01
Mechanical demand
Load, impact, wear, stiffness, and temperature narrow the practical material families.
Manufacturing Materials
Choose material by function and manufacturing route
Compare metals and engineering plastics by strength, stability, corrosion exposure, appearance, machinability, forming needs, and the finish required after production.
Start with the application, current files, and the requirements that control material selection.
Compare material families
Use this section to connect material selection with the part, production, quality, and delivery decisions that affect the project.
Aluminum for Custom Parts
Use the drawing and application requirements to choose an aluminum direction for machining or fabrication, then confirm the grade, stock condition, surface treatment, and critical dimensions.
Stainless steel
Corrosion-resistant grades for demanding functional parts.
Engineering plastics
Machinable polymers selected around wear, stability, and environment.
Match material and process
Use this section to connect material selection with the part, production, quality, and delivery decisions that affect the project.
| Decision | Information to provide | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Part function | Interfaces, loads, environment, motion, sealing, or cosmetic zones | The practical process and material direction |
| Manufacturing scope | Quantity, material, finish, revision, and target timing | Tooling, setup, downstream work, and schedule |
| Acceptance | Datums, tolerances, critical features, sampling, and required records | Inspection planning and final release |
Use the drawing and project requirements to confirm the exact material selection scope.
Compare the decision factors
Use this section to connect material selection with the part, production, quality, and delivery decisions that affect the project.
| Decision | Information to provide | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Part function | Interfaces, loads, environment, motion, sealing, or cosmetic zones | The practical process and material direction |
| Manufacturing scope | Quantity, material, finish, revision, and target timing | Tooling, setup, downstream work, and schedule |
| Acceptance | Datums, tolerances, critical features, sampling, and required records | Inspection planning and final release |
Use the drawing and project requirements to confirm the exact material selection scope.
Need a different grade or resin?
Use this section to connect material selection with the part, production, quality, and delivery decisions that affect the project.
02
Environment
Moisture, chemicals, heat, sunlight, and electrical requirements change the grade decision.
03
Manufacturing route
Machining, molding, printing, casting, and fabrication place different demands on the material.
04
Finish and appearance
Color, texture, conductivity, corrosion protection, and cosmetic expectations affect downstream work.
Continue with the next decision
Use this section to connect material selection with the part, production, quality, and delivery decisions that affect the project.
01
Mechanical demand
Load, impact, wear, stiffness, and temperature narrow the practical material families.
02
Environment
Moisture, chemicals, heat, sunlight, and electrical requirements change the grade decision.
03
Manufacturing route
Machining, molding, printing, casting, and fabrication place different demands on the material.
04
Finish and appearance
Color, texture, conductivity, corrosion protection, and cosmetic expectations affect downstream work.
Start a project
Ready to review your part?
Upload the current files and requirements so the manufacturing route, quality scope, and next action can be reviewed together.