METALS & PLASTICS GUIDE
Materials Library
BestField works with a wide range of metals and plastics to meet your specific application requirements. Our material expertise helps you select the optimal material for performance, cost, and manufacturability.
Metal Materials
Aluminum 6061
Most widely used aluminum alloy with excellent machinability, good strength-to-weight ratio, and corrosion resistance.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
Aluminum 7075
High-strength aerospace-grade aluminum with excellent fatigue resistance. More difficult to machine than 6061.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
Stainless Steel 304
Most common stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and formability. Non-magnetic in annealed condition.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
Stainless Steel 316/316L
Superior corrosion resistance compared to 304, especially in chloride environments. L variant has lower carbon for welding.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)
Most common titanium alloy with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and biocompatibility. Difficult to machine.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
Brass
Copper-zinc alloy with excellent machinability and attractive golden appearance. Good electrical conductivity.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
Copper
Pure copper with highest electrical and thermal conductivity. Soft and easy to machine but work-hardens quickly.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
Carbon Steel
Strong and cost-effective material suitable for structural applications. Requires surface treatment for corrosion protection.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
Plastic Materials
POM (Acetal/Delrin)
Engineering plastic with low friction, high stiffness, and excellent dimensional stability. Easy to machine.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
PEEK
High-performance thermoplastic with exceptional chemical resistance, high temperature capability, and biocompatibility.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
Nylon (PA6/PA66)
Tough engineering plastic with good wear resistance and self-lubricating properties. Absorbs moisture.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
ABS
Impact-resistant thermoplastic with good surface finish. Easy to machine and post-process. Not UV stable.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
PC (Polycarbonate)
Transparent engineering plastic with high impact strength and good heat resistance. Can be clear or colored.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
PMMA (Acrylic)
Transparent plastic with excellent optical clarity and UV resistance. More brittle than polycarbonate.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
PTFE (Teflon)
Chemically inert plastic with lowest coefficient of friction. Excellent temperature range. Difficult to bond.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
PVC
Versatile plastic with good chemical resistance and electrical insulation. Available in rigid and flexible forms.
Common Applications
Suitable Processes
Compatible Finishes
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