Also known as mild steel, low-carbon steel is easy to machine, form, and weld. It's widely fabricated into low-strength fasteners, pins, and axles.

The lead additive acts as a lubricant, which allows 12L14 carbon steel to withstand very fast machining. It's used to fabricate a wide variety of machine parts.

Stronger than low-carbon steel with equally good machinability, 1045 carbon steel is widely used for bolts, studs, and shafts.

Made with vanadium, this alloy steel retains its strength at temperatures up to 1100° F.

Often called ETD-150, this modified alloy steel is drawn at high temperatures for excellent strength and machinability.

While the low carbon content makes 8620 alloy steel easy-to-weld, it's the nickel, chromium, and molybdenum content that provides wear resistance.

Ductile cast iron is strong, resilient, and able to handle repeated stress without breaking.

Precision ground and held to a strict straightness tolerance, these rods are ready for turning in your lathe.

An oversized diameter allows for finishing to your exact requirements.

An oversized diameter allows for finishing to your exact requirements.

From cookware to chemical-processing equipment, 304 stainless steel is a good all-around choice for a wide range of applications.

The addition of molybdenum gives 316 stainless steel excellent corrosion resistance. Use it in a variety of marine and chemical-processing applications.

One of the most machinable types of stainless steel available, 416 contains sulfur for fast machining without clogging cutting tools. It's used for gears, screws, and shafts.

The most widely used aluminum, 6061 is fabricated into everything from pipe fittings and containers to automotive and aerospace parts. It is strong and corrosion resistant, plus it's easy to machine and weld.

With the highest lead content of all the brass alloys, 360 offers the best machinability. Often called free-machining and free-cutting brass, it stands up to high-speed drilling, milling, and tapping operations with minimal wear on your tools. It’s commonly used for gears, pinions, and lock components.

Diameter is oversized to allow for finishing.

An easier-to-machine alternative to 932 bronze, 936 also has better corrosion resistance. It's also called modified SAE 64.

Delrin® acetal resin, also known as acetal homopolymer, is stronger and stiffer than acetal copolymer.

An economical alternative to Delrin® acetal resin, this acetal copolymer offers similar wear resistance.

Also known as nylon 6/6, this general purpose material is often used for bearings, gears, valve seats, and other high-wear parts.

This cast nylon 6 material is easier to machine than other types of nylon. It’s comparable to Nylatron and Nycast.

In addition to a low-friction surface that prevents sticking and binding, this tough material is impact and wear resistant to handle the scuffs, scrapes, and strikes that other plastics can’t.

This oil-filled material is self-lubricating for an extra-slippery surface.

Because PVC resists many acids and alkalies, it’s widely used for tanks and in chemical-processing applications. Also known as PVC Type 1.

Because ABS maintains its toughness even after thermoforming, it’s often made into storage cases, tote trays, equipment housings, and protective gear.

Because this polypropylene resists swelling when exposed to water, it’s often fabricated into containers and parts for laboratory equipment.

Known for its naturally slippery surface, PTFE surpasses most plastics when it comes to chemical resistance and performance in extreme temperatures.

This glass-filled PTFE is more rigid than standard PTFE for increased durability in high-stress applications.

A good all-around choice, Garolite G-10/FR4 is strong, machinable, and electrically insulating. It meets UL 94 V-0 for flame retardance.

Often used to create prototype components, these ceramic rods and discs come semi-fired so they can be machined using conventional metalworking tools.

Able to withstand temperatures up to 2100° F, this quartz glass is useful in high-temperature applications that also require optical clarity, such as high-intensity lighting, fiber-optic production, and optical lens systems.