Many materials can be used with CNC machines, giving you plenty of options to create whatever youād like with your CNC machine. From aluminum to copper and from plastic to wood, options are practically endless as far as what materials can be used. Some people even work with steel and wax, depending on what theyāre designing. One of the major advantages of CNC machines are the amount of materials that can be used with them, providing owners with multiple options.
Wood
Wood is most commonly thought of as the material that you would use with a CNC machine.Ā Solid wood is something that has never gone out of style and has been a āgo-toā material for people for hundreds of years. CNC machines and wood go hand in hand, and although itās certainly not the only material that can be used, itās a popular choice. CNC machines have made creating products made from wood much easier. Choosing the right wood for your project, such as pine or cherry, can make a big difference in the finished product.Ā Depending on the wood you choose, you also can gear yourself toward a certain color whether youāre going for a darker or lighter finish.
Plastics
Plastic is also commonly used with CNC machines. PVC which stands for polyvinyl chloride is a plastic that is easy to use with CNC machines. PVC is lightweight yet tough which make it an ideal material to work with. The machines can cut through PVC relatively easily too, leaving finished products smooth. PVC also comes in a variety of color options which can help spice up projects and let CNC owners utilize their creative side. Another plastic that is commonly used with CNC machines is plastic acrylic sheets which have varying colors and thickness which can be turned into signs, storage boxes, or even aquarium windows.
Metals
Metal is something that can be challenging to work with when it comes to CNC machines. However, aluminum is one metal that is very easy to work with. It is extremely durable, can be recycled, and is easy to cut through. Aluminum is one metal that many CNC machine owners choose to work with. Certain metals require specific bits to make the cutting process easier as well depending on the thickness or toughness of the metal. Metals such as brass or bronze can be used on CNC machines but they are not as easy to work with as aluminum. Metal has a very distinct and shiny appearance, making most metal projects appear clean cut and sharp.
CNC machines have a wide variety of materials that can be used with them, allowing owners to create and design with very little limitation.