How to Choose the Right Material and Surface Finishing for CNC Machining Parts
Learn how to choose the right CNC machining materials and surface finishes. BAIDE offers expert solutions in aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and titanium machining with anodizing, sandblasting, and plating.
1. Why Material Selection Matters More Than You Think
Most clients focus on precision tolerance at first,
but in reality, material and finishing choice often determine 80% of part quality, cost, and performance.
Different industries prioritize different needs:
- Aerospace: strength-to-weight ratio
- Medical: biocompatibility & corrosion resistance
- Electronics: appearance & batch consistency
A wrong material choice can cause machining issues, deformation, or even batch rejection.
2. Common CNC Materials and Their Advantages
| Material | Features | Applications | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (6061 / 7075) | Lightweight, easy to machine, anodizable | Aerospace, enclosures, automotive | Best with anodizing/sandblasting |
| Stainless Steel (304 / 316 / 303) | Strong, corrosion-resistant | Medical, industrial components | Use slow feed to reduce tool wear |
| Brass / Copper | Excellent conductivity, aesthetics | Connectors, decorative parts | Ideal for plating or polishing |
| Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) | Strong, light, corrosion-resistant | Aerospace, medical implants | Slow feed & cooling required |
| Plastics (POM / ABS / PC / Nylon) | Lightweight, low-cost, insulating | Prototypes, jigs, housings | Avoid overheating deformation |
3. The Role of Surface Finishing: More Than Just Looks
Surface finishing is not decoration — it’s protection.
It enhances wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic value.
(1) Anodizing
Forms a hard oxide layer on aluminum; improves corrosion resistance and allows coloring. Common for electronics & aerospace parts.
(2) Sandblasting
Creates uniform matte texture — perfect for visible parts.
(3) Electroplating
Adds a metallic coating for enhanced durability and oxidation resistance.
Nickel, chrome, zinc, and black plating available.
(4) Mirror Polishing
Gives mirror-like reflectivity — ideal for decorative or display parts.
(5) Powder Coating
Creates a thick, durable colored coating with superior corrosion resistance.
4. Matching Materials with Finishes
| Material | Recommended Finishes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Anodizing + Sandblasting | Electronics, camera accessories |
| Stainless Steel | Polishing / Black plating | Medical & machinery |
| Brass / Copper | Nickel / Chrome plating | Instrument housings |
| Titanium | Anodized titanium colors | High-end components |
| Plastics | Spray painting / Matte | Consumer prototypes |
5. Common Client Questions
Q1: Not sure which material to choose?
A1:Send your drawing and usage scenario. BAIDE engineers will recommend the best match based on strength, weight, and cost.
Q2: Does anodizing prevent rust?
A2:It works for aluminum only. Use plating or passivation for steel.
Q3: Can I customize surface color?
A3:Yes. Multiple anodized and plated colors are available.
6. Why BAIDE?
- Multi-material CNC machining capability
- Integrated finishing partners (anodizing, plating, polishing)
- Fast prototype to batch production
- Engineering consultation & feasibility analysis
- Export packaging + international certification
7. Conclusion: The Right Material Defines Quality
Precision starts with the right material,
and beauty comes from perfect finishing.
At BAIDE, we help customers make smart choices from concept to delivery.
Material matters. Finish defines.
Choose BAIDE — the partner that engineers perfection.
