Choose the Right Material Before You Start Production
The wrong material can increase cost, delay delivery or cause parts to fail in use. Send your CAD files and requirements, and Baosheng will help you compare practical metals, plastics and casting alloys for CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication and die casting.
Choose with Confidence
Compare material options before locking your drawing or purchase order.
Avoid Rework
Wall thickness, tolerance, finish and process risks are reviewed early.
Plan Documents Early
Material certificates and inspection reports can be prepared when required.
Prototype to Production
Start with samples, then adjust material and process for repeat orders.
Find Materials by Process
Different Processes Need Different Material Choices
A material that works well for CNC machining may not be the right choice for sheet metal or die casting. Start with how the part will be made, then narrow the material by strength, finish, quantity and operating environment.
CNC Machining Materials
Best when your part needs tight features, threads, flatness, precise mating surfaces, functional prototypes or low-volume production.
Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Titanium
Brass
PEEK
3D Printing Materials
Useful for quick prototypes, complex shapes, fit checks and low-volume parts when speed or geometry matters more than tooling.
PLA
ABS
Nylon
TPU
Resin
PA12
Sheet Metal Materials
Choose this route for panels, brackets, covers, enclosures and parts that need cutting, bending, welding, inserts or coating.
Aluminum
Stainless
Carbon
Galvanized
Copper
Die Casting Materials
Consider die casting when a metal housing, cover or structural part needs repeatable production after tooling is justified.
Aluminum Alloys
Zinc Alloys
Magnesium Alloys
ADC12
A380
Zamak
Already have a drawing?
Send the 3D model and 2D drawing with quantity, finish and application notes. We can check whether your selected material is practical, or suggest an alternative that is easier to manufacture.
Quick Selection Guide
Match the Material to the Job
Use this table to narrow your first choice. Final recommendations depend on part geometry, annual quantity, tolerance, finish, certification needs and service environment.
| What You Need | Materials to Consider | Likely Process | What to Check Before Quoting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision metal prototypes | 6061 aluminum, 7075 aluminum, stainless steel, brass, titanium | CNC machining | Critical dimensions, threads, flatness, surface finish and inspection method. |
| Fast visual or fit-check models | PLA, resin, ABS-like resin, nylon, PA12 | 3D printing | Appearance, strength requirement, layer marks, wall thickness and target delivery time. |
| Brackets, panels and enclosures | Aluminum sheet, stainless steel sheet, carbon steel, galvanized steel | Sheet metal fabrication | Sheet thickness, bend radius, flat pattern, inserts, welding and coating requirements. |
| Repeat metal housings or covers | Aluminum die casting alloys, zinc alloys, magnesium alloys | Die casting | Expected volume, tooling budget, wall thickness, draft, secondary machining and finish. |
| High-temperature plastic parts | PEEK, PTFE, selected nylons | CNC machining or selected additive processes | Temperature exposure, load, tolerance, surface finish and part size. |
| Low-friction or wear parts | Delrin / POM, PTFE, UHMW, nylon | CNC machining | Sliding contact, wear rate, moisture exposure, dimensional stability and operating load. |
Choose by Requirement
Tell Us What the Part Must Survive
You do not need to know every alloy grade before asking for a quote. Share what the part does, where it works and what matters most. Our engineers can help narrow the material options.
Need lightweight strength?
Consider aluminum CNC machining, selected magnesium die casting or reinforced printed nylon depending on quantity and geometry.
Need corrosion resistance?
Review stainless steel, anodized aluminum, passivated stainless parts or coated sheet metal.
Need a production metal housing?
Use CNC machining for early builds, then review die casting when volume and design stability increase.
Need a cosmetic surface?
Confirm finish early. Anodizing, polishing, powder coating and plating can affect material and process choice.
Need heat resistance?
Review stainless steel, titanium, PEEK, PTFE or suitable aluminum alloys based on temperature and load.
Need lower part cost?
Material, tolerance, setup count, finish and annual quantity all affect price. Sometimes a small design change saves more than changing material.
Popular Starting Points
Common Material Paths for Custom Parts
These are common starting points for buyers. They are not fixed rules. The best choice depends on drawing details, quantity, finish and where the part will be used.
For aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, brass, copper, steel, PEEK, Delrin, PTFE, nylon and other machined parts.
3D Printing Materials
For fast prototypes, fit-check models, functional samples and complex geometry before tooling or machining.
Sheet Metal Materials
For aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel and galvanized sheet parts that require bending, welding, inserts or coating.
Die Casting Materials
For aluminum, zinc and magnesium alloy parts where tooling supports repeatable production and lower unit cost.
Not sure which path fits your part?
Upload your CAD files. We will review material, process, finish and quantity before preparing a quote.
Finishes & Documents
Choose the Finish and Documentation Before Production
A material choice is not complete until finish, inspection and certification needs are clear. Confirm these details early to avoid rework, delays or mismatched expectations.
| Part Type | Common Finish Options | Documents to Request | Risks to Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Aluminum Parts | Anodizing, hard anodizing, bead blasting, powder coating | Material certificate, finish specification, dimensional report | Cosmetic marks, thin-wall deformation, coating buildup and tolerance after finishing. |
| Stainless Steel Parts | Passivation, polishing, bead blasting | Grade certificate, inspection report, passivation requirement | Work hardening, burr control, clean edges and consistent surface finish. |
| Sheet Metal Parts | Powder coating, plating, brushing, polishing | Material thickness, coating color, insert specification, inspection plan | Bend radius, flatness, welding distortion, coating thickness and assembly fit. |
| Die Cast Aluminum / Zinc Parts | Shot blasting, powder coating, selected plating, secondary machining | Alloy, tooling scope, secondary machining notes, inspection criteria | Shrinkage, draft angle, porosity, wall thickness and machining allowance. |
After You Upload Files
What Our Engineers Check Before Quoting
We look beyond the material name. The review checks whether the selected material can meet the part’s geometry, tolerance, finish, quantity and operating requirements.
1. CAD Review
We check geometry, wall thickness and hard-to-machine features.
2. Process Fit
We compare CNC, printing, sheet metal or die casting routes.
3. Material Risk
We review strength, heat, corrosion, wear and finish needs.
4. Documents
We confirm certificates, reports and inspection requirements.
5. Quote Notes
You receive price, lead time and practical production notes.
Your questions answered
Material Selection FAQs
I only have a 3D model. Can you still recommend a material?
Yes. A 3D model is enough for an initial review. A 2D drawing is recommended when tolerances, threads, surface finish, material certificates or inspection reports are important.
Should I choose CNC machining or die casting for a metal housing?
CNC machining is usually better for prototypes, lower quantities and design changes. Die casting may be better when the design is stable, volume is higher and tooling cost can be spread across repeat production.
Are all aluminum alloys available for every process?
No. Machined aluminum, sheet aluminum and die casting aluminum alloys are not interchangeable. The right choice depends on stock form, process, strength, finish and production quantity.
Can you suggest a lower-cost alternative?
Yes. If the drawing allows it, we can review alternative materials, looser non-critical tolerances, simpler finishes or a different process route to reduce cost.
Can you provide material certificates?
Material certificates and traceability can be arranged when required. Tell us before production so sourcing, inspection and shipping documents can be planned correctly.
Send Your Part for Material Review
Upload CAD files and tell us how the part will be used. We will review the material, manufacturing process, finish and documentation requirements before quoting.
- Material and process recommendations
- DFM feedback for geometry and tolerance risks
- Finish and certificate planning
- Prototype, low-volume and production review
- NDA available before file review
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