Step 3: Balance Cost

• Low-cost options: Carbon steel (structural parts), aluminum alloy (general components).
• High-cost options: Titanium alloy (aeroespacial), nickel-based alloys (turbinas a gás)—reserve for applications where performance is non-negotiable.

4. Yigu Technology’s Perspective

Na tecnologia Yigu, we believe the success of CNC machining starts with material selection. Over the years, we’ve supported clients in aerospace, médico, and automotive industries by matching them with optimal metals—for example, using Ti-6Al-4V for lightweight medical implants and 6061 aluminum for cost-effective automotive parts. We also invest in advanced cutting tools (por exemplo, carbide tools for stainless steel) to overcome machinability challenges. For clients, the goal isn’t just to “machine a part”—it’s to choose a material that maximizes performance while controlling costs. We recommend starting with a clear list of application needs (força, environment, orçamento) to narrow down options quickly.

5. Perguntas frequentes (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. P: Which metal is best for CNC machining complex, lightweight parts?

UM: Aluminum alloy (por exemplo, 6061) is ideal—it has excellent machinability for complex shapes and is lightweight, making it perfect for electronics or automotive components.

2. P: Do I need surface treatment for carbon steel in CNC machining?

UM: Sim. Carbon steel has poor corrosion resistance, so surface treatments like electroplating (for rust protection) ou pintura (for aesthetics) are required to extend the part’s lifespan.

3. P: Why is titanium alloy more expensive than other metals for CNC machining?

UM: Titanium alloy has very high strength and corrosion resistance, but it is extremely difficult to machine—tools wear out quickly, and production takes longer. These factors (material cost + tempo de usinagem) drive up the overall cost.