Compare the melting point, hardness, and machinability of common CNC machining metals in one chart, with practical alloy examples across aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper alloys, titanium, and magnesium.
General Chart of Common Metals Used in CNC Machining
| Metal Family |
Grade |
Melting Point (°C) |
Hardness |
Machinability |
| Aluminum |
5052 |
607–649 |
HB 60 |
Good |
| Aluminum |
6061-T6 |
582–652 |
HB 95 |
Excellent |
| Aluminum |
7075-T6 |
477–635 |
HB 150 |
Good |
| Carbon Steel |
1018 |
1425–1510 |
HB 126 |
Good |
| Carbon Steel |
1045 |
1420–1460 |
HB 179 |
Moderate |
| Alloy Steel |
4140 |
1416 |
HB 197 |
Moderate |
| Stainless Steel |
304 |
1400–1455 |
HB 123–201 |
Difficult |
| Stainless Steel |
316 |
1370–1400 |
HB 149–217 |
Difficult |
| Copper |
C11000 |
1083 |
HRB 35–45 |
Moderate |
| Brass |
C36000 |
885–900 |
HRB 75–85 |
Excellent |
| Bronze |
C93200 |
850–1030 |
HB 65–90 |
Good |
| Titanium |
Ti-6Al-4V |
1604–1660 |
HB 334 |
Difficult |
| Magnesium |
AZ31B |
605–630 |
HB 49 |
Excellent |
