In CNC machining workshops, several types of metals appear repeatedly. Thanks to their strong adaptability, they have become veritable "frequent guest metals" and hold up half the sky of precision part machining.
1.Aluminum Alloy: Lightweight "Traffic Star"
Aluminum alloy is the most frequently seen "frequent guest". It is lightweight and easy to cut—with low resistance, not easy to stick to the tool, yielding a smooth surface after machining, and also reducing machine tool energy consumption.
6061 is the "standard choice" for consumer electronics and machinery manufacturing, used to make most phone middle frames and drone frames; 7075 has strength comparable to steel, specially used for aircraft connectors and satellite brackets; 5052 has good ductility, suitable for medical device protective casings.
2.Carbon Steel: Cost-Performance King for Structural Parts
Centered on iron and carbon, carbon steel costs only 1/3 of aluminum alloy. It requires moderate cutting force, causes little tool wear, and helps control costs for small and medium-batch machining. S45C steel is an "all-rounder"—after machining, it can be made into shafts, gears, and bolts, and is widely used for machine tool drive shafts and motor end caps; low-carbon steels like Q235 are easy to weld, suitable for distribution box casings and brackets; high-carbon steels like T10 have high hardness, usable for tool edges and mold punches.
3.Copper Alloy: Functional Expert for Electrical & Thermal Conductivity
In electronics and sanitary ware fields, copper alloy is an "exclusive frequent guest". Pure copper has good conductivity but is hard to cut; alloying it retains its functions while making it easy to machine. Brass (copper-zinc alloy) cuts quickly and has a bright surface finish, often used for terminal blocks and connectors; bronze (copper-tin alloy) is wear-resistant, suitable for bearings and machine tool spindle bushings; treated pure copper can be made into heat sinks and new energy vehicle battery connectors.
4.Conclusion: Adaptation Logic of "Frequent Guest Metals"
Aluminum alloy excels at "lightweight + easy machining", carbon steel relies on "low cost + stable performance", and copper alloy leverages "electrical and thermal conductivity advantages". They have the highest compatibility with CNC processes and industrial needs, supporting the precision production of manufacturing—from phone parts to aircraft components.