Material options
Materials
PartsMake helps engineers and product teams explore material options for custom parts, from functional prototypes through repeat production.
Compare material pathways and manufacturing options, then start a conversation about your part’s requirements, production quantity, and intended application.
Discuss your projectCategory navigation
Explore material categories
Browse metal and plastic options, including materials for injection molding. Each category offers a starting point for matching material choices with part requirements and manufacturing needs.
Metals
Explore metal manufacturing options with PartsMake, from rapid prototypes to repeat production. We help engineering teams select practical materials, control manufacturing risks, a
View details →Plastics
PartsMake helps engineers, product developers, OEMs, and procurement teams manufacture custom plastic components from functional prototypes through repeat production.
View details →Injection Molding Materials
PartsMake helps engineers select, mold, finish, and inspect plastic components using materials matched to performance, appearance, tolerances, and production requirements.
View details →Material selection matrix
Shortlist materials by function and process
Use this matrix to narrow the starting options for your part. Final material selection should also account for geometry, tolerances, operating environment, production quantity, and any required finish or certification.
Mechanical
Load, stiffness, impact, wear, fatigue, and weight targets.
Environment
Temperature, chemicals, moisture, corrosion, and electrical behavior.
Production
Prototype or repeat volume, process fit, finish, and total cost.
| Material family | Common options | Process fit | Choose when you need | Confirm before release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 6061, 7075 | CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication | Low weight, good machinability, or anodized appearance | Strength level, corrosion exposure, threads, and finish requirements |
| Stainless steel | 304, 316, 17-4 PH | CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, grinding | Corrosion resistance, strength, or cleanable surfaces | Grade, heat-treatment condition, passivation, and magnetic requirements |
| Carbon, alloy & tool steels | 1018, 4140, D2 | CNC machining, grinding, EDM | Stiffness, wear resistance, hardness, or load-bearing performance | Heat treatment, final hardness, distortion risk, and corrosion protection |
| Titanium | Grade 2, Grade 5 | CNC machining | High strength-to-weight ratio or corrosion resistance | Grade, cost target, geometry, surface condition, and application requirements |
| Copper alloys | C110 copper, C360 brass, C932 bronze | CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication | Electrical or thermal conductivity, low friction, or decorative appearance | Conductivity target, alloy temper, galvanic contact, and finish |
| Engineering plastics | POM, nylon, PC, PTFE, UHMW | CNC machining | Low weight, electrical insulation, low friction, or corrosion resistance | Temperature, moisture absorption, creep, dimensional stability, and UV exposure |
| High-performance plastics | PEEK | CNC machining, injection molding | Higher temperature capability or demanding chemical environments | Exact resin grade, fillers, regulatory needs, availability, and budget |
| Molding resins | ABS, PP, PC-ABS, PBT, TPU | Injection molding | Repeat production, molded features, or application-specific flexibility and impact | Tooling stage, shrinkage, draft, wall thickness, color, texture, and annual volume |
Need help comparing two or three candidates?
Send the drawing, quantity, operating conditions, and priority properties. PartsMake can review process fit and discuss a practical material shortlist for quoting.
Project inquiry
Tell us about your part
Share your material, design, and production requirements to begin a conversation with PartsMake.